(Sumo-Ya has since vacated their space at Nankin Row. They have also subsequently re-branded themselves as Chirashizushi Shou, and operate at multiple location across the island. Click here to find out more about Chirashizushi Shou via their website.)
Opened for quite some time at China Square Central, Sumo-Ya is probably best known for their value-for-money Chirashi bowls that deliver in terms of quality.
Sumo-Ya occupies a small space along the main road; the space sits approximately just more than 20 pax, with the interior being decorated with Japanese cloths and the walls plastered with Japanese posters — the furnishings being more on the functional side. Its menu comprises of several sections, ranging from Oden to Tori Paitan Ramen, Donburi and Kaisen Don options, with a decent variety of ala-carte sides being available as well.
(Satsuma-Age Oden)
Going for their Oden, we ordered the Satsuma-Age; essentially fried fish cake served in a chicken collagen broth, the broth was rich and savoury, while the fish cake was incredibly smooth and soft whilst carrying a firm bite.
(Sumo Spicy Yakiniku Ramen)
We also went for the Sumo Spicy Yakiniku Ramen; the Ramen comes with their Tori Paitan broth that is painstakingly cooked for six hours, while the pork slices stir-fried in a special sauce. For those who prefer non-spicy options, the Sumo Yakiniku Ramen is the same exact item less the spiciness. This was an item we found to be of incredible value; the Sumo Spicy Yakiniku Ramen is essentially what meat-lovers would exactly enjoy — the 280g of sliced pork made the thin Hakata-style noodles seem as though they were mere accompaniments in the dish. While the noodles are being done softer here, the sliced pork was immensely tender and easy to chew; not too meaty, though dominated the entire bowl in terms of portion size — a really generous serving of meat. The broth itself carries a slight hint of savouriness but is largely also a mix of spiciness and sweetness that grows with every sip for an umami flavour. While some may argue that this is not quite the conventional bowl of ramen one would expect from a Japanese eatery, this was an item that we felt that we thoroughly enjoyed anyway.
(Truffle Bara Chirashi Don)
Having heard raving reviews of their Truffle Bara Chirashi Don, we were intrigued to give it a go. True to the words from others, the Truffle Bara Chirashi Don is yet another item that hit the spot here. Featuring an assortment of diced, raw fish served cold stops a bed of sushi rice that carries a slight hint of vinegary sweetness, the consistent temperature and freshness of the fish was already checked off the right boxes; the cubes of fish were also chunky, giving the Truffle Bara Chirashi Don texture while the hint of truffle amidst the fish just gives it ample flavour without overwhelming the natural flavours of the fish. All Kaisen Don sets come with a side of salad, which features Goma dressing as well as a bowl of Miso Soup on the side. All in all, the harmonious blend of texture and aesthetics with a good balance and contrast of flavours that makes their variant truly stand out from the other bowls we have had; one with the details well taken care of, though the portion of rice may come a little small for some.
Overall, Sumo-Ya is a hidden gem in the heart of town; not only were the prices affordable, the quality of the food and its execution is certainly being well taken care of at its price point. There is no doubt that the food is worth making a trip for; sure, the Sumo Spicy Yakiniku Ramen may be something less conventional that may be slightly controversial for some, but the Truffle Bara Chirashi Don is very much a crowd pleaser that is done surprisingly well, exceeding expectations for its affordability. While service is decent, Sumo-Ya is a spot that is worthy of visiting; a place that would certainly do well for the office folks who are willing to make the slight occasional splurge to treat themselves with Japanese cuisine whenever they can.
Sumo-Ya 相扑屋 3 Pickering Street #01-52 Nankin Row Singapore 048660
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