Be greeted by the wide rockscape as we set off at the foothills. Ascend upwards through the narrow crevice in the mountain that leads to the gastronomical experience at the Sushi Counter.
The restaurant’s ambience reflects conventional design, stylish dark wooden furniture, accentuated by the architectural and lighting design in a dark and contemporary arrangement where the diners sat. An intimate 13-seater fine dining sushi-ya, Taiga is helmed by Master Chef Taiga Kanekuni at Conrad Singapore Orchard. He is a Shokunin of Edomae sushi restaurants in Niigata and Tokyo, indisputable in preparation with impeccable technique and precision. Being a head chef at Taiga, he believes that it is an important role in showing the storied craft of Edomae sushi by intensifying the natural flavor of the food without changing it.Appetizer 1 – The omakase kicks off with chawanmushi topped with generous servings of premium black caviar. The soft egg custard simply melts in the mouth and ends with an ocean of mild saltiness from the black caviar.Appetizer 2 – Sakura fish tempura is served with a side of horse radish. Flaky and fresh fish without any fishy smell or taste, while the thin batter is crisp and flavourful. Appetizer 3 – Warm your tummy with dashi broth before moving to the nicely-pressed sushi. This soup is also served with a slice of firm fish cake, tempura crumbs and Japanese chives.Sea bream sushi has a lovely clean taste and firm meaty texture. Also, served with homemade pickles from kochi, such that we could cleanse our palate in between courses of sushi.Amberjack sushi is served with a tap of wasabi, the firm and slightly sweet white fish is pleasant. Sea perch is slightly seasoned over charcoal, resulting in a nice smoky aftertaste. Had two yummy pieces as I’m skipping all tuna sushi including Chutoro.If you’re craving for a stronger and oily mouthfeel dark meat, bonito from Kochi prefecture is good for you. The fishy taste is way too strong for us.Blue fish is oily and soft in taste, served with a tap of wasabi to remove any fishy taste.The thickly sliced squid tastes surprisingly mild and comes with a light sweetness that makes it enjoyable with Japanese sushi rice and a tap of wasabi.Botan shrimp is thick and firm to bite with a sweet taste. Botan shrimp is the tastiest when it is served shortly after preparation. It’s so fresh that you can see the ebi tail is “dancing”.Not your usual mini bowl, it is well mixed with creamy uni and seven mixed spices. Double happiness when I received TWO TYPES OF UNI (Bafun & auction grade Murasami uni from Hokkaido)!!! Creamy with a subtle umami flavor profile, simply an indulgence to have!A quality cup of Hojicha and Kyoto miso soup are served hot. The hojicha leaves a nicely toasty and mellow taste while the soup is comforting and full of savory flavours. A savory dessert is served, castella cake is topped with summer white truffles and maple syrup.
