Les Amis's Group latest concept Kissajin @ Shaw Centre, Orchard

Another yet budding concept by Les Amis Group, Kissajin brings forth a contemporary and fun concept in the heart of Orchard Road.

Kissajin, derived from the Japanese term ‘Kissaten’, which literally means "Tea-Drinking Shop" draws inspiration from traditional Japanese cultures and practices and has portrayed them through their intricate omakase experience.

There is one specially-curated omakase menu each for lunch and dinner ($68++ for seven-course lunch and $98++ for an eight-course dinner). They also refresh their menu every quarter to highlight prime seasonal produce in their menu. Here are some dishes to look forward to.

For starters, we had five petite appetizers that comprises both savory and sweet delights such as the seaweed Konjac with a dollop of miso mustard sauce, Tazuna Sushi of finely-pounded Tamago roll topped with seasonal fish, a tender and umami-rich Smoked Scallop, followed by a crisp charcoal-battered Karage, and a dainty red bean-filled Mochi shaped of a persimmon.

Following the vibrant appetizers is a classic Japanese Sando that uses lightly toasted bread, sandwiched with crumbed and deep-fried tamago and pork katsu, with a hint of wasabi mayo.

Depending on seasonality, silken smooth Chawanmushi or silky steamed egg custard may be incorporated with seasonal mushrooms such as shiitake, enoki, and eringi.

Only available on the dinner menu is a trio of Sashimi that showcases the finest catch of the season that is imported directly from Japan.

A halfway mark to the omakase experience is presented with a melt-in-your-mouth Kagoshima Wagyu that is complemented with condiments such as yakiniku sauce and kimchi which enhances the flavor of the prized meat. As part of the menu that has beef, the team prepared an alternative dish– a buttery-rich Cod Fillet (subject to change depending on the seasonality of produce) for diners who do not consume beef.

One of the stellar dishes and our favorite for the night was the Prawn Tempura served with yam, battered king crab, and Japanese fish cake, complemented by a luscious umami-rich gravy.

For the final savory course, we had a bowl of hot and comforting Inaniwa Udon that uses thin udon noodles, served in a piping hot tangy broth with a hint of spice from shichimi togarashi, and topped with tender and thin wagyu beef slices.

Ending the omakase experience on a sweet note is a traditional chilled dessert of Anmitsu . Currently, head chef, Chef Ryo’s rendition consists of Cream Anmitsu with cubes of jelly, sweet azuki bean paste, a variety of seasonal fruits, and rich cream topped with brown sugar syrup.

Kissajin Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-11, Shaw Centre, Singapore 288208

Operating Hours: 12 noon to 3pm (last order at 2pm), 6pm – 10:30pm (last order at 9pm), daily Reservation Number: 9635 0963 Reservation email: kissajin@lesamisgroup.com.sg Seating Capacity: 50 Website: https://www.kissajin.com.sg/ Instagram: @Kissajin.sg