Hearty Bowls and Bento Boxes
Ishiro Fusion Bowl is located at #01-02 East Village, is a dining spot that promises affordably priced rice bowls. Specialising in a variety of Japanese-inspired dishes, this outlet has garnered attention for its diverse menu that spans from rice bowls to udon, sides, and customisable bentos. However, not all experiences at Ishiro hit the mark, as I discovered with their Iberico Pork Bowl.
Ishiro Fusion Bowl
The Rice Bowls: A Mixed Experience
Rice bowls are the mainstay of Ishiro’s menu, offering a selection that caters to both traditional and modern palates. The Grilled Chicken Bowl (S$11.50) is a popular choice, featuring juicy chicken leg, onsen egg, chilli powder, seaweed, and condiments. It’s a well-rounded dish that embodies the comfort of Japanese home cooking.
For those seeking a richer flavour profile, the Aburi Chashu Bowl (S$13.90) delivers torched slices of tender pork belly, topped with an onsen egg, chilli powder, seaweed, and tempura bits. This dish captures the essence of a well-executed Japanese bowl with its combination of textures and flavours.
The Unagi Bowl (S$14.90) is another highlight, offering a tender piece of grilled eel with the usual accompaniments of onsen egg, chilli powder, seaweed, and tempura bits . The eel is perfectly cooked, with a slight char that adds depth to its sweet, savoury taste.
However, not all the rice bowls at Ishiro are as impressive. I tried the Iberico Pork Bowl (S$12.50), which features thinly sliced pork belly simmered in onion sauce, with the usual toppings of onsen egg, chilli powder, seaweed, and tempura bits. Unfortunately, this dish was a letdown.
The pork and rice was lukewarm and disappointingly tasteless, lacking the richness and warmth that one expects from a bowl like this.
Udon Bowls: A Warm Comfort
Ishiro also offers a range of Udon Bowls, perfect for those looking for a warm, comforting meal. The Mentaiko Salmon Bowl (S$13.90) is a standout, featuring torched mentaiko salmon paired with an onsen egg and traditional condiments. The creamy, slightly spicy mentaiko complements the rich salmon, making for a delightful bowl.
Another popular option is the Mentaiko Chicken Katsu Bowl (S$12.50), which combines breaded chicken with Japanese curry, potatoes, and carrots. This dish is a comforting blend of crispy and soft textures, with the curry providing a hearty base.
For those who enjoy seafood, the Deep Fry Salmon Belly Udon (S$11.50) offers crispy salmon belly served with udon in a miso broth. The broth is light yet flavourful, making it a great option for a satisfying meal that isn’t too heavy.
The Unagi Udon (S$14.90) is another must-try, featuring grilled eel served in a miso broth with Japanese fish cake. The eel adds a touch of luxury to the udon, elevating it from a simple noodle dish to something special.
Japanese Sides: Small Bites, Big Flavours
No Japanese meal is complete without a selection of sides, and Ishiro offers a variety of Japanese Sides that are perfect for sharing or as an accompaniment to their mains. The Agi Tofu (S$7.90) is a light and delicate option, perfect for those who enjoy the subtle flavours of tofu.
For something a bit more indulgent, the Tempura Prawn (5pcs for S$7.80) offers crispy prawns that are perfectly fried to a golden brown. They’re great as a starter or to complement one of the rice or udon bowls.
The Chicken Karage (6pcs for S$7.90) is another favourite, featuring tender pieces of chicken deep-fried to perfection. It’s a classic Japanese side that pairs well with almost anything on the menu.
One of the more unique offerings is the Crab Cream Croquettes (3pcs for S$7.90), which are rich and creamy, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a luxurious crab filling. These croquettes are a treat for those who enjoy seafood.
Customised Bento: A Personalised Meal Experience
For those who prefer a bit more control over their meal, Ishiro offers Customised Bento options, allowing diners to mix and match their favourite items. You can choose from a variety of proteins, such as the Sukiya Beef, Chicken, or Fish, and pair them with sides like onsen egg, Ishiro greens, and tempura bits. These bentos are perfect for those who want a balanced meal with their favourite ingredients.
The bento options are reasonably priced, with combinations starting from S$16.90. They offer great value, especially for those who are looking for a filling meal that covers all the bases.
Ishiro Fusion Bowl Outlets
Ishiro Fusion Bowl has multiple outlets across Singapore, each offering the same extensive menu. Here’s a quick overview of where you can find them:
| Outlet | Location | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl East Village | #01-02 East Village | 4.2 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Hougang) | 21 Hougang St 51, #01-02 Food Loft Coffeeshop | 4.1 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl x Yakiniku (Jalan Besar) | 100 Tyrwhitt Rd, The Lobby By Food Paradise | 3.6 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (AMK) | 151 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, block 151 Jin Guang Coffeeshop | 4.0 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Cosford Rd) | 30 Cosford Rd, #01-09 Cosford Container Park | 3.3 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl Jurong | 493 Jurong West Street 41, Tahoe Garden Coffeeshop | 4.0 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (One Holland Village) | 7 Holland Vlg Wy, #01-17 One Holland Village | 3.1 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Katong i12) | #02-12 Katong i12 Mall | 3.5 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Choa Chu Kang) | Choa chu kang Safra, 28 Choa Chu Kang Dr, Level 1 Food Paradise | 4.2 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (One-north) | 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent | 3.9 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Junction 9) | 18 Yishun Ave 9, #02-37 Junction Nine | 3.2 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Rochor) | 89 Short St | 4.8 |
| Ishiro Fusion Bowl (Square 2) | B1-131 Square 2 @ Novena | 3.6 |
Ishiro Fusion Bowl Final Thoughts
Ishiro Fusion Bowl at East Village offers a variety of options for anyone looking for a satisfying Japanese meal. While some dishes, like the Iberico Pork Bowl, may fall short of expectations, the menu’s breadth ensures that there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty rice bowl, comforting udon, or a customised bento, Ishiro Fusion Bowl delivers on its promise of hearty, delicious, and affordable meals.
