We were intrigued to find a shabu shabu omakase concept in Singapore. While omakase is usually focused on sushi, Kagami in Orchard Plaza decides to feature premium meats cooked in flavourful broths.
Small But Cosy
You might miss the restaurant entrance: an all-black door flush against the other shops in Orchard Plaza.
It’s a very small space, seating a total of about 14 people. There’s counter seating and a private room with a nice moon-shaped feature light.
Kagami Menu
There’s only one set menu here, the 16-course Sukiyai and Shabu Shabu Omakase ($80).
The courses are equally split between the two broths, each featuring a mix of pork, beef and seafood.
Shabu Shabu
The Shabu Shabu began with Hamaguri clams air-flown from Japan – sweet, fresh and juicy!
It was followed by Hokkaido Kurobuta pork belly, which was good but just shy of overcooked for us; leaning on being tough and chewy.
A palette cleanser was Hokkaido Snow Crab legs. We recommend trying them with a squeeze of Japanese lime and crab miso.
The highlight had to be the Wagyu courses, especially the A5 Hida Beef.
These are only poached for a few seconds so it’s served rare by default. However, there’s no weird blood taste or gameiness at all!
Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth tender with an indulgent beefiness. It was almost creamy, making for our favourite bite of the night!
The meal was well-paced, allowing us to enjoy each course fully, with lighter bites like somen and corn interspersed throughout.
Sukiyaki
The Sukiyaki course is a bit heartier, including courses of scallop, mushroom and asparagus.
If you like sukiyaki, the meat courses will definitely be up your alley.
The fatty A5 Wagyu, combined with the sweet, savoury gravy, is nearly a perfect match. They also serve it with egg for dipping!
An unexpected favourite was their housemade Black Sesame beancurd.
Despite its unassuming looks, this was creamy and rich with a roasted black sesame fragrance.
The savoury meal ends with an Egg Rice Bowl topped with creamy egg cooked in the concentrated sukiyaki gravy.
This was a flavourful and comforting end to the meal! You can choose your rice portion as well.
Despite the deceivingly small platters, the meal left us feeling comfortably full!
With just enough space for dessert, which was a simple Hokkaido milk ice cream Monaka.
Omakase In Singapore
Omakases are turning into more accessible experiences here and so it’s interesting to see new takes on the concept! Kagami presents a novel selection at a relatively reasonable price with quality meats.
Check out more omakase in Singapore:
- YUTA: 11-Course Omakase In Orchard Plaza At Only $115, With Uni Rice & Charcoal-Grilled A5 Wagyu
- Sushi Muni: Hidden Omakase at International Plaza That Was Fully Booked Before Opening
- Sushi Michi: Sushi Omakase In Orchard Plaza With Over 10 Types Of Nigiri
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KAGAMI
#02-03, 150 Orchard Road, Orchard Plaza
Singapore (238841)
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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