Uni is one of the most prized ingredients for Japanese cuisine, and is usually served in modest portions; so we were shocked to discover this underrated spot in Singapore that not only has pocket-friendly uni dons from just $21.20++, but even serves them with an entire tray of uni!
Hana-hana Japanese Restaurant is located in Tanjong Pagar, and is a little bit of a hole-in-the-wall joint, nestled at Level 1 of Orchid Hotel Singapore. Space at the restaurant is limited to several counter seats, with a no-frills izakaya-style ambience. Prices for their kaisendons start from just $15.20++, but we were most curious to see their uni dons to see just how generous they are with the uni.
Uni Kaisendon, $21.20++
Uni Kaisendon + Uni Upgrade (+$16), $37.20++
Boy, we were not disappointed: the Uni Kaisendon ($21.20++) comes with a seasonal mix of marinated salmon, hamachi, maguro, baby scallop and whelk before the glorious tray of uni is added on top as the pièce de résistance. And yes, the uni tray is included with the $21.20++ price of the kaisendon itself. The kaisendon comes with half the tray of uni, but if you want even more you can upgrade to the full tray for an additional $16—though the half tray is plenty of uni already.
Uni Ikura Don, $28.80++
There’s also an Uni Ikura Don ($28.80++) that’s purely topped with scoops of ikura and a half tray of uni as well. Both versions of the uni don came with sheets of cut seaweed that you can use to make DIY uni handrolls with. The tray of uni is probably one of the most generous servings we’ve seen at any Japanese restaurant in Singapore—the tray itself is nearly as big as the palm of a hand! We didn’t have to scrimp on the uni while eating, as there was enough uni to go around for each bite.
We’re told that the uni served is Ita uni from Fukuoka that’s flown in regularly, but with the amount of uni we’re getting at such an affordable price point, we were a little skeptical about the uni’s quality. After trying it out for ourselves, we’re happy to report that the uni was fresh indeed: sweet and buttery with no hint of bitterness at all.
All kaisendons also come with complimentary side dishes that rotate daily, miso soup and free flow tea, making the price you’re paying even more value-for-money. If you’re dining in at Hana-hana, you even have the option to choose your rice: pink sakura powder-infused rice or regular white steamed rice. While the pink-hued rice was unique and pretty to look at, we felt that it added little additional flavour to the rice and was actually a little dry compared to regular rice.
If you’re an uni lover, Hana-hana’s uni dons are definitely a satisfactory option in terms of quantity and affordability. But for just ~$20 per bowl, don’t expect to be getting the most premium or top-of-the-line uni like you would at higher-end restaurants or omakases. The uni dons are available daily for walk-ins, and you’re encouraged to visit earlier in the day/week for the uni dons to prevent any disappointment!
Price: $; ~$15-25++ per person
Taste: 7/10
Must-try item(s): Uni Kaisendon
Hana-hana Japanese Restaurant
Address: 1 Tras Link, #01-17 Orchid Hotel Singapore, Singapore 078867
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 11.45am-2.30pm & 6.30pm-10.30pm; Saturday, 12pm-2.30pm & 6.30pm-10.30pm
