Mondays are family bonding time for me, so I picked a unique Japanese restaurant to bond with my loved ones over customisable Okonomiyaki, souffle pancakes, and teppanyaki.
Tucked in Dunlop Street, a short walk away from either Little India or Rochor MRT station, Seiwaa Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki Restaurant boasts authentic flavours and quality food.
The aroma of teppanyaki filled our noses as we made our way into the restaurant. From the outside, it seemed like a modest Japanese spot, but who would have guessed the delicious surprises awaiting within?
Okonomiyaki
We were swiftly ushered towards a table with a hotplate in the center — a setting that invites you to grill-your-own Okonomiyaki, and to share some fun with your loved ones.
We chose to order the Mix Okonomiyaki (S$20), an Osaka-style savory Japanese pancake, made with a flour and egg batter, shredded cabbage, and pork, squid, and shrimp.
Okonomiyaki literally means “grilled as you like it”, so make sure you grill it to your own level of satisfaction! If you’re the kind that will cause Gordon Ramsay’s blood pressure to skyrocket, don’t hesitate to ask for help from the friendly and helpful staff who will lovingly grill your food to perfection.
After cooking, the Okonomiyaki is usually topped with a special savoury sauce, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes.
Monjayaki
In my years of life and all that experience with Japanese food, I’ve only now known of Monjayaki, a savoury, runny, and gooey Japanese pan-fried dish that is a speciality of the Kanto region, particularly Tokyo.
The dish is similar to Okonomiyaki, but has a much thinner, more liquid batter made from flour, water, and dashi stock mixed with cabbage, seafood and meat.
I ordered the Mix Monja (S$22), which consists of pork, squid, and shrimp. Toppings included mochi cubes and cheese.
The friendly staff helped us cook up the Monjayaki on the griddle. Once it was set, he taught us to wait for a minute before using a mini spatula to scoop up the gooey goodness. I wouldn’t say that I wasn’t shocked to hear that we could eat it in its “batter” state.
The first bite sent me flying to Japan. It was flavourful, but not too overpowering. The mochi and cheese complimented each other in adding a nice and chewy texture.
I would definitely order this again on my next visit. And my advice? Definitely get this on your visit.
Teppanyaki
Like most of their other dishes that require a grill, Seiwaa’s teppanyaki dishes are prepared in front of you, on a sizzling iron grill by their meticulous staff. Sit back and watch your food being cooked. If you’re a duo, order the Flavour Meat Grill Plate (S$68), which consists of pork, chicken, bacon, lamb, beef and vegetables.
Couples who can’t resist seafood can get the Ocean Seafood Grill set (S$86), a set of salmon, squid, prawns, oysters, scallops, and vegetables.
If you’re just like us who want the best of both worlds, order the Mix Platter (S$76), with ingredients from both the Flavour Meat Grill Plate and Ocean Seafood Grill Set.
Get individual portions like the Chicken (S$15), Beef (S$18), or Whole Squid (S$35) if you have like-minded friends who like to try a bit of everything.
Takoyaki
Apart from being able to customise your own Okonomiyaki, you’ll also be able to cook your own takoyaki.
I’ve always wondered what it takes to flip a takoyaki over whenever I stood in front of the glass pane of a takoyaki stall. Take this as a chance to channel your inner chef, at just S$30.
It’s a good activity to bond over since the toppings are self-added, you’ll get to know what your loved ones like eating and what they don’t — a good ice-breaker if you’re on a date!
Sides
The Aburi Mentai Salmon (S$25) is a must-try. The fish dish features lightly torched salmon topped with a rich and creamy mentaiko sauce. The generous layer of sauce melts into the fish to create a luscious, smokey, and savoury flavour in each bite.
Get the Nagoya Chicken Wings (S$12), an extremely crispy fried chicken wings coated with a sweet and delectable sauce.
To refresh your palette after downing a heavily-grilled meal, get the Seaweed Salad (S$12), drizzled with a tangy, zesty Yuzu sauce to refresh your palette.
Dessert
End off your meal with their fluffy and light Seiwaa Signature Souffle Pancakes. We got the cheese ones at S$30 for four pieces, because let’s be real, would anything with cheese inside go wrong?
Do note that the pancakes are only available from Monday to Thursdays, and only if you’re seated on a table with a hotplate. So if you’re planning to try their pillowy, cloud-like souffles, head down on a weekday, and make sure to ask to sit by the griddle.
With such an extensive menu of quality food, won’t you head down to experience the delicacies yourself?
Seiwaa Okonomiyaki & Teppanyaki Restaurant
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📍 72 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209400
🕒 11am–3pm, 5pm–11pm (Mon to Sat), Closed (Sun)
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Photos by Letresa Yap.
