Teppei Japanese Restaurant

Teppei Japanese Restaurant

1 Tras Link

#01-1863 Orchid Hotel

Tel: 6222 7363

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Teppei is a very small restaurant that seats less than 20 people. 

The place reminds of Sushi Dai in Tsukiji market where we queue 1 hour just to get in. 

Teppei serves Omakase at three price points - $40 , $50 or $60 per person. This has got to be one of the cheapest Omakase in town. Omakase (お任せ) simply means you let the chef decides on the menu. 

This is one of the restaurants that has perpetual long queues during lunch. 

Hence, we decided to give it a go during dinner. 

Advance reservations is required if you want to try out their Omakase. 

As we came without a reservations, we can only try their ala carte. 

One of my favourite dishes is the squid cooked in butter. 

The squid is not overcooked and when paired with the butter, it taste so heavenly. 

We literally slurp up the sauce as if it is soup. 

Will I come back again?

Definitely, I will want to try their Omakase next. 

But, I will need to remember to make a reservation beforehand. 

When we stepped out, a couple already started making reservation for their next visit, which is 2 months later!

Carousel

Carousel - I have been to Carousel several times but wasn’t very impressed with the buffet spread even though it was supposedly to be on par with The Line at Shangri-La. However, my impression of Carousel got slightly better during my recent visit for my boyfriend’s nephew 1 year birthday celebration.

They have recently introduced a teppanyaki live cooking station, where there are live prawns, beansprouts and garlic rice. This is the first time that I actually loved the cooked food section of a buffet and I could just took at least 2 to 3 servings of teppanyaki food.

Although I am a buffet lover, the focus is typically centered on the cold seafood and desserts, rather than the cooked food section. I usually find the cooked food taste normal, hence its not worth the effort to go for another round.

There are two highlights at Carousel:

1. Live Prawns – I know this is cruel but I love the tanginess of the prawns with this cooking style. I must admit I am no animal conservationist. 

2. Nespresso – A Nespresso machine where you have a choice of several coffee blends. However, the variety of tea is lesser, probably due to the Nespresso machine. I am not complaining. 

Cold seafood was normal, i.e. oysters, clams, crayfish etc.

As for desserts, nothing significantly good. Although they have introduced a second strawberry chocoloate fondeau. Also, there are cakes where you can coat them with chocolate.

Will I go back?

Depends if my usual buffet places are fully booked. I will consider. There are things that we value – lobsters, oysters, desserts, price for quality etc. The teppanyaki is good but its not a compelling factor for a second trip back

Rating

Yummy-ness of food: 3/5
Pricy-ness of food: 3/5
Overall Experience: 3/5 

ReStore

We have passed by this cafe many time during lunch but have yet to try out the food. 

The interior of the shop was very interesting as it was decorated with vintage tables and chairs. 

ReStore also sells vintage furniture. You can also choose the colours of your vintage chair. 

ReStore is located at 124 Tanjong Pager Road and they are open from Tuesday to Sunday. 

The opening hours are:

Tue to Fri : 11am to 7pm

Sat and Sun: 11am to 6pm. 

Website: http://restoreliving.blogspot.sg/

In terms of food items, it is fairly simple. They serve waffles, bagels and drinks. 

Rating

Yummy-ness of food: 3/5
Pricy-ness of food: 3/5
Overall Experience: 2/5 (More suited for a afternoon tea, rather than lunch.)