Unlike singer Demi Lovato, I’ve definitely not been feeling “Cool for the Summer“. In fact, it’s the complete opposite.
But instead of complaining about the heat and humidity, why not head down to Menya Kokoro for an energising (not agonising) taste of summer?
The popular mazesoba restaurant chain from Tokyo has launched a ‘Super’ Summer Menu, featuring four delightful creations, ranging from cold noodles to signature chewy mazesoba.
Cold noodles are the best way to beat the heat, and if you’re seeking a light lunch that’ll do just the trick, look no further than the SUPER FRESH! Citrus Hiyashi Seafood Ramen (from S$15.80).
The ramen is served chilled in a light dried bonito broth topped with scallops, clams, and prawns. Sure, it was refreshing, but I would’ve preferred for the overall flavour to be more a lot more concentrated.
Did you know that the Japanese often eat unagi in the summer (during the hotter months) for extra nutrition and stamina? This is your sign to do the same, by ordering the SUPER UNAGI! Unakatsu Donburi (from S$17.80) — a comforting rice bowl crowned with tamagoyaki, pickled daikon, an onsen egg, and a massive slice of deep-fried unagi katsu.
This was my first time having deep-fried unagi, and it was so, so, delicious. Think tender meat with a crisp, battered exterior coated in a sweet and savoury unagi sauce.
If only it were available on the a la carte menu as an add-on!
The next two bowls showcase the restaurant’s signature springy and chewy noodles made from wholegrain Japanese wheat flour imported directly from Japan, so mazesoba maniacs, this one’s for you!
Fans of all things mentaiko and cheese will love the vibrant SUPER MENTAI CHEESE! Mazesoba (from S$16.30), comprising spring onions, Menya Kokoro’s signature minced meat, corn, tobiko, edamame, seaweed flakes, crispy tempura flakes, ebi fry, and a flowy onsen egg with mozzarella cheese and flame-seared mentai.
It’s a very rich, cheesy, and slurp-worthy dish, but the mentaiko flavour could’ve been even more pronounced.
However, if you can only order one item off the Summer Menu, let it be the SUPER GARLIC! Mazesoba (from S$15.80). The typical mazesoba with chashu, seaweed, spring onions, minced meat sauce, and onsen egg is taken up a notch with the addition of garlic prepared four ways — crispy garlic chips, fresh garlic, chopped garlic, and garlic paste.
As a self-proclaimed garlic girl (just look it up on TikTok), this was one seriously addictive bowl of mazesoba, with an intoxicating burst of umami. Oh, and don’t forget to add a dash of kombu vinegar for a completely different, dare I say better, flavour profile!
Once you’ve finished slurping up the noodles, ask the staff for a small saucer of rice, which you can use to soak up all that luscious garlicky gravy.
Do note that the four bowls will be available for a limited time only, while stocks last.
From now till 18 May, and 22–25 May 2023, you can enjoy 50% off the second bowl (exclusive to the ‘Super’ Summer Menu only) at three outlets — 100AM, Plaza Singapura, and Eat At Seven Suntec City.
Need I say more? Grab your best lunch buddy for a mazesoba meal this week!
Menya Kokoro
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨