We have seen many Tendon Bowl Restaurants flourishing such as Tendon Kohaku and Tendon Ginza Itsuki and a few others. All of them currently are offering only standard bowls. If you have been dreaming about customising your own bowl, now the opportunity is here. Folks who brought in Chir Chir has started their first original concept, offering customise-your-own Tendon Bowl at Kogane Yama. Part of the space formerly occupied by Chir Chir at Bugis Junction made space for this new Tendon Restaurant.
Entrance to Kogane Yama isn’t obvious as it is a little dark. For now, service crew are stationed at the door to welcome diners.
Interior is sleek and contemporary with a little zen contributed by the blue curtains hanging around the restaurant and the bamboo too. Kogane Yama specialises in only the Tendon Bowl. Hence the menu is limited to only this item like most Tendon Restaurant with a handful of drinks.
How do you customise your Tendon Bowl? First decide if you want a Mixed Bowl ($15.80) consist of mixed tempura, Chicken Bowl ($13.80), Prawn Bowl ($13.80) or Vegetable Bowl ($11.80). By default, it comes with rice.
Otherwise, diners could opt for Udon (Soup) or Soba (Soup) at an additional $1. Next choose a sauce, non-spicy or spicy with level 1 to 3 (the higher the number the spicer is the sauce).
Lastly, 2 add-ons are available; Chawanmushi ($2) and Miso Soup ($1.50).
For value-for-money, diners could opt for the set meal which includes Chawanmushi and either Miso Soup or Green Tea by topping up $2.
So how was the taste? We thought well of it. The batter was thin and light. But they don’t stay crispy for long. Therefore it is important to eat it while it is hot. The sauce that drizzle over the tempura was flavourful and I was extremely please that sufficient amount coated the fried items. But I need more sauce for my rice. I was surprise that I prefer the vegetable tempura to the meat. Chicken was my least favourite since they are using breast meat.
At Kogane Yama, they offer mainly Iced Drinks with the exception of Green Tea has it as hot. Various soft drinks, 2 Japanese Soda with option of Honey Yuja Soda and Honey Ume Sod ($5.80) and beer.
Lastly, Matcha Latte; Original Matcha Latte ($4.80), Chocolate Matcha Latte ($5.80) and Azuki Matcha Latte ($6.80). Generally the Matcha flavour is weak and it is milkier.
NAHMJ Verdict
The Tempura portion offered by Kogane Yama is huge and tasty. We at NAHMJ fell into a food coma after having a set meal per person.
Kogane Yama
FB: https://www.facebook.com/koganeyamasingapore/
Opening Hours
Daily 1100 to 2200
Getting There
By MRT:
- Downtown line or East-West line – Bugis station
By Bus:
- Opp Bugis Junction along Victoria Street 7, 12, 63, 80, 175, 197, 851, 960, 980
- Bugis Station along Victoria street 2, 32, 33, 51, 61, 130, 133, 145
- Bugis Junction along Victoria Street 2, 12, 33, 130, 133, 960
- North Bridge Road Commercial Complex along North Bridge Road 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145, 175, 197, 851
Rating: 7/10
*Disclaimer: This was a media invite.