Unique Japanese Otsumami and Wappameshi at MUSUBI Japanese Tapas & Seiro Gohan Opens at Jem®

Embark on a culinary escapade with MUSUBI Japanese Tapas & Seiro Gohan. A new casual dining concept by the renowned Suntory Food & Beverage International (SFBI) – a subsidiary of Suntory Group – which also manages the popular SUN with MOON Japanese Dining & Café in town. Serving heartlanders in the West, MUSUBI officially opened on 10 October 2022 at Jem®. 

Step into the inviting, rustic yet modern space outfitted with a timeless touch of wood elements that offer a warm and homely dining environment for diners to grab a light bite or catch up with friends and loved ones over food and drinks. Three massive circular lamps resembling life-size bamboo steamer baskets, used in the traditional cooking of Wappameshi or flavored steamed rice topped with ingredients, extend from the ceiling. MUSUBI’s signature Seiro Gohan is also drawn from this same cooking technique. They draw the eye inward to the comfortable booth seats below that carve an intimate space for families or larger groups for a tete-a-tete. 

Delight in authentic dishes from Japan at MUSUBI Japanese Tapas & Seiro Gohan with a delightful selection of signature dishes throughout the day. Expect a tightly curated range of Japanese rice bowls – Seiro Gohan – Inspired by the traditional culinary art of Wappameshi for lunch. Indulge in a spot of afternoon tea with the café menu featuring the MUSUBI High-Tea Set that comprises a combination of small Japanese desserts with a choice of drink. For dinner, allow MUSUBI to guide your palate to the flavourful Japanese otsumami or small plates, belly-warming steam pots, and more that is best paired with a tipple.

At MUSUBI, one of the highlights featured prominently on the menu is the homemade koji which is a great source of probiotics and is known to help improve gut health and enhance nutrient absorption. Enjoy the varied nuances of koji, which brings out punchy umami notes when used in everything from steamed to fried tapas, and alcoholic beverages to dessert! At MUSUBI, enjoy an array of homemade koji flavors such as shio-koji, shoyu-koji, and even tomato-koji and lemon-koji. They are uniquely made in-house through a process of fermentation.

What is Koji?

A fermented food used in Japanese cuisine comes with good health benefits. Koji is made using a naturally occurring fermentation culture that is a great source of probiotics. The enzymes present in koji break down complex carbohydrates and proteins into glucose and amino acids. These compounds released by the action of the koji add flavor, depth, and a number of health benefits to foods. One of the amino acids released is glutamate, which imparts an intensely satisfying and delicious savory taste known as umami. This, combined with the simple sugars released, ensure that foods made using koji have a uniquely rounded and deep flavor.

The Menu

Fuel up with MUSUBI’s hearty steamed rice bowls, Seiro Gohan, for lunch while indulging in a nibble or two of tasty Japanese otsumami and Shabu Shabu at affordable prices for dinner. 

Some of MUSUBI’s signature Seiro Gohan not to be missed include Lemon-koji Chicken Seiro Gohan (Lunch Set: $14.00, Dinner a la carte: $12.50), Melty Braised Pork Belly Seiro Gohan (Lunch Set: $16.00, Dinner a la carte: $14.50), Saikyo-miso Saba Mentai Seiro Gohan (Lunch Set: $15.5, Dinner a la carte: $14.00) and more. The value-for-money Lunch Set includes Yuzu Tonjjiru or Crab gravy Chawanmushi. How about trying a bit of everything with the daily limited MUSUBI Komachi Lunch Set, MUSUBI Komachi Zen ($25.00), which consists of your choice of Seiro Gohan, mini chawanmushi, yuzu tonjiru miso soup and six small dishes.

Besides a staple of flavored rice options, MUSUBI presents slurp-worthy noodles and soup dishes such as Hotate Tomato-koji Udon ($15.00) and Shoyu-koji Beef Niku Udon ($13.50) that are perfect for rainy days.

Enjoy a greater variety with MUSUBI’s Japanese otsumami at wallet-friendly prices that goes perfectly with a selection of specially curated drinks. From steamed to grilled, cold to fried Japanese tapas options, one will be spoilt for choice with mouth-watering choices. The Steamed Ika Shu Mai ($7.80, 4pcs), Steamed Iberico Pork Shabu Shabu ($13.80), Salmon & Hotate Wasabi ($7.50), Goma Tofu with Crab Gravy Sauce ($10.00) and Lemon-koji Karaage ($8.00) comes highly recommended among others.

Specialty Drinks

Explore a specially curated selection of refreshing tipples such as MUSUBI Lemon-koji Sour ($6.00), SUI Gin Lemon Soda ($8.00), Lemon-koji Premium Malt’s ($6.00), Yuzu Highball ($7.00), Kakubin Highball ($8.50), Chita Whisky ($10.00 per glass) and Sake (from $25.00 for 300ml) for the perfect otsumami pairing.

An exciting range of non-alcoholic beverages is also available. Savor a comforting sip with options such as Japanese Fukamushi Tea ($4.00), Sen Cha with Basil ($4.00), aromatic coffee ($3.50), DIY Matcha ($4.00), MUSUBI Nigori Lemonade ($5.80) and more. In particular, the Amasake Booster (from $7.50) in bright flavors such as Green Apple, Mango, and Mix Berry is a must-try! The fermented beverage is a health booster made from malted rice and is naturally sweet, with incredible nutritional value and beauty benefits. Amasake contains over 100 kinds of beneficial nutrients and is rich in vitamins that promote gut health, boost immunity, and improve blood circulation and skin firmness among others. It also gives the feeling of fullness to prevent overeating and is non-alcoholic and safe for children to drink too. 

Sweet Beginnings at MUSUBI

Make space for dessert with an array of sweet treats from Homemade Kokuto Pudding ($5.00) to MUSUBI Lemon-koji Sorbet ($4.00), Matcha Burnt Cheese Cake ($8.00) to Tiramisu Mille-Crêpe ($5.00) and bite-sized nibbles of Yuzu Macaron ($2.50) and Kokuto Manju ($2.50). Savor them together with a cup of iced coffee or hot tea any time of the day.