Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku, originally from Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, has opened its first Singapore outlet at Orchard Central. It is known for its signature teddy bear-shaped hot pot, available in six different broth flavours and a selection of yakiniku offerings.
Onsen Themed Interior
The interior of Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku features a clean and inviting design, with playful bear illustrations on the panels and a hammock display with a teddy bear.
Artistic murals throughout the space like mountains and hot springs further emphasize the onsen theme, while greenery and wooden accents add a warm, natural atmosphere to the space.
Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku Menu
Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku offers its signature teddy bear-shaped soup broth in six different flavours: Japanese Miso, Soy Milk, Mabo, Gochujang, Bonito, and Collagen Soup.
Each hot pot set comes with your choice of one soup broth and a main ingredient, such as the signature Double Beef Karubi ($21.80), Beef Karubi & Beef Tongue ($21.80), or Chicken ($15.80). Each set also includes a fresh basket of mixed vegetables.
For yakiniku, sets like the Wagyu Beef Rump Set (80g, $26.90), Beef Karubi & Tongue Set (100g, $15.90; 200g, $19.90), and Australian Angus Beef Sirloin Steak (100g, $18.90) are available. Each set comes with miso soup, kimchi, and white rice, with an option to upgrade to beef curry rice for an additional $2.
Soy Milk Soup Broth with Double Beef Karubi
We tried the Soy Milk Soup Broth with Double Beef Karubi ($21.80), and the appearance of the bear was undeniably cute. Once melted and boiled, it transformed into a broth with a slightly thicker consistency compared to regular soup bases.
While the soup base was smooth, it lacked the prominent soy milk flavour we expected. However, the broth absorbed the natural sweetness of the vegetables like cabbage and mushrooms, which enhanced its overall taste. It still turned out quite enjoyable!
The Karubi were thinly sliced but had a rich, savoury flavour with just the right amount of marbling, making each bite tender and juicy.
Yakiniku Set
The Yakiniku Set (Half Beef Steak $15.90, Full $19.90) consists of beef karubi, chicken, and beef steak.
The meats were well-marinated in a sweet sauce with a nicely glazed layer when grilled. The beef steak was noteworthy; it had a rich, beefy flavour complemented by the sweet marinade.
The beef karubi and chicken came thinly sliced. While the portions felt a bit small, the meats were juicy and flavorful, making them enjoyable on their own or when paired with their recommended grill sauces.
We tried both of their recommended sauces. The Wafu Sesame Soy Sauce offered a sweeter profile, which complemented the meats nicely. However, we preferred the Negi Shio Black Pepper sauce, which was much more savoury.
Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku In Orchard
With adorable teddy bear hot pots, a variety of flavourful broths, fresh ingredients, and the option to grill your own yakiniku, Kumachan Onsen is definitely an Instagrammable spot. Perfect for a fun meal with family and friends!
Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu & Yakiniku
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd #07-10/11, Singapore 238896
Open Daily: 11.30am- 10pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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