Le Binchotan @ Amoy Street

~Invited Session~

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Le Binchotan joins a slew of restaurants whose entrance is at the back alley of a road and entering it is akin to  stepping into a completely different  experience altogether.

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Designed with an underground bar in mind, the bar is a beauty of its own with the amount of woodwork and clever usage of mirrors.

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For diners, there are corners like these except tables are actually pretty close to each other.


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Amuse bouche for the night was a foam emulsion.

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Chicken Liver ($15)
Bonito, Ponzu Dressing, Shallot, Chives

A light salad topped with chicken liver, I adored the velvety chunks that tried to make liver less sinful with the greens.

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Madai ($25)
Smoked Sea Bream, Eggplant, Radish, Sherry Vinegrette

A modern take on sashimi with vinegared touches.

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Amela Tomatoes ($19)
Raspberry Meringue, Pickled Hijki, Cherry Tomatoes, Lime

The raspberry meringue was the highlight of this refreshing bowl of tomatoes.

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Foie Gras ($21) 
Shaven Foie Gras, Daikon, Dashi Gelée, Shitake

Shaven foie gras made to look like wood chips that ended up high on novelty than taste. I found the chips too melt in the mouth in the otherwise very japanese creation.

Their skewers are a selfish category on its own, and prices stated are for single portions. 

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Wagyu striploin ($15)

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Shishito ($9)

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Gizzard ($9)
Pommery Mustard, Tare

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Tenkasu ($15)
Deep-fried Enoki, Mushroom Ragout, Pickled Daikon

These enoki tempura are best eaten hot and better still with a bowl of steaming hot rice.

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Capellini ($19)
Sakura Ebi, Shio Kombu, Chives

Angel hair pasta has stood the test of time and remains one of the classic dishes that I veer towards everytime it is sighted on the menu. Portions are good for sharing and lovely flavours - sakura ebi and shio kombu always works.

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Iberico Pork Jowl ($35)
Katsu Curry, Green Apple, "Charcoal" Pumpkin

Pork Jowl pan fried gave a crispy exterior and chewy meat shreds, the charcoal pumpkin and green apple puree gave this a creative twist and texture.

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Angus Short Rib ($39)
Leek, Nagaimo, Korusu Jus

Man food made for sharing, the short rib and fat ratio was pretty even throughout the chunk. Perfectly braised infact.

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Emperor Snapper "En Papillote" ($33)
Sudachi Fumet, Tofu, Cherry Tomato

It is a pity this item will soon be removed from their menu and I regard this as a pre-hangover delight, hearty and very comforting with that dash of sake in the broth and those well simmered fish chunks. Ah, tasty.


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Coconut ($15)
Cremeux, Matcha, Raspberry Bits

A cross between panna cotta and creme brulee, this milk pudding number topped with bittersweet matcha powder and tangy raspberry bits proved to be a lovely sweet end to the meal.

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Smoked Chocolate ($15)
Frozen Blueberry, Yogurt

I am not so sure about this smoked chocolate though, dense and almost like flourless chocolate cake. A slight mismatch with the frozen blueberries and yogurt that could be passed off as a separate dessert on its own.

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They have a range of cocktails up the bartenders sleeve for a happy night out. I'd say ask for drink recommendations for some good pairings with their dishes.

Le Binchotan
115 Amoy Street #01-04 (Entrance via Gemmill Lane)

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