Wafuken
Once there lived a gravitationally challenged boy named Jake who desperately sought to graduate from the fat boys club. Succeeded he did albeit via largely unhealthy means (attempting countless crash diets as well as periodically starving himself silly - these on top of working out 6 days per week that is), eventually vanquishing a whopping 30 kilos from an original hefty 90kg frame. Deep down though Jake knew such quick weight-loss fixes weren't sustainable, hence he embarked upon studying nutrition alongside fervently exploring ways to whip up unboring yet waistline-friendly meals. Some years later Jake made the acquaintance of a kindred spirit, Edmund (who previously schooled in the culinary arts at SHATEC) whilst serving national service; one thing led to another and Asian fusion concept Wafuken was thus birthed.
Wafu Or 和風 = Western Cuisine With A Distinctive Japanese Twist, Kenko or 健康 = Wellness In Japanese
Wafuken's culinary weltanschauung pays punctilious heed to the now near-ubiquitous sous vide principle, ie cooking pre-vacuumized food in immersion circulators aka temperature regulated water baths, which thereby imparts an unheralded flavour cum textural consistency. Riding high on the coattails of basic thermodynamics, it proclaims to conjure "some of the silkiest salmon fillets, juiciest chicken breasts and the most tantalizing steaks ever", these complemented by assorted carb/vege options that are grilled, baked, roasted, steamed or served enticing cold. So customize away as your appetite and budget allow (those still finding themselves eternally undecided nonetheless could perhaps order from a separate shortlist of curated donburis for starters).
What knocked our socks off:
Sensationally smoked duck with mild gamey undertones percolating through the outwardly rubied and well-marbled (we are guessing Magret de Canard at this point) tickled us pink, while profuse, seared to medium rare perfection oyster blade steak chunks decreed a moist tenderness that elicited quivers of rapture.
Also, soba noodles were refreshingly minty, miso cauliflower (painted two shades piquant) restrainedly exotic and beetroot quinoa compellingly nutty.
Oyster Blade Steak ($8/Half Portion) + Cold Soba ($2/Portion) + Miso Cauliflower ($2/Portion)
Smoked Duck ($7/Half Portion) + Beetroot Quinoa ($2/Portion) + Bean Paste Mushrooms ($3/Portion)
What didn't work out:
Brooks Brothers leather shoes rather than juicy chicken breasts happened, 'em salt baked sweet potatoes possibly went ballistic on the sodium, not forgetting a giddingly bland neither chilli nor jam gallimaufry playing peekaboo across sourish, too turgid tofu. Hmm.
Chicken Breast ($4/Half Breast) + Salt Baked Sweet Potatoes ($2/Portion) + Chilli Jam Tofu ($1.50/Portion)
Other items sampled but turned out to be non-events:
Impossible Donburi ($15)
Note: Prices subject to change without prior notice. Kindly clarify with outlet before visiting or ordering.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved. Photographs and write-ups featured on this page represent the original works of The Food Dossier unless stated otherwise. No copying or reproduction is permitted without seeking prior explicit consent.
Score: 7.9/10
SHARE THIS:
Editor's Note: Wafuken shuttered entirely in 2022.
Locations
|
Elemen  East meets west vegetarian establishment Elemen (元素) wouldn't deign to embrace the uncouth mock meat narrative, instead its perfectly coiffed creations arise from wholesome, naturally derived ingredients sourced and prepared with a singular desire to nourish the human constitution as steered by one rather pristine albeit pontificating "Love Self, Love Earth" culinary philosophy. A subsidiary of foodcourt/coffee shop operator Koufu Group, Elemen first opened at Millenia Walk in June 2015....... Read More Here |
Whole Earth  Four-time Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee Whole Earth is putting space between itself and the hackneyed meatless schtick beguiling veganism these days, electing instead to promulgate virtuous sounding "plant-based" Peranakan-Thai fare (cooked with oodles of love so we've heard) that predominantly fixate on grains, greens and beans. Nestled amidst shophouses along a perceivably muted stretch of Peck Seah Street within the Tanjong Pagar conservation area,...... Read More Here |
Soul Alife  Tucked inside Changi City Point shopping mall on the second floor, vegan eatery Soul Alife's modestly proportioned turf exudes imperturbable reticence as secret garden vibes reverberate throughout humbly conceived dining premises - serenity reigns amidst a sublime frondescence transpiring. From salads to rice bowls, burgers to pastas, everything served is 100% vegetarian and MSG free, folks can thus chomp away without beating themselves up over it. Soul Alife opens daily (11.30am - 9.30pm), including weekends...... Read More Here |