Unlike most people that I know, I don't consider Japanese food as my favorite cuisine, but I respect it. I love the philosophy of using fresh and simple ingredients in creating satisfying and healthy dishes. I also love the attention to detail and that regard for aesthetics in Japanese cooking. For me, it doesn't matter if Japanese food is authentic or not - as long as it has the taste profile that I usually equate to Japanese cooking, I'm solved. I was invited by a friend to a lunch party in Watami in Shang's new East Wing, and I have nothing but praises for this outlet. First off, Watami's price points are quite cheap, considering that great Japanese elsewhere would have you hemmorhaging out of your pockets.
For a reasonable price, we had some really fun and interactive food experience such as the sukiyaki beef (which we cooked directly on our table, with the aid of a friendly server), and the beef short ribs (which was pan fried to our liking on the table, still by a wonderful attendant who helped us out, amateurs as we were). I also love how the bento lunch meals are just delicious. They are filling and they came in such big servings that it really is a treat that even those on a relatively low budget can still enjoy well-prepared Japanese food. Watami, as with other Bistro Group labels can be lauded because of its staff's great attention to excellent service.
A friend told me about how there was a hard piece of gristle in a gyoza that almost choked his wife, and the Watami staff and management handled the mishap very well. Overall, Watami is a great place to have lunch and lunch-hour drinks with friends. I suggest you try Watami the next time you are in the area. read more