Sumiya Tropical Dessert | S$18.80/++
With a presentation that would wow your guests, the hand-carved ice bowl comes in limited quantities. If you look at the bowl closely, you would find it being crafted with just ice and seaweed! While it was melting when we indulged on it, don't worry, you will have enough time to finish it before it becomes a mess on the table! Tasting like our more familiar local favourite Bobo Chacha, this is the Japanese rendition with cubes of mango, watermelon, rock melon, sago, green tea ice cream and red bean paste in coconut milk sauce.
Mango & Yoghurt with Matcha Ice Cream | S$8.80/++
With chunks of mango and green tea ice cream in a creamy yoghurt, the tang was a little too much for my preference on the first spoonful but subsequent servings went surprisingly well.
Pumpkin-filled Karinto Manju with Matcha Ice Cream | S$8.80/++
My favourite dessert among the lot, the crispy deep-fried Japanese cake was stuffed with pumpkin, served with green tea ice cream and sweet red bean paste. I loved the variation in textures from the crispy cake to the mashy pumpkin and ice cream that melted in my mouth. The sweetness was enough to please, just shy of satiating your appetite.
As mentioned earlier, one of the key highlights at Sumiya is the offering of a circular Enomatic sake dispenser which is probably the first and only so far in Singapore. Displaying up to 16 different types of sake ranging from light easy-to-drink brews to premium full-bodied versions, diners have the luxury of tasting them in smaller portions (20ml/glass) before deciding on the preferred version for a half glass (60ml) or full portion (120ml). This allows diners the flexibility to sample various types of sake, particularly with the seasonal specials! Prices start from S$2.20/++ per glass.
With different types of seating arrangement to cater for families, business functions or simply get-together with friends, we were particularly attracted by this wall lined full of old records specially imported from Japan!
In terms of service, it is arguably true that Japanese restaurants typically ensure that their servers give nothing but the best and we later learnt that the manager give a run-down to make sure everyone learns how to greet guests in Japanese.
Overall, it was a good dining experience and with quality comes price. The air-flown quality seafood can also be enjoyed in Sumiya's latest sake-pairing 5-course menu offered at S$68.80/++ per person. We would definitely return for the Ryoshi Mushi, sashimi and also to try out other types of sake!
Overall Verdict: 7.5/10
Sumiya
Suntec City (Sky Garden, North Wing, Tower 2)
#03-332/333
Singapore 038983
Tel: (65) 62351816
Website: www.sumiya.com.sg