If you’re a fan of unagi, you’ll want in on this: Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, a Japanese chain with more than 90 years of history, is coming to Singapore. The Michelin-approved brand will officially open at Shaw Centre on 15 April 2025.
Led by fourth-generation unagi master Kikukawa Yuhei, the restaurant prides itself on selecting only the finest live unagi, ensuring optimal size, thickness, and freshness. Each eel is filleted and grilled over binchotan charcoal, resulting in crisp, smoky skin and tender, buttery flesh. A final dip in their secret tare sauce adds a sweet-savoury depth to every bite.
For the full experience, look forward to the Kabayaki Ippon Unagi Set ($48++), which comes with a whole premium eel grilled till crisp on the outside and meltingly tender inside. The dish is served in handcrafted Minoyaki tableware, prized for its ability to retain heat so every bite stays warm.
Another must-try is the Hitsumabushi Set ($37++), a Nagoya speciality that brings out the best in grilled unagi. Smoky and caramelised, the eel is paired with condiments like wasabi and nori, adding layers of flavour. A touch of warm dashi broth over rice creates a rich, umami-laden finish.
We’ve yet to see the full range of offerings at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa’s Singapore outpost, but judging by what we’ve seen so far, things look mighty promising. So if the dishes above appeal to you, be sure to mark your calendars for 15 April to be among the first to try this new Japanese restaurant.
For a Japanese cafe with pistachio souffle pancakes, unagi ochazuke and more, read our Otter & Pebbles coverage. For XL Japanese don at Fortune Centre, read our Sakedokoro Eizaburo review.
Address: 1 Scotts Road, #01-12, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208
Opening hours: Daily 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm
Website
Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa is not a halal-certified eatery.
Featured image adapted from @unagi.yondaime.kikukawa_sg.