Emporium Shokuhin has recently completed a revamp and have created a new Casual Dining Zone consisting of 3 brand new concept, Shio & Pepe, an Japanese-Italian Restaurant and Ishizuchi Sake Bar are the first 2 which we recently explored. Last but not least is Kome Kome offering healthier option food, we will leave it to the next round.
Shio & Pepe, means Salt and Pepper in Japanese, took over the space formerly occupied by a Shabu Shabu restaurant. The interior of the restaurant is modern with casual and warm feel.
Menu at Shio & Pepe offers an array of Japanese infused elements in the Italian fare. Featuring Omu Rice, Hamburg, Pasta and Pizza.
Two of our favourite appetisers are the Mentaiko Fries ($7.50++) and Chicken Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce, 6pcs ($9.90+). The former was shoe string fries with mentaiko and nori (seaweed). These is a killer combination as it was proven too addictive. We could stop till the entire plate was combed.
For those who hold their spice well, could turn to the equally addictive buffalo wings. These reminds me of the Spicy Yangnyum Korean Fried Chicken Wings.
The signatur dish at Ship & Pepe is the Maine Lobster with Camembert Cheese Pizza ($36++). I don’t don’t usually order seafood pizza but this one changed my mind after trying it. I suppose the secret was the freshness of the seafood, both lobster and prawn and the amount of cheese and tomato sauce in the perfect proportion.
Another dish that change my perspective among vegetarian pizza was the Yasai Garlic Butter Pizza ($14.90++). The last one we have at Follia was disappointing and avoided vegetarian pizza as much as I could. I was glad that I tried this. The difference was in the vegetables. At Shio & Pepe, the vegetables wasn’t baked together with the pizza crust as such retained the moisture and retained the crunch. In addition, the garlic butter on the base of the crust and mushroom was at its excellence combination.
If you are a fan of Mentaiko sauce, there are 2 more dishes you have to try, Mentaiko Cream Linguine ($15.50++) and Mentaiko Aglio Olio ($15.50++). Each has a subtle difference. Personally, I prefer the former as the creaminess together with the mentaiko accentuated the flavour.
Some prefer the latter though. I suppose having it with Aglio Olio allows one to savour the maximum flavour of Mentaiko on its won.
White Wine Vongole ($16.50++) was good though may not be the best. As I find the broth was a little too overwhelming in terms of the savoury flavour. I prefer it to savour mainly the natural sweetness of the clams and the light aroma of white wine.
This is the first time I love a Tomato based pasta dish. The lightly tomato, complemented with seafood and chilli padi in the Spicy Seafood Arrabbiata ($17.50++) proved to be the formula that delight my palate. The most attractive part of the dish was the amount and the size of the fresh seafood.
For those who love Hamburg Steak, can opt for either the Hamburg Steak with Kimchi ($21.80++) or the Hamburg Steak with Oroshi Ponzu ($19.80++). We find the beef patty a little dry and for some they find the size to be overhelming. It really depend on your preference. Personally, I it with Oroshi Ponzu. Both the Kimchi and Ponzu does help to cut through the meatiness, lighten the cloying feel of meat.
Last category was the Omu Rice. First was the Creamy Mushroom and Chicken Omu Rice ($17.80++), for the non-beef diners. Mushroom and chicken are always a save pairing. Hidden beneath the omelette was savoury tomato rice.
Next is the Wagyu Beef Stew Omu Rice ($22.80++). The beef chunk in the stew was brisket. The light chewy texture with the lightly sweet sauce was appetising to have it with both the rice and egg.
Remember to leave some stomach space for the Waffle. It is certainly one of the best waffle in Singapore. The waffle was made using homemade batter. It was flavourful; filled with buttery scent. Topped it up with Double Scoop Gelato and these cost $11.40++. At Shio & Pepe, they are serving the award winning gelato from Italy, Giovanni L. Gelato. In case you are wondering what were the 2 flavours on our waffle, they are Chocolate VIC and Tahiti Lemon with Basil.
NAHMJ Verdict
Meal at Shio & Pepe was extremely enjoyable. I thought it would be most suitable for the family with kids, from the menu to the ambience, it was designed for the family.
Shio & Pepe
6 Raffles Boulevard #01-18 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 6812 2174
Website: http://www.emporiumshokuhin.com.sg/dining/SHIO-PEPE
Opening Hours
Daily 1130 to 2200
Getting There
By MRT:
- Circle line – Esplanade
- Circle line or Downtown line – Promenade
- North-South or East-West line – City Hall
By Bus:
- Esplanade along Raffles Ave 36, 56, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97e, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960
- Pan Pacific Hotel along Raffles Boulevard 36, 107M
- Suntec Convention Centre along 36, 70M, 97, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 502, 502A, 518, 518A, 531, 700A, 857, 868
Rating: 7.5/10
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