Singapore has a constant love for unagi don bowls. Just recall the hype surrounding Man Man when they first opened and bagged their Michelin Bib Gourmand stamp, and the buzz about their affordable counterpart, Una Una. Now, locals have another brand to add to their unagi repertoire: Unatoto, Japan’s famed affordable unagi don franchise, has announced that they will open their very first outlet in Singapore, at Tanjong Pagar’s Guoco Tower, on 25 January.
Image credit: @unatoto_sg
For the uninitiated, Unatoto is a fast-casual unagi chain that has outlets all over Japan, most notably in Tokyo. Their Singaporean outlet will feature a similar fast-casual concept, with donburi bowls starting at just $8.50. All their eel portions are charcoal-grilled for maximum flavour.
Image credit: @unatoto_sg
Their menu has a wide variety of items. The most classic option is their Unagi Don, which starts from $9.50 for the single portion, and goes up to $14.50 for the double option.
Image credit: @jam.1664
Each bowl comes with pearl grain rice and a slab of grilled unagi glazed with their signature teriyaki sauce.
Image credit: @nadai_unatoto_tachikawa
If you prefer to have your serving in a bento box, with the tail end of the eel, get their Unajyu ($12) instead.
Image credit: @unatoto_sg
Hitsumabushi became all the rage in Singapore after Man Man introduced the dish to the mainstream. The Nagoyan unagi dish can be eaten four ways—as is, with the broth poured into it to turn the portion into an ochazuke, with the sauces and toppings provided, and finally, however you want it. Unatoto’s version is priced at a very affordable $13.50.
Image credit: @unatoto_sg
If you prefer your unagi fried, try their unique Unagi Tempura Don ($15), which comes with crispy battered pieces of eel, seasoned with a spice rub.
Image credit: @unatoto_sg
Aside from the eel dishes, Unatoto Singapore also offers other Japanese dishes, great as sides or standalone dishes. This includes a Salmon Ikura Don ($18), an Oyakodon ($8.50), Steamed Clams with Sake ($6.80), and an Aburi Pork Cheese Sushi Roll ($12.80). They will also serve kushiyaki, AKA Japanese skewers.
For more unagi spots to check out, read our Xi Man review, where we try out a specialty restaurant run by a former Michelin-minted chef. Otherwise, check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Singapore.
Address: 7 Wallich Street, Guoco Tower, #B1-03, Singapore 078884
Opening hours: TBD
Website
Unatoto is not a halal-certified eatery.
Featured image adapted from @jam.1664 and @unatoto_sg