Chikuyotei
We seek out one of Singapore's oldest unagi restaurant.
Located in Robertson Quay Singapore, Chikuyotei has been serving some of the finest unagi in Singapore since 1992. With roots tracing back to 1852 in Japan, this restaurant is dedicated to quality, sourcing almost all of its ingredients directly from Japan through its own supply chain.
Chikuyotei Vibe
My friend and I decided to visit for lunch without a reservation and were pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant empty, giving us the luxury of a private dining experience. The L-shaped counter offers a great view of the grill and cooking area, adding to the overall ambiance.
While the menu features a variety of options, including tempura, soba, sushi, and grilled dishes, we opted for the restaurant's specialty: the Unagi Hitsumabushi Set menu in "take" size, which includes 1.5 whole unagi. Priced at SGD 83, it promised a satisfying meal.
Take Hitsumabushi Set SGD83++
- 3 x appetizers
- 1.5 Unagi Hitsumabushi
- Miso
- Dessert
- Tea
Our dining experience began with a light salad dressed in sesame, followed by a beautifully slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew. The stew was rich in flavor, leaving us wanting more despite the small portion. Next, we enjoyed a seafood chawanmushi that boasted some of the best dashi I’ve ever tasted, generously filled with prawns.
Chikuyotei appetizers
The main course, the unagi set, arrived alongside pickles, wasabi, negi, peppercorns, and a steaming bowl of dashi. For those unfamiliar with Hitsumabushi, it involves mixing the rice and unagi in a separate bowl, enhancing the dish with the accompanying elements, and finally adding hot broth to create a delightful ochazuke.
The unagi itself was perfectly cooked, showcasing a lovely charcoal flavor without being overwhelmed by tare or marinades. To be honest, we found it challenging to finish the entire meal, especially with the generous amount of broth.
Chikuyotei unagi
To conclude our meal, we were served miso soup and a homemade brown sugar custard that resembled a crème brûlée, which was a fantastic way to end our dining experience.
We paired the meal with a Lemon Sour each which was $14 and some complimentary green tea.
Gaijin’s rating
Food quality ★★★★☆
Ambience ★★★☆☆
Value ★★★★☆
Overall rating 87/100
Overall, while Chikuyotei is priced higher than many other unagi outlets in Singapore, it stands out as a superior choice for unagi enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality in a relaxed setting. Since unagi isn’t something I indulge in too frequently, I believe it’s worth the investment to enjoy it at its best. Considering the quality, the price point feels fair. Even in Japan, you would pay around 60 SGD for a similar level of quality, making Chikuyotei a more-than reasonable option.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to exceptional unagi, Chikuyotei is definitely worth a visit.
Chikuyotei Robertson Quay
Address: 207 River Valley Road, River Wing, #01-61 UE Square, Singapore 238275