This Japanese Restaurant Has Loaded Kaisendon Bowls With XXL Salmon—Worth It Or Not?

Tsukiji Kaisendon has loaded seafood bowls in Holland Village

There has been much chatter surrounding the future of Holland Village in recent years, with the once-bustling enclave showing signs of decline in footfall compared to its heyday. While this has led to the closure of several iconic establishments, new eateries have been stepping up to the plate—and one that’s been quietly drawing the crowds is Japanese restaurant Tsukiji Kaisendon.

Tucked away in the unassuming Holland Road Shopping Centre, the restaurant’s queue is hard to miss, often spilling out the moment you step off the escalator. Just a stone’s throw from business hubs like One-North and Buona Vista, it’s no surprise that office workers flock here during mealtimes. Despite the crowds, the staff remain warm and hospitable.

Food at Tsukiji Kaisendon

Given its name, we went in expecting mainly kaisendon, but the menu was more extensive than anticipated. They also offered chirashi don AKA deconstructed sushi bowls, along with sushi and makimono, ramen, donburi, and a solid selection of sides.

But of course, we had to go for their signature kaisendon, namely the Tokusen Salmon Bowl ($22.90++). It comes loaded with sliced salmon sashimi, salmon belly, and aburi salmon, all piled over a bed of sushi rice and finished with ikura and tamago. 

The first thing that struck us was the pure quality and freshness present throughout the bowl. Each piece of salmon sashimi had a glossy exterior, offering a satisfying bite before melting into a rich, buttery mouthfeel. The indulgent, thick-cut salmon belly took things a step further, with plenty of umami packed into it. Then there’s the aburi salmon, lightly blowtorched to impart a subtle smoky char, further enhancing its flavours. 

Moving on to the Irodori Chirashi Don ($19.90++), we were greeted with a vibrant bowl showcasing all the elements of a classic sushi spread, including an assortment of cubed sashimi and tamago. The seasoned sushi rice was tender without being mushy and carried a subtle hint of vinegar. We had a few gripes—the rice portion felt slightly small compared to the protein servings, and the wasabi was rather average—but these did little to diminish the overall satisfaction of the dish. 

We were not expecting much from the Unagi Maki ($14.90++), but both of us were proven wrong. It was visually striking, featuring a glazed, caramelised piece of unagi draped over three strips of tamago, cucumber, and crab meat wrapped in seaweed. A generous drizzle of torched Kewpie mayo added a touch of smoky creaminess, making it one of our favourite elements of the meal. 

Our choice of sides was Buta Kakuni AKA braised pork belly ($6.90++) and Chawanmushi ($2.90++), both of which hit the spot. The pork belly had a melt-in-your-mouth texture, accompanied by the savoury depth of its marinated braise, while the chawanmushi was silky and bouncy, offering a comforting taste. 

Ambience at Tsukiji Kaisendon

The no-frills outlet is simply furnished, but the long queues at Tsukiji Kaisendon are also due to its limited seating. The outlet accommodates only about 30 diners, with seven two-seater tables and three four-seater tables, creating an intimate dining experience that can be slightly inconvenient for larger groups. That said, it’s an inconvenience worth braving given the exceptional quality of their offerings.

Tsukiji Kaisendon is a two-minute walk from Holland Village MRT Station.

Tsukiji Kaisendon – Eatbook review

It’s rare to find a restaurant that delivers on all four fronts—portion sizes, quality, service, and value—but Tsukiji Kaisendon does just that. With such authentic, high-quality salmon, it’s hard to argue that the experience doesn’t justify its price point. The store has inevitably gained some attention online, but we feel it deserves even more credit for standing out in an oversaturated Japanese F&B landscape. The fact that we almost forgot to dip our salmon slices into the soya sauce speaks volumes about the taste and quality, and we fully expect it to give the neighbouring Sushiro a run for its money.

For other eateries that give you a taste of Japan, check out our food guide on the top 10 best tonkatsu hotspots in the country, or read our Kyoto Onimaru feature, a takeaway kiosk with over 15 types of onigiri in Hougang Mall.  

Address: 211 Holland Avenue, Holland Road Shopping Centre #02-03, Singapore 278967
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 4pm, 5:30pm to 9pm
Website
Tsukiji Kaisendon is not a halal-certified eatery.

Pictures taken by Nathania Tay.
This was an independent visit by Eatbook.sg.