Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen: Mentaiko Specialty Restaurant From Japan Opens At IMM

Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen is a popular Japanese restaurant at IMM

Image credit: Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen

Mentaiko enthusiasts, we have good news for you: there’s a newly-opened Japanese restaurant named Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen at IMM that specialises in mentaiko dishes! The restaurant incorporates premium mentaiko that’s air-flown all the way from Hakata, into dishes such as udon and omurice. 

The restaurant chain is so popular that there are over 45 locations in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the U.S., and now Singapore. All their mains are also reasonably priced under $20++. 

Image credit: Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen

Yamaya’s signature mentaiko is prepared by salting pollock roe first, and then marinating it in spices and chilli, resulting in a piquant flavour. Their mentaiko is so well-loved that it has been considered a key staple in Japanese cuisine for over 50 years.

Image credit: Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen

You can enjoy various forms of their signature mentai dishes here—think house-made mentaiko sauce, creamy mentai mayo, and the original, fresh mentaiko. To enjoy all of these variations, get one of their Rice Sets which come with Prawn Tempura ($16.90++), Chicken Cutlet ($15.90++), or Shio Saba ($16.90++).

Image credit: Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen

To zhng up your meal, top up an additional $2.90++ for the Signature Mentai Tartar. Tip: mash the ingredients of the tartar together and spread it onto the protein that comes with your rice set! 

There are also several omurice offerings here such as the Chicken Cutlet Omurice ($13.90++) and Pork Shabu Omurice ($13.90++). Additionally, you can choose from three bases for your omurice: demi-glace, cream, and curry. 

Image credit: Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen

If noodles are your preferred choice of carbs, go for their udon instead. Classics include the Chicken Cutlet Toji Don ($12.90++), Spicy Miso Pork Shabu Don ($12.90++), and Bulgogi Kimchi Don ($12.90++), among others. Else, it is highly recommended to get the signature Mentai Cream Baked Cheese Udon ($12.90++), which is said to be super indulgent and creamy!

Image credit: @yamayakitchen

If you ever feel that the mentaiko kick in your meal is still lacking, you can always top up $3.90++ for an additional side of mentaiko. For their opening promotion, Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen at IMM also has a free-flow deal comprising mentaiko, takana, miso soup, and rice, with a purchase of any main for a limited time. 

For more Japanese restaurants in Singapore, read our Kushi Japanese Dining feature for a $54.90++ sushi buffet and more. Else, read our JEM food guide for more good eats in the area. 

Address: 2 Jurong East Street 21, #01-88, IMM Outlet Mall, Singapore 609601
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 11pm
Website
Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen is not a halal-certified eatery.

Feature image adapted from Hakata Mentai Yamaya Kitchen