Satsuma: Grills For All!

My girlfriend wanted to eat something Japanese for her birthday this year, so I hunted high and low for something different. No more conveyor belts or serious chef counters, I managed to find something different: Satsuma!



Located at Gallery Hotel, it was one of the unique micro restaurants housed in double storey container-like structures. Level 1 was mainly for drinking sessions while the upstairs setting was cosy with only a handful of tables. Satsuma actually specialised in grills and Shochu (Not Sake!), but since we were not really drinkers, we gave the alcohol a pass and opted for brewed citrus tea ($4.00) instead.



Complimentary Vegetable Bowl, Salmon Sashimi ($15.00)

They probably provide the veggie sticks because 1st) they don't want you to have an overkill of skewered meat and 2nd) there isn't much vegetable choices in the menu anyway. It indeed had its uses in between dishes, refreshing our tastebuds and came with a sesame-like savoury dip.

We also had the sashimi for starter as girlfriend was craving for it. Fresh and thick-cut, there isn't really much to complain/compliment about it.


Okonomiyaki ($6.00)

I would strongly recommend this one for ordering! While you usually see Okonomiyaki in a pancake shape, the version here came in sizes of ping-pong balls and tasted excellent! The outside was brown and crispy, but you soon sink your teeth into the pipping hot semi-solid mixture. Topped with spring onions and mayonnaise, it was one of its kind!



Prawn and Scallop rolled with Bacon ($10.00), Enoki Mushrooms rolled with Pork ($6.00)

I love prawns, and I love scallops. So the first one was a perfect combo for me. Succulent and juicy, there is no need for any seasoning with the inclusion of bacon strips. The second one was also a personal favourite with the crunchy texture of mushrooms and fatty pork slices. Both tasted great with a drip of tingy lemon!



Pork Cutlet with Cheese and Miso ($9.00), Oyster Ommelette ($12.00)

We took this two since it was on the list of chef recommendations. The cheese within was melted wonderfully, giving you that pizza feel when you pull them apart, while the miso sauce was an interesting addition to the tender cutlet.

You tend to compare the 2nd one with chinese Orh Luak, but its a slightly different version with runnier eggs and mushrooms, served in a slightly sweet broth. And though there were only 3 pieces of oysters, it was those big juicy type that bursted with natural goodness!


Clockwise, Grilled Unagi ($9.00), Soft Shell Crab ($12.00), Grilled Rice ($3.00), Grilled Eggplant ($3.00)

We also had some other grills and dishes which included unagi and soft shell crab which was good but not spectacular. The eggplant was surprisingly juicy given its dry look, but not much people appreciate eggplants these days eh? The last one was perhaps the only disappointment for the whole meal. The rice was too burnt and too salty to be enjoyed, perhaps it just happened that the chef overlooked it?

Bill for two was $102.30 after taxes. Given its courteous Japanese-style service, unique atmosphere and the wide range of dishes we tried, the money was rather worth it. Do give it a visit if you are tired of bento and sushi sets, and oh, the okonomiyaki that I will be coming back for!