The Sushi Bar @Orchard, Far East Plaza

I really wondered what the hype is all about. My friends are all talking about it, and the queue is long, the few times I walked past it around evenings. I finally gave it a try on a public holiday, after all, queues are inevitable everywhere in Singapore on a PH. Just a matter of which one's more worth your time.

While in the queue, a friendly lady came over to tell us there's another store just downstairs, newly opened, that has a similar menu. But we stuck to the queue. A table for 2 is much quicker than a larger group, and we were given our seats after less than 30 minutes. But, if you're looking for a intimate place, forget this place. It's very squeezy, you can hear your next-door's conversation. In fact, a couple beside us had to share a table with another couple...

A quick glance through the menu and a specials leaflet, we knew we are going to spend $30+ per pax for a not-very-filling meal... But since we've queued, we're just gonna try! We ordered:

Eihire (Fried Stingray Fins) ($5.90) -DON'T ORDER!

Califronia Roll ($8.90)

Maguro Karage ($6.90)

Scallop Mentaiyaki ($13.90) -MUST TRY!

Aburi Sake Sushi ($2.20) & Maguro Sushi ($1.80)

The wasabi deserves a special note though. It's made fresh, hence you can really taste the difference. Plus, they give a generous amount for, say, a tiny sushi. Also another dish that's a must-try, their Scallop Mentaiyaki ($13.90). The server recommended it to us, saying "sliced thinly, pan-seared..." and we were hooked. I am always up for a scallops dish! When it came, we were glad the price tallied with what we ate. It was delicious, each slice was juicy and the sauce went well with it.

On the other hand, DON'T ORDER Eihire ($5.90)! My friend who ordered the same dish, we both agreed we got "conned" by the menu! Fried stingray (cue those hawker BBQ Stingray, albeit smaller pieces) was served, but NO FLESH! Only the cartilage!  It tasted like those packet fried cuttlefish, a bit hard to chew, and definitely not crispy at all. Order anything except this from the menu!

The Maguro Karage ($6.90) did not taste nice as well. Frying the tuna killed the original taste. It was like eating meat. The rest, Aburi Sake Sushi ($2.20), Maguro Sushi ($1.80), Califronia Roll ($8.90), Soft Shell Crab Temaki ($4.50) was flavourful, and the ingredients fresh.

We should have tried the Sirloin Steak ($14.90), but well, I doubt I'd be back due to the pricing. The portion's not enough to feed a hungry stomach as well.

------------------

Verdict:

Food: 3/5

Service: 3/5

Ambiance: 2.5/5

Total Score: 2/5

[1- Never visit again, 2-Won't visit unless there's no other option, 3-Perhaps, 4 & 5- Yes!]

Good for? Couples

------------------

About it:

The Sushi Bar

14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, 03-89, Singapore 228213