It has been a while since Tendon Kohaku the acclaimed brand renowned for its Tendon dishes is on the radar.
Remember those long queues at Suntec City?
Now, nestled on Level 2 of Chinatown Point is Kohaku Sabo 琥珀茶房, a new Japanese café concept by Tendon Kohaku.
While “Sabo” in Singapore means something else, the word “Sabo” in Japanese is derived from the English word “salon,” and it refers to a tea room or a tea lounge. The character “茶” means “tea,” and “房” can mean “room” or “chamber.”
The café exudes a Japanese teahouse ambience, transporting diners to an intimate, tranquil setting reminiscent of Japan’s traditional culture.
If you want to have a Tendon, there is the Kohaku’s Premium Tendon ($26.80), a composition of fresh black tiger prawn, dory fish, chicken rice, crab stick, green beans, shitake, young corn, and pumpkin.
These ingredients, when coated in a tempura batter are cooked to a light crisp, paired with fluffy Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi White Rice.
For those desiring other variations, the café also offers the classic Kohaku Tendon ($19.80), Vegetable Tendon ($26.80), and the unique Cheesy Chicken Tendon ($21.80).
But if you take a closer look at Kohaku Sabo, one might notice that the familiar Tendon takes a backseat.
It is clear that the establishment is aiming to present a more extensive dining experience beyond their classic fare.
You can expect other dishes such as Ikura Salmon Cutlet on Flavour Rice ($24.80), Omelette Hamburg on Ketchup Chicken Rice ($24.80), Mentaiko Cream Omelette Rice ($22.80), and Prawn Tomato Pasta in Cheese Glatin Style ($22.80).
Then there is the White Cheese Sauce Hamburg ($23.80). This Japanese hamburg comes served on a hot plate with an egg atop, and a side of noodles long beans adding to the allure.
The hamburg was considered succulent and flavourful, though I would have wished the hotplate to be more sizzling hot for greater satisfaction.
Also, halfway through eating, I realised, “Where’s the cheese sauce?”
Diners can also opt for Japanese 16 Multi-Grain Rice option, a blend of rice, barley, millet, and other mixed grains, which adds a nutrient-rich, fibrous edge to the bowl for more health-conscious patrons.
The Coconut Milk Curry Udon with Tempura ($18.80) is another worthy mention.
The udon noodles were bathed in a smooth coconut milk curry that was rich but not overwhelmingly so.
The tempura added a pleasant crispy contrast.
Kohaku Sabo 琥珀茶房 provides a more diverse menu and traditional teahouse ambiance, and is a good move from just deep-fried delights.
Kohaku Sabo 琥珀茶房
133 New Bridge Road, Chinatown Point #02-34, Singapore 059413
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Tempura Udon by Mizuya (Tanjong Pagar)
Kou Teppan (Great World)
Butahage (Suntec City)
SENS Dining (Holland Village)
Cafe USAGI Tokyo (Suntec City)
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