In Japanese mythology, the tanuki is a mythical shape-shifter with mischievous tendencies. In Singapore, there is also a tanuki, in the form of Japanese restaurant Tanuki Raw. Having heard so much about the restaurant inspired by this mysterious creature (and seen so many pictures of its mouth-watering food on Instagram), I was eager to find out for myself what the hype was all about this “mythical creature”.
Upon reaching the recently reopened branch of Tanuki Raw at Orchard Central, I was immediately drawn to the modern décor and the tall ceiling of the main dining area. The alfresco balcony area offers a great view of the surroundings, and lets in plenty of natural light. Not bad for a first impression.
The interior of Tanuki Raw with an island bar design
But, food was my main reason for the visit. We started our meal with two of Tanuki Raw’s signature cocktails: the Kyoto protocol and the Yuzu Gin Fizz. I absolutely adored the Yuzu Gin Fizz, and before I knew it, I emptied the glass even before our first dish arrived.
The Yuzu Gin Fizz and the Kyoto Protocol
Perhaps conscious of the salted egg craze since early this year, Tanuki Raw decided to jump onto the bandwagon with its Golden Kani Maki. Having tried salted egg fares for which the chefs went overzealous with the salted egg, I was pleasantly surprised that this golden kani maki has just the right amount of salted duck egg hollandaise. Not too much, not too overwhelming, this rolled maki with deep-fried in-house seasoned soft shell crab and fresh snow crab is a perfect way to start off dinner.
The Golden Kani Maki
Next up, the WHAM! fries! Uh huh, you heard it right, WHAM! fries. The dish was a tantalising combination of sweet potato fries with marshmallow, tanuki spice mix, mozzarella and sour cream. It was savoury and sweet at the same time. The combination might seem weird but surprisingly, it worked.
The WHAM! Fries
The negitori herumetto came next, and I have nothing but admiration for the genius who put together this fresh fatty tuna topped with super savoury umami cheese. I was literally licking the cheese because it was so addictive. There were lots of crunch with every bite because of the seaweed taco shells, as well as the solid stuffings of tomatoes, avocados, onions, and lettuce.
The Negitori Herumetto
This next one is the Fat Samurai deep-dish pizza on an umami charcoal crust. The flavourful duck confit and bacon and prawns and all the ingredients on top complemented one another effortlessly, and were sprinkled on generously. We couldn’t finish this between the two of us. I think it’s a portion good to be shared among three or four friends.
The Fat Samurai
The Umami charcoal crust
Our last dish came in the form of this Tanuki Kaisen Chirashi. Sashimi lovers, prepare to dig into a spread consisting of, but not limited to, uni, tuna, aburi salmon belly, scallop, sword fish, white tuna, ikura, tamago, ebiko and the list goes on. My dinner companion couldn’t stop gushing over how tasty the signature Tanuki mixed rice was. Tip: eat the tangy scallop and then take a bite of the rice in the same mouth.
The Tanuki Kaisen Chirashi
Last but not least, we ended our meal with Happy Hours oysters (oh, yes) and one more cocktail each, the Martinez and the gunpowder. It couldn’t have been a more perfect wrap to an already impeccable dinner.
The Martinez and the Gunpowder
Tanuki Raw at Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#04-01 Orchard Central
Singapore 238896
Tanuki Raw at Kapok
111 Middle Road
#01-05 National Design Centre
Singapore 188969
