Tendon (short for Tempura Donburi) is not what first comes to mind when one thinks of Japanese cuisine – it is often overlooked for Ramen, the ever pleasing-to-the-eye Bara Chirashi Don, or sushi. The humble tendon is basically a bowl of glistening Japanese rice covered with deep fried tempura and could be drizzled with a light soy dressing or have the sauce served by the side. If you’re looking for a new Japanese dish to try, we have sourced out several places that serve up light and crisp tempura goodness.
1. Ginza Tendon Itsuki
Located in Tanjong Pagar, Ginza Tendon Itsuki is Ramen Keisuke’s eighth new concept outlet. Being one of Singapore’s most renowned Japanese chefs/restauranteurs, Keisuke’s tendons are a sure hit among patrons. There are two types of Japanese Tendon available – the Special Tendon $13.90, and Vegetable Tendon $12.90.
Address
101 Tanjong Pagar Road
Singapore 088522
Contact
+65 6221 6678
Opening Hours
11:30AM – 2:30PM, 5:30PM – 10PM daily.
More information here.
2. Kohaku Tempura
One of the most hyped Tendon restaurants recently, Kohaku Tempura is not just a pretty bowl of rice. For $15++, patrons are served with a generous serving of fresh tempura goodies, and quality rice and sauce. Some highlights include their signature Kohaku Tendon ($15), Vegetable Tendon ($14), Spicy Flavour ($15) and Vegetable Spicy Flavour ($14). Do expect to wait as the lines during peak hours are usually very long.
Address
Suntec City Mall
Eat At 7, 3 Temasek Boulevard #03-311
Singapore 038983
Contact
+65 6333 4386
Opening Hours
11AM – 10:30PM
More information here.
3. Ryu’s Japanese Restaurant
A hidden gem, Ryu’s tempura chef relocated from a famous Tokyo tempura restaurant and now serves up its delectable, humble Tendon bowls $25. Served with 2 prawns and fresh vegetables, covered and fried in a light and airy batter, the dish is a testament to his experience and expertise.
Address
Capitol Piazza #01-87
15 Stamford Road
Singapore 178906
Contact
+65 6384 9087
Opening Hours
12PM – 12AM daily.
More information here.
4. Haru Haru
Unexpectedly housed in Ang Mo Kio’s Jubilee Square, Haru Haru serves up Tendon bowls that are not only affordable, but also of pretty good quality. Their regular Tendon goes for $10.80, while their Premium Tendon $21.90 is served with a deep fried large sea prawn with vegetables and a sweet-savoury tendon sauce served separately.
Address
61 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #02-03
Jubilee Square
Singapore 569814
Contact
+65 6451 3201
Opening Hours
Mon – Thurs 11:30AM – 3PM, 5:30PM – 10PM
Fri – Sun 11:30AM – 10PM
More information here.
5. Ginza Kuroson
Conveniently located in Orchard, Ginza Kurosan is usually more renowned for its sashimi, but its tendons do not fare any worse. Their Tempura Don $26 is light in flavour, served with juicy prawns, vegetables and mushrooms.
Address
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Rd #03-10
Singapore 238873
Contact
+65 6235 3785
Opening Hours
11:30AM – 2PM, 6PM – 10PM
More information here.
6. Manzoku
Located in the up and coming hipster paradise that is Purvis Street (or in the Bras Basah district), Manzoku serves up an affordable bowl of tempura goodness. Their Tendon ($14), rice with tempura, is drizzled over with a light soy dressing that is not too overwhelming. They are also popular for their bara chirashi dons, so those who are a fan of the colourful bowls have another option besides the tendon.
Address
18 Purvis Street #01-01
Singapore 188597
Contact
+65 67344436
Opening Hours
11:30AM – 3PM, 6PM – 10PM daily.
More information here.
7. Don Meiji
Serving over ten different types of donburi, some highlights at Don Meijin include their Spicy Chilli Crab Tendon $14.80 and their Signature Tendon $13.80. The former is a bowl of rice generously draped with black tiger prawns tempura covered in chilli snow crab sauce. The signature tendon features lightly battered and deep fried vegetables and seafood, inclusive of two black tiger prawns, asparagus, pumpkin, seasonal fish fillet, eggplant, and kakiage.
Address
201 Victoria Street, Bugis+ #04-10
Singapore 188607
Contact
+65 6238 1011
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri 11AM – 10:30PM
Sat, Sun, PH 10:30AM – 10:30PM
More information here.
Read our review of Don Meijin here.
