Anago (sea eel) tempura at Mizuki
Cover Anago (sea eel) tempura at Mizuki

These culinary gems take the beloved tempura to new heights by combining traditional techniques with premium ingredients, making for exceptional dining experiences

Tempura, a Japanese dish consisting of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, meat, vegetables, or even desserts, requires precision, finesse, and a deep understanding of flavour profiles. The delicate balance between the crispy coating and the succulent interior is an art form that only a skilled tempura chef can master. Luckily, Singapore’s tempura omakase scene offers a plethora of options to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Here, we round up some of the best tempura omakase menus you can find in Singapore, where the spirit of omakase intertwines with the craftsmanship of tempura cooking.

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1. Tenshima

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Above Ebi (prawn) tempura at Tenshima

At Tenshima, the chefs assess each ingredient, drawing out its unique traits to create tempura that truly shines. They meticulously adjust the cooking process to accommodate the subtle changes brought by each season, ensuring the ideal batter thickness and oil temperature for the day’s offerings. The tempura uni offers a delightful combination of oceanic umami and velvety texture, while the succulent tempura prawns showcase a delicate sweetness that pairs perfectly with their perfectly crisp and light batter. 

By limiting lunch and dinner services to 10 persons each, Tenshima ensures that every customer can leisurely savour their meal while allowing for individual preferences and styles. The restaurant’s exterior and interior seamlessly blend refined modern designs with traditional Japanese beauty, featuring Japanese cypress countertops and washi paper motifs, creating an elegant and immersive space for guests to indulge in an authentic omakase experience.

Tenshima, 9 Raffles Blvd, #01-09 Millenia Walk, S(039596), 6226 6666

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2. Tenshin

Tenshin, the pioneer of Japanese tempura in Singapore, brings the true essence of Edomae culture to discerning gourmands. Mr. Shiraishi, the driving force behind the restaurant, ensures that only the finest and freshest produce from the renowned Toyosu and Tsukiji Markets make their way to Tenshin. With a menu that evolves based on Japan’s seasonal changes, guests can indulge in the authentic flavours of each season. Led by a skilled chef with over 30 years of experience, the tempura is prepared right before the guests’ eyes at the tempura counter, creating an engaging and immersive dining experience. 

While tempura remains the star attraction, Tenshin also delights guests with a delightful assortment of sashimi and seasonal Japanese cuisine. This modern Japanese restaurant has earned a loyal following among elite business travellers, thanks to its unwavering commitment to authenticity and a culinary prowess that has garnered international acclaim.

Tenshin, 1 Cuscaden Road, Conrad Singapore Orchard, Level 3, S(249715), 6735 4588

3. Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh

Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh, the first Southeast Asian venture of Osaka’s renowned and esteemed premium tempura restaurant, is now at Como Dempsey. Embodying the same refined, Osaka-style tempura that has made Ippoh a legend, this new dining concept delivers an unparalleled culinary experience. Chef Masaru Seki, a fifth-generation member of the founding family, ensures the legacy of Ippoh’s light, crisp, and delicately-battered Osaka-style tempura continues to impress, bringing these culinary traditions dating back to 1850 from his Tokyo Ginza restaurant to Singapore. 

Each piece of tempura, cloaked in a delicate and gossamer-light batter, is meticulously fried to order and served individually, accompanied by a subtle seasoning that enhances the inherent flavours of the ingredients. Savour extraordinary creations like the camembert cheese, transformed into molten creaminess within a crisp batter, or the shirako (milt) expertly fried to a golden brown exterior while retaining its magically creamy and soft interior. 

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Ippoh Tempura Bar by Ginza Ippoh
Japanese   |   $ $ $   |  

17B Dempsey Road, S(249676)

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4. Tentsuru

Under the guidance of master chef Daiki Kawaguchi, each dish is delicately prepared to showcase the perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Indulge in signature delights such as the Hokkaido sea urchin roll, where the lusciousness of sea urchin is enveloped in a crisp, golden shell, or savour the Ishikawa nodoguro fish (black-throat sea perch) with homemade karasumi (bottarga) shavings, where the tender fish melts in your mouth with the added complexity of house-made karasumi. The delicate crunch of the tempura coating gives way to succulent and tender seafood, while the expertly crafted sauces by Kawaguchi add layers of depth and complexity. 

Tentsuru’s commitment to excellence extends to its newly introduced à la carte menu, featuring premium offerings like Japanese wild tiger prawn, kisu fish (Japanese whiting), Hokkaido scallop, uni roll, and Wagyu. This enticing selection allows guests to customise their dining experience and relish the finest flavours of Japanese cuisine, further showcasing Tentsuru’s dedication to culinary excellence.

Tentsuru, 29 Tanglin Road, S(247911), 8113 3612

5. Ginza Tenharu

Ginza Tenharu exudes an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication with its captivating all-cedarwood counter, a reflection of the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Engaging all five senses, guests are treated to a visual spectacle of vibrant tempura colours, the enchanting sound of crackling oil, and an aromatic ambience that tantalises the nose. Renowned for its dedication to freshness, Ginza Tenharu imports a fresh supply of seafood and vegetables from Japan’s esteemed Tsukiji market four times a week. 

Its seasonal signature menu showcases unique creations like the Manganji tougarashi (Manganji sweet green pepper) paired with uni and ikura, as well as the himeko tai (princess baby sea bream), where the delicate white flesh of the sea bream is elevated through the artful preparation of tempura. Accompanied by a selection of condiments including sea salt, tempura sauce, and curry salt, each course promises a harmonious blend of flavours that will delight the palate.

Ginza Tenharu, 320 Orchard Road, 01-04, S(238865), 6235 0096

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6. Mizuki

Immerse yourself in the captivating culinary world of Mizuki, where every detail reflects its philosophy of harmonious balance. Step into the restaurant and you’ll be greeted by a central corridor adorned with intricately carved traditional wooden lattice screens, showcasing the craftsmanship of a Kyoto artisan. Mizuki’s innovative combined omakase menu allows guests to savour the best of both worlds, indulging in signature sushi and tempura regardless of their seating choice. With fresh seafood imported four times a week from Tokyo’s Toyusu Market, Mizuki tantalises the palate with indulgent delicacies such as bluefin otoro and bafun uni. Don’t miss the seaweed tempura, topped with Hokkaido bafun uni and caviar, accompanied by an assortment of condiments for a truly superior tempura experience. And for a surprising delight, try the anago (sea eel) tempura, where the tangy drop of lemon juice harmonises with the mild sweetness of the anago, enhanced by a pinch of salt.

Mizuki, 391 Orchard Road, 05-32, S(238872), 6734 6308

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