Kuru Kuru Japanese Restaurant: Survival of the inconspicuous

PUBLISHED November 25th, 2013 02:13 am | UPDATED April 14th, 2016 05:49 pm

Singapore has been in the global limelight as of late for its impressive rapid climb into the top 10 wealthiest nations in the world. And like months to a flame, restaurants from the sandwich bars to the chi-chi start to burgeon. Diners are hit with a whirlpool of choices, each with their own ploys to grab public attention. It is be seen, or be squeezed out.

But surely it takes more than in-your-face marketing and a Michelin chef in the kitchen to survive in this industry? Local restaurateur Vera Wong proves so. She has been running Japanese restaurant Kuru Kuru for close to 7 years now and going strong, amidst stiff competition and rising rents. She believes that her secret to success is the undying commitment to quality of ingredients, a loyal and reliable service team and a whole lot of passion and dedication.

Kuru Kuru’s set lunches are popular, which attracts a healthy afternoon crowd everyday. On the weekends it is also packed, but this time with diners coming for its a la carte buffet. The buffet menu is extremely extensive with more than 140 items available. Though not all are up to mark, what everyone will be more concerned about is whether the sashimi is fresh. And it is – served as thick, generous slabs, the sashimi served in the buffet is exactly the same as those served a la carte. They even have hamachi and sea bass, which is a rare find in a buffet. Talk about getting your money’s worth! Also every 2 buffet diners will receive a piping seafood hotpot to share – sweet and satisfying broth; and definitely no scrimping on ingredients, its full to the brim with salmon, sea bass, prawns, vegetables and glass noodles.

At only $28++ and $32++ for lunch and dinner buffet, don’t expect gourmet fine-dining. But with reliable crowd-favourite sashimi and a menu selection that will ensure something for every preference, it’s the perfect choice for casual family get-togethers. Top up $4 to enjoy a free flow selection of drinks and desserts, or $29 for the alcohol buffet (sake buffs rejoice!).

The restaurant is in Valley Point Shopping Centre along River Valley Road. Inconspicuous as it is, being in such a remote location allows it to keep prices low.

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Written by M.