PUBLISHED October 24th, 2016 11:13 am
Few foreign cultures are as well loved in Singapore as the Japanese. With their attention to detail and a focus on quality, it’s no wonder that we want it all, be it food and drink, quirky homeware, pop culture, fashion, and even beauty treats. If you adore all things Japanese like we do, pop down to Orchard Central (OC) in the next couple of weeks, because they’re highlighting an impressive selection of Japanese offerings from now till 6 November 2016!
Here are five reasons to hit the restaurants and retail shops at OC, ASAP:
iro iro by Supermama pops up this October 2016
A gallery shop based in Singapore, Supermama works closely with traditional craft facilities in Japan, and design and art studios in Singapore to produce purposeful giftware that represents contemporary Singaporean culture.
Look out for labels like Kyoto-To, which combines traditional and modern elements in Japanese embroidered products, and Kihara, a porcelain brand hailing from Arita in the Saga Prefecture. The latter is backed up by more than 400 years of porcelain making tradition and has more than 20 different collections.
Tuck into Delicious Japanese Fare
Most people start falling in love with Japanese culture because of one thing – food! OC has a plethora of dining options, and many of them of the Japanese variety. The contemporary Tanuki Raw (#04-01) never fails with its value for money donburi (rice bowls), inventive sushi rolls, Japanese inspired cocktails, and $2 oyster happy hour (5-8pm daily). For more izakaya vibes, head to the newly opened En Sakaba (#01-16) for sake and tapas like the Jumbo Hotate Yaki.
If you love grilled seafood, Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya (#12-02, see our review here) gets our vote for fresh fish cooked perfectly. Enjoy a variety of fresh seafood flown in from Japan three times a week!
UNIQLO’s First Global Flagship Store
Spanning three levels and 2,700 square metres, UNIQLO (#01-01, #02-01 & #03-01) at Orchard Central is the world’s first Global Flagship Store, an initiative that sees the brand expanding across key shopping streets in other cities like Tokyo’s Ginza district and Oxford Street in London. Shop their latest Fall/Winter collection – especially if you’re going on a winter holiday! – amidst innovative, high-tech displays, which guarantee a vibrant retail experience.
Another one of our must-visit spots in OC is TOKYU HANDS (#B1-07). Having started at a DIY store in Shibuya, Tokyo, in the 1970s, its offerings has expanded since, and you can find a mix of hobby, lifestyle and home improvement products.
Savour Japanese Sweet Treats
It’s not a good day out without a dessert or two (to share, of course). Henri Charpentier’s first Singapore outpost in Dempsey was a runaway hit, and they’ve followed up with a take-out café (#01-18, limited seats available) in the heart of town at OC. Definitely a more convenient spot to get their signature Strawberry Shortcake and madeleines, to be sure. Alternatively, matcha heads can also check out Maccha House (#B1-39) in OC’s basement for their selection of green tea based beverages and desserts such as the Maccha Latte, Maccha Soft Serve, and Maccha Parfait.
Spend and Ye Shall Receive
To sweeten the deal, the folks at Orchard Central are giving away a HAKOYA Bento Box (see bottom image for designs, with one released every week) with minimum spend of $100* (a maximum of two same-day receipts can be combined, limited to the first 250 shoppers a week). Additionally, with a minimum spend of $100, download the ShopFarEast mobile app and sign up*^ as a member to receive 500 bonus points!
Click here for more information.
*Terms and conditions apply
^For new sign-ups only
Orchard Central is located at 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896, p. 6238 1051. Open 11am-10pm daily. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
This post is sponsored by Orchard Central.