By Amy Yeong, 21 November 2005

There are customers who come just for Hinode's fresh sashimi.

If you are looking for fresh and delectable sashimi at affordable prices, head to Hinode Japanese Restaurant at The Oasis.

Since its opening in June this year, the restaurant has been offering an "All You Can Eat Japanese Ala Carte Buffet" at $29.90 per person. The buffet menu offers sashimi as well as donburi, tempura, ramen, yakimono, menrui and sushi.

Mr Joe Lim, the restaurant's manager, tells us that Hinode serves only fresh fish imported from Japan. Although its range of sashimi may be limited, what Hinode lacks in variety is made up for in quality. Good sashimi must be fresh and well-sliced, and Hinode's offerings excel in both areas. Mr Lim says that there are customers who come for the buffet and eat nothing except sashimi, a testament to its freshness and quality.

The ebi tempura has a light, thin and crispy batter coating

However, sashimi is not the sole attraction at Hinode. The ebi (prawn) tempura with its thin, crisp batter coating will please fussy tempura fans. There is no oily taste or smell, and it is so light on the palate that one can have multiple servings without feeling guilty.

If you prefer a more savoury dish, try the surume ika yaki which consists of a well-grilled cuttlefish served with teriyaki sauce. Chewy, tasty and aromatic, this yakimono dish will appeal even to non-cuttlefish fans.

Another noteworthy dish is the potato mentai yaki, or grilled potato with cod roe, mayonnaise and mozzarella cheese. The interesting blend of flavours whets the appetite and makes this dish an excellent appetiser, particularly for those with adventurous tastebuds.

The mildly spicy chige gindara kaminabe is a must-try

There are several items which are available only on the a la carte menu, such as the pork cutlet which comes with a generous serving of mildly spicy Japanese curry, as well udon noodles which are light in texture and deliciously chewy. A must-try is the kaminabe (paper steamboat), which is available with several different soup base options. We tried the chige gindara kaminabe - paper steamboat with fresh cod and vegetables. The chige soup, which is a unique blend of miso, Korean chilli paste, kimchi and bonito stock, nicely complements the distinctive taste of cod without being overpowering. Mr Lim tells us that no MSG is used in the soup, which is tasty enough to be enjoyed on its own.

If you are a sake lover, you will be pleased to know that Hinode carries an array of premium sake, including kubota manju ($120 for 720 cc) and kubota senju ($80 for 720 cc). Besides sake, Hinode also offers a delightful blend of ume-shu (plum wine) and soda, served in champagne flutes. The restaurant also plans to open an al fresco sake bar overlooking the Kallang Bay in December.

Hinode's cozy ambience is perfect for a quiet dinner with loved ones

Currently, Hinode offers both indoor and outdoor dining options. Its private indoor rooms can accommodate up to 14 people, and are ideal for small gatherings. The outdoor option will provide a magnificent view of the skyline along Kallang River. The restaurant's tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for a cozy dinner with close friends, while its friendly and helpful service staff will make your visit an enjoyable one.

Hinode also caters to corporate functions, with an indoor capacity of 70, and an outdoor capacity of 68.

Hinode Japanese Restaurant
50 Stadium Boulevard
#01-02, The Oasis
Singapore 397796
Tel: 6345 2113, Fax: 6345 0829
Opening hours: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Tuesdays - Sundays. Closed on Mondays.

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Layout by Amy Yeong