Fun Xmas favourites with a Japanese twist from Ichiban Boshi & more

Thinking of catering for a Christmas gathering but don’t want to serve the same old versions of turkey and ham every year?

Try these yummy Xmas takeaway and delivery offerings from RE&S Group, the brand behind Japanese eateries Ichiban Boshi, Ichiban Sushi, Kuriya Dining, Kuriya Japanese Market and Gokoku Japanese Bakery to give your parties a fun fusion twist.

We love their Gammon Ham & Potato Salad ($26.80) – a classic Japanese potato salad that’s tangier than the Western version, thanks to the use of Japanese mayonnaise. It’s dotted with delicious ham, corn, cucumber, carrots and bits of hard boiled egg for elevated texture and taste. Sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike

There’s also the aptly named Good Ol' Creamy Mushroom Soup ($24.80) – expect a standard-tasting but reliable and yummy crowd pleaser, that gets extra marks for meaty slices of wild mushrooms.

Most eateries sell ham for Christmas, and the Pineapple Honey Baked Ham ($68.80) here does its job. Firm, thick and savoury, lifted by a whiff of cloves and a basting in pineapple juice, paired with a tart pineapple raisin sauce, roast potatoes, Japanese chestnuts, carrots, lotus root, and burdock.

The Christmas mainstays of chicken and turkey are also a little different. The Christmas Spiced (6 Spices) Roast Chicken ($56.80) features a unique cranberry kosho sauce – a bit of an unusual pairing between the spicy Japanese seasoning and the sour cranberries. (If that’s not your thing, there’s also the safe option of red wine brown sauce.)

As for the Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade ($68.80), expect the bird filled with a tasty gammon ham mousse for a different take on the typical stuffing.

We love the photogenic presentation of the Red Wine Beef Stew ($68.80) and Yuzu Cream Salmon Stew ($68.80), which both come in pretty, complimentary pots. The beef is stewed four hours in red wine for an ultra-tender result, while the creamy fish stew boasts generous portions of Norwegian salmon and broccoli.

For a real showstopper to wow guests, the Yuzu Mustard Baked Salmon(S$62.80) is a must-buy. The wow factor comes from the intensely flavoured yuzu-mustard coating – both components are equally punchy, boasting fragrance, a whiff of pepperiness, and a balanced sourness. It’s a sophisticated combination, one that shows off the Japanese and Western ingredients to their best, that we haven’t seen done at any other place yet.

Of course, Japanese dishes are on offer as well – the Merry Maki Platter (S$36.80) features an Insta-worthy Christmas “tree” of tuna salad, crabstick, cucumber and egg maki, plus mini California rolls, lobster salad handrolls, and sakura mayo inari, good for 4-6 people.

For the little ones there’s the Do You Want To Build A Sushi? DIY Sushi Set (S$38.80): pre-prepared rice bases, plus toppings of teriyaki chicken, crabsticks, tuna mayo, tamago, lobster salad, mayonnaise, corn mayo, pickles, cucumber, sakura fish flakes, and seaweed. It’s sure to keep tots occupied at the table.

The dishes also come in bundles, as follows:

Bundle A (S$168), 8 - 10 pax

1. Jingle Sashimi Platter

2. Gammon Ham & Potato Salad

3. Roasted Turkey Breast Roulade

4. Pineapple Honey Baked Ham

Bundle B (S$108), 6 - 8 pax

• Jolly Sushi Platter

• Gammon Ham & Potato Salad

• Yuzu Mustard Baked Salmon

Bundle C(S$88), 4 - 6 pax

• Merry Maki Platter

• Christmas Spiced Roast Chicken

Order online here till Jan 1, 2022. Note a 3-day advance order is required.