18 Robinson might be that building that looks like there is nothing much going on within — a building that pretty much blends into its surroundings looking much like an office tower that houses the offices of Singlife, as well as the well-known Barry’s Singapore that would sound familiar to the gym rats. Little did we know that the space actually houses an F&B establishment — got to know about the new Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki that had recently opened in the building. Located at level 3, Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is located right beside Barry’s Singapore — conveniently situated just by the walkway adjacent to the escalators leading up to the level, Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is fairly easy to find once one is at that level. Turns out, Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is a franchise of Shimono Ishiki in Nagoya, Japan which is described as a “fisherman-style restaurant franchise” according to the Nagoya Convention & Visitors Bureau website. Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is decked in a pretty simple design theme; while the wooden furniture and fittings especially around the counters exudes a Japanese vibe, the establishment otherwise features the use of simple wooden tables as well as that of metallic chairs in brushed metal or yellow paint — simplistic, yet tasteful at the same time. Opened for both lunch and dinner service, the staff did inform us that they do serve a different menu for dinner, and that dinner service on weekends are strictly on a by-reservation basis only — did not manage to see the menu that it offers for dinner service, though the lunch menu comprises of a decent variety of Donburi, Curry Rice and Handa Somen options to choose from.
Considering how Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is an establishment that is more focused on their seafood offerings, we found ourselves going for the Ishiki Anago Don after skimming through the menu which they offer for lunch when we made our visit during a weekday lunch service. A Donburi that features Anago (i.e. salt-water eel), the Ishiki Anago Don comes with three slices of salt-water eel, Kyurizuke (i.e. Japanese cucumber pickles), Seaweed Nori and half of a Hanjuku Egg. All lunch sets also come with a bowl of Miso Soup and a small plate of salad by the side. Digging into the Ishiki Anago Don, we liked how the salt-water eel was pretty plump and full of flesh — the Anago also did not feel particularly boney or scaly; very easy to eat. Brushed with a bit of sauce that provides a hint of sweetness, we liked how balanced that sweetness felt; nothing too overwhelming like how some more commercial Unagi Dons would have felt, whilst also retaining a hint of smokiness from the grilling process that made it so good. The short-grain rice beneath was also cooked well; just sticky enough, yet also drenched with just a little bit of sauce (possibly from the Anago) that helps to flavour it up just by a bit that made it easier to have. The Seaweed Nori added a hint of umami factor to the rice, while the Kyurizuke provided a good crunch and a tang that refreshes the tastebuds from the Anago and the rice. Despite looking a little dry, the Hanjuku Egg does come with a molten yolk; pretty much a crowd-pleaser considering how it does seemed to have marinated in soy sauce for some flavour. Meanwhile, the salad served on the side interestingly comes with both red and green cherry tomatoes; comes drizzled in a Goma dressing for flavour. The bowl of Miso Soup comes with kelp; the soup providing a refreshing respite from the Donburi while the kelp adds on to the umami factor here.
Considering how Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki is a franchised outlet here at 18 Robinson, it is a shame that there is a little bit of shift in the focus of the fare served at Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki that seems to have strayed away from its roots such as the Whale Miso Hot Pot — something which Shimono Ishiki seems to pride themselves for in Japan. That being said, the item would have been a little controversial to be sold locally; perhaps more of a conservative move by Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki especially considering how one would not be able to predict the receptivity from the masses of such a dish in the local context. The lunch menu at Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki may seem limited in variety, though the types of dishes served seems to cater to a wide variety of taste buds — those whom prefer raw fish / sashimi can go for the Ishiki Kaisendon, while those whom prefer noodles can also opt for the Handa Somen with Karaage / Tempura. The price range of the dishes offered on the lunch menu can also be said as pretty reasonable for a Japanese establishment — the lowest priced item on the lunch menu is priced at $12, while the highest priced will be the Ishiki Kaisendon at $25. The quality of the Ishiki Anago Don was also truly impressive for its price at $20; one that we felt was especially well-executed and made it seem rather value-for-money. Overall, Fishmonger Kitchen Shimonoishiki does seem quite like a hidden gem; one that perhaps would not be quite known unless someone actually makes their way up to the building which it is located at; perhaps a new haunt for some quality Japanese fare at a decent price point for office workers around the Central Business District!
