About Momiji
Located at Revenue House, Momiji Japanese Restaurant is tucked away on the second floor of the corporate building. I never knew there was a Japanese buffet restaurant at this corner of Novena, across the road from Novena Square.
Similar to sister restaurants Sakura and Nihon Mura under the Suki Group of Restaurants, Momiji’s houses all types of Japanese foods in one place. We’re talking shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi, cold soba, yakitori and more.
The Buffet Array
The extensive array of Japanese food tempted me to grab absolutely everything. My favourite was the Ikaruchawanmushi, consisting of ikaru roe and mushrooms. The steamed egg sat pretty in its broth which had a light, authentic taste. Generous portions of raw cuts and seafood are laid out and upon making your order, you have the option of either having it prepared in soup or grilled.
All-You-Can-Eat Oysters Cooked Any Way You Want
On top of its normal offerings, the restaurant is also hosting an Oyster Festival till the end of the year! From being prepared cold to deep fried, you can have your oyster cooked in every way possible at Momiji’s.
Cold Dish Oysters
Comprising of Goma Oyster, Ponzu Oyster, and Oyster in Japanese Apple Dressing, this selection was wondrously fresh. I only like my oysters raw and I particularly enjoyed the Goma Oyster as it was dressed well in light dressing and garnished with ikura roe.
Oyster Lobster Mayo Yaki
Baked oysters in their shells. Yum.
Miso Teppan Oyster
The teppanyaki miso sauce is rich and complements the shellfish well. The dollop of mayonnaise also makes the oyster taste less fishy.
Oyster Shabu Shabu
The classic beef shabu shabu takes a clammy twist in this hot pot. You can place an order at the station using coloured clips in correspondence to the table number and the kitchen will get it all fired up before delivering it to your table.
Panko Fried Oyster
Deep fried oysters. How sinfully exciting.
Festive Items
In an attempt to spread the festive cheer, Momiji will be featuring a couple of festive fusion dishes on top of their ongoing buffet spread. Here are two of the more quirky Japanese-meets-Christmas dishes.
Turkey Breast Teppanyaki
The accompanying sauce was slightly spicy, which took me by surprise. However, it only made me crave having my turkey breast in good ol’ cranberry sauce. Eating it with ikura roe topping didn’t work for my taste buds.
Turkey Ham Tempura with Nacho Cheese
Turkey tempura? Really? But if you’re adventurous with food and want a Japanese-infused Christmas in your mouth, it wouldn’t hurt to try. Here, a slice of turkey wraps the bottom of the enoki mushroom and is fried tempura-style.
Desserts
My mama always told me not to play with my food. But with a chocolate fondue fountain and DIY waffle machine all laid out, I could not help myself. With the butter and batter already prepared, I am my own waffle auntie – there were scoops of Haagen Dazs ice cream to top!
The Verdict
Despite the odd Christmas combinations, the buffet spread is really fun. You can trust the cold cuts to be fresh and generous with their portions. Be punctual for the dinner slot at 5.30 p.m. as you’ll want first dibs on the fresh cuts laid out. And to also hog a table for a couple of hours to gorge oneself of course.
The Christmas promotional period runs from 19 December to 1 January, and the Oyster Festival runs till 31 December. At the starting price of $26.80++ for the lunch buffet on weekdays with free flow Sapporo beer, I say I’ll be coming back for seconds.
Getting to Momiji
Address: Revenue House, 55 Newton Road, #02-02, Singapore 307987
Opening Hours: Lunch 12nn – 3pm, Brunch 11.30 am – 3.30 pm, Dinner 6pm – 10pm Telephone: 6262 0880
This post was brought to you by Momiji.