When we say Japanese beef bowl, the first restaurant that probably comes to our mind is Yoshinoya. Say hello to Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke, the latest concept by Chef Keisuke Takeda slated to open on Monday 24 September will put others to shame, and here’s why.

I was given a first look of the restaurant, it’s 14 counter seats will likely fill up faster than you can eat, so it is encouraged that you make a trip down early. The Japanese restaurant is hidden inside a new luxury condo Onze at Tanjong Pagar on 11 Kee Seng Street.

The modern sleek restaurant interior with a charm of Japan was designed to evoke the feeling like you are in the land of the rising sun.

The menu offers only two selection, the US Prime Beef Sukiyaki Don ($13.90) and A4 grade Kiwami Wagyu Sukiyaki Don ($29.90), comes with complimentary appetizers (pickled vegetables), goma tofu, half boiled egg and a flavorful red miso soup.

Diners can order additional serving of US Prime Beef for $10 (120g) or the superior Yonezawa Wagyu for $25 (120g). You can also top up your rice at additional $2.

Price point is definitely a win here.

Watch your food being prepared a la minute right in front of you. Chef uses koshihikari rice from Niigata cooked in traditional donabe pots over an open flame, cuts perfect slices of beef with a slicing machine before cooking it in steel pots with sweet Sukiyaki sauce and ingredients like leeks, mushrooms, soy-braised tofu and glass noodles.

All considered, Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke accentuates the tastiness of what a beef bowl should be. Whether you pick the ‘American-cut beef’ or the most beloved Wagyu beef, these beef bowls are unique and different from those served elsewhere.

My only complain is that the place is tiny and would foresee long queues when I return.

Beef Sukiyaki Don Keisuke

Location: #01-01 Onze @ Tanjong Pagar, 11 Kee Seng Street, Singapore 089218

Opening Hours: Daily 11.30am to 2.30pm; 5.00pm to 10.00pm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeisukeTokyoSG/