Nanbantei (5 Jun)

Someone has reviewed Nanbantei as the "Pioneer of Japanese Yakitori". Apparently, Nanbantei has been around for more than 20 years at Far East Plaza and has received many "Wine & Dine" Awards.

Hubby brought me there after he had a lunch experience. Very small humble place where all the actions are. From what we could see, it could only sit 30 pax. We suspect there is more room inside but which we couldn't see. So make sure you are there super early, or leave your name & contact with them, go take a walk & shop around while waiting for them to call.

Nanbantei's specialty is yakitori, and of all sorts ranging from vege to meat/seafood and even gingko nuts! Yes, it was the first time I've had grilled gingko nuts!! Never thought it could be done that way. I was very skeptical when I was served but the minute I put it into my mouth, I fell in love with it! The chef splatters natural sea salt on the items and I read that the charcoal they use is directly imported from Japan.

The range of items is quite good and because we don't know what to order, we took the easy way out and went for its set orders. We ordered a Set A (S$34) and Set B (S$32). Set A includes... err... don't know how many and types of sticks... My Set B came with sashimi and chef's choice of 8 sticks of yakitori. The sets came with rice and miso soup and at the end of the meal, dessert which is red bean with one piece of mochi.

-> sashimi
-> asparagus wrapped with pork + some meat
-> mushroom + lady's finger wrapped with pork
-> lady's finger + cherry tomato wrapped with pork
-> some fatty pork + don't know what meat haha!
-> fresh king prawn!
-> think that's beef + something else hahha!
-> dessert - red bean + mochi

Actually the sets weren't filling enough.. yah, not enough even for a small eater like me (well, I was hungry)... so we ordered 3 more items: oysters, salmon and squid. Most of the vege and meat ala carte items cost between S$4 to S$6 for 2 sticks. The oyster cost S$7.50 for 2 sticks which has only 2 pieces. Quite ex but it's very yummy!

oyster wrapped with pork topped with grated radish. VERY GOOD!

salmon topped with butter. we thought this dish was "so-so".


sweet juicy squid which doesn't break your jaw while trying to chew it. you know what i mean? quite a big portion - good for 3-4pax

Oh, the minute you sit down, they will serve you vege appetiser - cabbage, carrot & cucumber stick. If you don't like or don't want, you can ask the waitress to take it away cos this is chargeable. Not sure how much. No charge for green tea too. Our meal came to S$105 ;p

It's another "must-try" places I want to recommend. Perhaps try lunch first cos its set lunch prices are less expensive - less than $15 according to my hubby. I definitely will go back for lunch some day... kakis anyone??

Recommended items: asparagus wrapped with pork, oyster wrapped with pork, gingko nuts and squid.