| Every foodie worth his salt would be familiar with | | | | seafood – menu of light dishes. |
| Ajisen Japanese Restaurant seeing that there are | | | | One noteworthy dish is the Tai Fish ($12.80), a |
| 12 Ajisen outlets all over this island. Now, not only | | | | red sea bream that is light on the palate and |
| does it has a reputation for possibly dishing out | | | | sweet to the tongue. Upon ordering though, |
| the best Japanese ramen in Singapore, it does | | | | request for a whole fish as eating it the Tai Fish in |
| also dish out delectable Japanese dishes, desserts | | | | its full, perfect shape will bring the diner(s) |
| and drinks at sister establishment Kyoto Sabo Aji | | | | abundant luck, according to the Japanese. If you |
| Tei (by Ajisen). While Ajisen takes on the concept | | | | rather have good, clear skin than abundant luck, |
| of a Japanese ramen house, Aji Tei takes on the | | | | opt for the Karei Fish ($12.80). Containing oils that |
| concept of a Japanese izakaya ( a drinking | | | | add lustre and softness to your complexion, this |
| establishment which also serves food ) at four | | | | Karei Fish is light and buttery on the tongue. |
| branches – Plaza Singapura, Takashimaya | | | | Pnigophobics (people with fear of choking on fish |
| Shopping Centre, Bugis Junction and IMM Building. | | | | bones) can sample the Ika Meshi ($8.80), whole |
| To "hit the pubs" here is somewhat synonymous | | | | squid stuffed with gluttonous rice. Be warned |
| to heading towards an izakaya in the land of the | | | | though, this dish is one of an acquired taste as it |
| rising sun where you would unwind over drinks in | | | | bears a too-fishy smell and too-salty taste. Other |
| the company of friends after a long day at work | | | | dishes of the same (acquired) taste include the |
| – and that is where the similarity ends. At Aji | | | | Tako Wasabi ($4.80) – octopus eggs laced |
| Tei, there is none of those mediocre live bands, | | | | with wasabi – and Ikura Don ($14.80) – |
| booming music and so-called happening crowd of | | | | salted salmon roe served with rice. The hesitant |
| pubbers here. Sounds like a piece of good news | | | | foodie will be contented with the fail-safe Mixed |
| for the discerning pub-goer? There is more, | | | | Croquette Fried Set ($12.90) of battered pumpkin, |
| though. Here, there is only easy listening | | | | vegetable and cream. |
| background music and a relaxed, friendly | | | | The young and friendly waiters and waitresses go |
| atmosphere – a perfect ambience for those | | | | beyond naming what is being served to dish out |
| who want to dine and drink in style. | | | | useful anecdotes of each dish. |
| As its name suggests, the highlight of Kyoto Sabo | | | | The SD Food Advisor's take on Kyoto Sabo Aji |
| Aji Tei's menu is none other than its Kyoto | | | | Tei (by Ajisen) |
| desserts such as variations of Mochis (sticky rice | | | | This "Japanese-style pub" is no place for the |
| cakes), Anmitsus ( agar containing seaweed | | | | ardent pub-goer who must have her loud music |
| extracts), dangos (Japanese dumplings), parfaits, | | | | and lychee martini. Aji Tei, though, is a godsend |
| sundaes and other things sweet. If you are wary | | | | for those who are willing to let drinks take a back |
| of pairing your nightcap with desserts, opt for Aji | | | | seat and allow good, inexpensive Japanese food |
| Tei's predominantly-Hokkaido – thus largely | | | | and desserts take centre stage. |