Dining at Shinji by Kanesaka is akin to listening to a world class symphony. The chef starts off slow allowing guests to settle in before hitting a culinary crescendo that ends on a sweet note.
Food
As I was dining during lunch, I could pick from either the omakase menu or one of the two set menus, I opted for the 12 piece Tsuki set which came in at a very reasonable price of $125 SGD and included soup and dessert as well. Those with a bigger appetite can pick the 15 piece Yuki set or the omakase which includes appetizers, cooked non sushi dishes and Japanese fruit.
Lunch starts off with a small appetizer of pickled vegetables followed by delicate pieces of flounder, amber jack and squid.
Appetizer at Shinji by Kanesaka
Amber-jack sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
Squid sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
With my tastes buds fully awakened, the chef serves up the heavy hitters: a ruby red piece of toro and a buttery bite of otoro (fatty tuna).
Toro (tuna) sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
Otoro (fatty tuna) sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
After my otoro sushi melts away in my mouth, I’m slightly worried that my lunch has peaked and the chef couldn’t possibly continue the culinary journey. But fortunately he does, by serving up a variety of sushi that highlights texture and flavors like bonito, akami and tiger prawn.
Tiger prawn sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
Another highlight is the sea urchin sushi which is a creamy parcel of umami that’s leaves me wanting more.
Uni (sea urchin) sushi at Shinji by Kanesaka
Negitoro (chopped tuna) sushi
I take a small break from the delicious sushi as a rich miso soup is served. After the quick reprive the last two remaining pieces are served. The first is anago, salt water eel that’s been cooked and lightly sauced, the second is a small, cute tuna roll that’s been cut into three pieces.
Miso soup
Anago (Japenese salt water eel) sushi
Tuna maki sushi
Finally the service ends with dessert which consists of a serving of tamagoyaki, a slightly sweet Japanese omelette, and a green tea ice cream that’s been topped with a dollop of red bean.
Tamagoyaki
Green tea ice cream with red bean
Every piece of seafood is clean and fresh, unsurprisingly as ingredients are flown in from Tsukiji market in Tokyo. And just as important the rice is skillfully cooked, seasoned and molded into precious parcels.
Drinks
Most guests pick either water or green tea to pair with their sushi but there’s also a selection of sake and wine for those looking to indulge.
Service
As everyone is seated at the counter, guests are served personally by the sushi chef and can be watch in awe as he carefully prepares each item. Professional but friendly waiters are on hand to ensure drinks are refilled and empty plates are cleared. The warm towel at the start of service and the announcing of each dish exemplifies the attention to detail that Shinji by Kanesaka is known for.
Atmosphere
Hidden away on the lobby level of the St Regis Singapore, the restaurant features a long sushi counter made from a Japanese hinoki tree. Wooden interiors add to the intimate atmosphere while a feature wall of expensive wines and sake brings an air of opulence. Shinji by Kanesaka is the ideal location for celebrations between couples or small groups.
Imaged credit: St Regis Singapore
Verdict
If you are looking for an authentic sushi experience that isn’t going to burn a massive hole in your wallet, then lunch at Shinji by Kanesaka is your perfect choice.
This review was based on an independently paid for meal.
Shinji by Kanesaka
The St. Regis Singapore
29 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247911
+65 6884 8239
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