The buzz: Major restaurant chain S&P looks to take things up a notch or two with this new offering, which is actually an imported Japanese franchise. Located in the new Nihonmura mall, the restaurant puts the main focus on kaiseki (traditional multi-course sets) style dining.
The décor: Stepping inside is like entering a Japanese home, albeit one that features some refreshingly contemporary touches. You’ll be greeted by staff decked out in traditional garb who’ll lead you to one of the different rooms. It’s all very light and airy with lots of pale tones and rice paper walls, broken up by dark lacquered tables to give the appearance of a sleek modern home that’s pretty far removed from your usual S&P joint.
The food: The multi-course menus run from B1,050-B3,550 with the most popular set being the kacho fu-getsu (B3,550), which covers around ten courses. The appetizers you don’t want to miss are the range of specially prepared tofu made with imported organic beans from Japan. Try the mineoka tofu, which is very dense in texture or opt for the more natural and delicate (and more common) tofu skin. Feature dishes include the wagyu beef cubes, which are given a distinctive aroma by being grilled on volcanic rocks, the steamed taraba crab and five bites of sushi. If you’re not entirely sure about trusting your meal to the chef or just how big your appetite is then you can also stick to a la carte dishes like the hot pot tofu (B220), tonyu shabu (pork hot pot with tofu soup, B650) or kani moriawase (mixed crab, B3,800).
The drinks: Certainly not as exciting as the food, limiting itself to some Asahi options (starts from B130), sake (starts from B290 for 180 ml), shochu from B190 a glass and wine from B1,500 a bottle.
The crowds: Groups of Japanese expats in suits dining in the tatami room and Thais who are currently flocking here for the Instagram photo opportunites with the tofu shabu.
