Look forward to over 31 booths with an array of Japanese Spring specialities, such as Wagyu dishes, seafood snacks, taiyaki and more!
Venue: NEX Atrium Level 1
Date & Time:
- now to 23 Mar 2024: 10.30am to 9pm
- 24 Mar 2024: 10.30am to 8pm
Sakura Matsuri Fair by ISETAN @NEX
Indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine as NEX, in collaboration with ISETAN, welcomes the first breath of Spring with its highly anticipated annual Sakura Matsuri fair. Shoppers can indulge in a smorgasbord of scrumptious comfort foods, sweet treats, and premium fresh produce from 31 renowned brands. Happening from now to 24 March 2024, the fair will be held at NEX Atrium Level 1 where shoppers can look forward to various seasonal foods from Japan.
Here are some of the highlights of this year’s fair to keep an eye out for:
Exquisite Dishes from Land to Sea
Meat lovers, look no further! As their first foray into Singapore, Hakusuino Kara is bringing their Wagyu Hamburg & Steak Bento to the fair. Hailing from the Kumamoto Prefecture, the brand uses premium beef raised at Aso Mountain, creating a canvas for flavour that is as unique as it is scrumptious. The rich umami of the Wagyu beef harmonises with a symphony of flavours, from savoury to subtly sweet, creating an unforgettable experience.
If you are looking for an edible piece of art, Compton's Hiroshima Okonomiyaki ($14) is a culinary masterpiece that showcases a unique style of cooking. Layers of carefully piled ingredients, without mixing, create a visually stunning dish. The dough, made with a special flour/water ratio, ensures a fluffy texture. Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, fishmeal, and dashi broth, the noodles add depth and balance to the overall finish, making this okonomiyaki a true delight for the senses.
Shibazushi’s Red Snow Crab Sushi ($25) offers a tantalising blend of flavours you would not want to miss out on. The delicate sweetness of the snow crab meat is complemented by a subtle brininess. Dip the sushi with umami rich soy sauce and wasabi to add depth and complexity to the dish, showcasing the best of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.
For more seafood snacks, try the Tako Senbei ($8 per piece) from Meijuya. A must-try delicacy, Tako Senbei is an octopus cracker seasoned with soy sauce and pressed with a hot iron plate to make it flat and crisp. The cracker bursts with unique flavour and aroma that is great for a quick bite or paired with a refreshing glass of beer.
Elegant Desserts
Specialised in using Japanese apples, the Earl Grey Apple Pie ($7.50 per piece) from Feal is recognised as one of the top 100 dishes by a Japanese cooking magazine in 2023. The apple pie is “Kogyoku” flavoured with Earl Gray black tea with each bite unveiling a captivating fusion of textures and flavours. This snack is definitely a must try at the fair!
Taiyaki needs no further introduction - this versatile pastry is a must-have at any Japanese fair. Amane’s Taiyaki ($5 per piece) is a fish-shaped pancake that has long been popular in Japan. Made with Hokkaido azuki beans and a blend of seven flours, this irresistible sweet treat is the perfect snack for those who love a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
There’s no need to fly to Japan to try one of Tokyo’s beloved treats, Banana Cake ($10.90 for 4 pieces; $20.90 for 8 pieces) from Tokyo Banana! These fluffy, soft sponge cakes are filled abundantly with banana custard cream. They are made with real bananas pressed gently into a purée, with the utmost care given to create a taste that will be beloved by anyone. Pamper your taste buds with these delicious delicacies.
A traditional Japanese confectionery to look out for is Honzukuri Warabimochi ($21 for any 2 flavours) from Bashodo. Made from bracken starch, the Honzukuri Warabimochi has a squishy soft texture and melts quickly in your mouth. The mochi is dusted with a variety of flavours such as soybean powder, matcha, black sesame and cocoa to give the dessert nutty or umami notes.
Fresh Produce and Beverages
Experience a piece of the Japanese food culture with quality meat such as A4 Fresh Hitachi Wagyu Beef ($25 per 100g) from Niku Master. The marbled texture of the Wagyu beef is complemented by a smoky aroma when grilled to create rich and succulent flavour. Pair the beef with a simple bowl of rice to enhance the flavour for an ultimate gastronomical experience.
Embrace the irresistible charm of Hourando’s Mix Beans ($13 per 100g), the most popular bean snack at Kyoto, Arashiyama. This well-loved blend with mung beans captures the essence of Kyoto’s culinary heritage. This exquisite snack provides a taste of rich traditions and flavours in every bite, making it a must try at the fair.
Staying true to its name, the Kagatobi Junmai Daiginjo Ai ($68) from Fukushimitsuya is cool, collected and dignified. The sake is cultivated from top-tier Yamadanishiki sake rice and brewed with boundless dedication. Its fragrance evokes an image of a blooming meadow and is matched with an equally alluring flavour with the soft essence of mild fruit that lays soft on the palate.
Photo Credits: NEX & ISETAN
Sakura Kirakira Liqueur 11% ($47.50) from Kitaoka is a beautifully presented Japanese liquor made from cherry trees flowers delicately infused in neutral taste alcohol. It has a fruity sweet aroma of cherry and strawberry, accompanied closely by subtle floral notes of rose. The Sakura Kirakira Liqueur can be drunk as an aperitif or married in a cocktail as well.
Make sure to head down to NEX for a mouthwateringly good time at this year’s fair! Visit NEX’s website and Facebook for more information about the Sakura Matsuri Fair.
