There's a lot on the extensive menu at this Somerset newcomer, but it's the quality of their Chirashi ($25) that bowled us over. Located at the front entrance of Hotel Chancellor @ Orchard, Zipang Japanese Dining Bar is helmed by three Japanese chefs, so you know your food is in good hands. Unlike other places where the chirashi can be a main, the one at Zipang is just enough for you to taste how fresh their ingredients are, but not so filling that you can't have other items. We reckon that the well-marinated cubes of sashimi on a bed of fluffy rice, topped with whitebait, makes a strong contender against Teppei's chirashi! For something heartier, order their specialty Crab Zipang Kama Meshi ($12) — traditional Japanese rice cooked in a small pot with generous chunks of crab meat and mushrooms. It takes 30 minutes to cook, so order this first before anything else. While waiting, the Deep-fried Eggplant in Special Sauce ($5) and the Asari Saka Mushi ($12) are both great for sharing.
Avg Price: $25 per person
Photo by Burppler Shawn Loh