The little nook that once housed Little Wimbly Lu has made way for a new casual Japanese restaurant: Monzen @ Gardens. Anyone living in and around the Serangoon Gardens estate will now have easy access to excellent donburi bowls. They’re loaded with the likes of fancy wagyu beef, juicy unagi, and healthy sashimi. It’s no surprise that these #Instagrammable rice bowls are starting to make their rounds on social media.
Here’s the low-down on what we liked about this Serangoon Gardens Japanese restaurant!
Monzen Vibe: Modern interior, cosy atmosphere
The interior of Monzen @ Gardens is small and compact. However, a minimalist and modern approach to its design keeps the restaurant neat and cosy. Small tables may result in difficulty with groups upwards of 4 people; it’s probably best to reserve your sessions at Monzen for more low-key gatherings. That said, Monzen also has outdoor tables that grant you space to properly kick back and relax.
Signature rice bowls you need to try at Monzen @ Gardens
Monzen’s most attractive donburi bowl is probably the Bara Chirashi Don (S$15.80). Perfectly fluffy Japanese short-grain sushi rice is topped with supple cuts of salmon, tuna and swordfish sashimi, crunchy cucumber, and sweetly seasoned tamago cubes. The smattering of tobiko (flying fish roe) and ikura (salmon roe) over the top does not go unnoticed.
For another filling choice, the Wagyu Beef Don (S$18.80) does not disappoint. Gloriously tender wagyu beef is seasoned with truffle shoyu sauce to really bring out some savoury, meaty notes. An oozing soft-boiled egg adds some silky luxury to each bite. Top everything with a generous sprinkling of fried garlic chips and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Where is Monzen @ Gardens, and what else is around Serangoon Gardens?
Monzen @ Gardens is located on the first floor of myVillage at Serangoon Gardens. The restaurant faces a quiet row of houses along Farleigh Avenue. There are two entrances to the restaurant, one facing the street and the other can be accessed inside myVillage.
Serangoon Gardens is also home to other Japanese restaurants. Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen, launched by “the nation’s very first tonkatsu chef”, is also located in myVillage on level 2. YakiBaBar, a rustic yakitori bar that serves traditional meat skewers, oden, and even rice burgers, can be found at 68 Serangoon Garden Way.
Monzen @ Gardens
1 Maju Avenue
#01-09/10, myVillage
Serangoon Gardens
Singapore 556679
facebook.com/monzengardens
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