Those in the know have already heard of Tenkaichi's value-for-money all-you-can-eat Wagyu beef Japanese BBQ. Tenkaichi was previously located in a dingy shop (in Keypoint Building on Beach Road) and when it moved to it's present location in Marina Square, it's fans thought that it would mean the end of best value-for-money Wagyu in Singapore.
Well, I got good news.
No, I think the news just got better.
Sure, Marina Square ain't Singapore's swankiest shopping centre (it used to be my haunt in the 1990s - that's so last millennium.....). But, it's way neater than Keypoint Building.
In it's new location, Tenkaichi retained it's simplicity. Just clean and neat, no frills.
But, the view here is pretty. That's Marina Bay Sands (on a hazy day). Hmm.... an idea for an evening date.
We can also see the Theatres by the Bay from inside Tenkaichi.
Tenkaichi uses smokeless yakiniku grills, so very little BBQ flavour got into my hair or clothes. For those who prefer to BBQ outdoors, there is an al fresco section at Tenkaichi too
(Smart local tip - Tenkaichi also overlooks part of the Singapore F1 track. So you know where to catch a view of the race while having dinner. Problem is, it's already an "open secret", so there will be lots of people here too.)
All these perks and still offering the best value-for-money, all-you-can-eat Wagyu in Singapore.
Tenkaichi is the baby of owner-chef Naing Ye Guang (and a partner). Chef started as a dishwater in Japan and for the next 20 years worked his way up, working in various restaurants in Japan. Chef Niang was at Jojoen Yakiniku in Roppongi before he joined Daidomon in Singapore as head chef. Daidomon was the predecessor of Tenkaichi.
Chef looked extremely serious when he was sharpening the knife and when he was slicing that thick strip of beef. I thought he must be thinking that I was an overly pesky blogger. Then, when he beamed that smile after completing the slicing, I realised that cutting the perfectly sliced beef we eat takes a lot, a lot of focus and skill.
Kudos to Chef Naing Ye Guang.
OK, let's start feasting on beef.
No limits.
Our lunch got off to a great start with this Wagyu Sashimi. These thin slices of beef looked like elegant lady's handkerchief or exquisite gift wrapper with intricate patterns to me. Eating this with a little soya sauce dip brought out the happy carnivore in me.
The dishes are served in small plates - which is good as we can try many different things, or just order repeats of those we like better.
All-you-can-eat buffet beef are Australian Wagyu. Hokkaido and Miyazaki Wagyu (A3 to A5 grade) are also available in ala carte menu.
Wagyu Beef Yukke (Marinated Wagyu Beef with Egg Yolk).
Raw marinated beef eaten with a raw egg.
Shake Sashimi (Norwegian Salmon Sashimi). I never tire of the simple salmon sashimi.
Wagyu Rosu (Wagyu Ribeye Cap Marbling 7+).
No oil is used to BBQ the meat and we can ask the helpful waitress to change to a new grilling plate when it is stuck with grease and food bits. Grilling plate changing takes about 2-3 seconds :-D
Yumms... just juicy beefy natural sweetness... no need to say too much, beef lovers already know.
Wagyu Karubi (Wagyu Short Rib Marbling 7+).
Everything is nice :-D
Wagyu Tan (Wagyu Beef Ox Tongue).
For variety try something different from the usual cuts - beef tongue has it's own unique flavour and texture. I like it.
Ton Toro (Pork Cheek Fillet).
Lovely, lovely pork cheek. Sweet, sweet the way only good quality pork can.
Shishamo (Capelin Fish full of roe).
Grill these until they are slightly charred outside. The charred bits, plus the meat and eggs together makes a super yummy treat. These compete with the Wagyu for my stomach space.
In case you are interested where shishamo come from <- click
Large Hokkaido Scallops.
Price is SGD99.80++ for the premium all-you-can-eat Wagyu buffet. They have a promotion on in Oct 2015. SGD69.80++ Mon to Thurs | SGD74.80++ Friday, weekends, public holidays and eve of PH. (Need to top up SGD15++ for free flow of drinks and Haagen Daz ice cream. Reduced to SGD10++ in Oct 2015.)
The price includes buffet of sushi, tonkatsu, tempura, soba and such but I don't think I have stomach space for these after the Wagyu :-p
This is a nice place to indulge in premium beef. Set aside plenty of time. Cook and eat slooowly. Have nice conversations. Put down the phone. Focus. Savour the beefy goodness. Get your money's worth :-D
Good value for money (for Wagyu fanatics) but definitely not cheap.
Disclosure: Please note that this is an invited tasting.
Restaurant name: Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ
Address: 6 Marina Square Shopping Mall 03-129, Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039594
GPS: 1.291413, 103.858568
Hours: Yakiniku ala carte buffet only on 6:00pm to 10:00pm on Mon - Fri | 11:30am to 2:00pm on Sat, Sun & Public Holidays
Tel: 6250 8918
Non Halal
Date visited: 1 Oct 2015
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WOW. Great photos of the beef! Such beautiful marbling!
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