Started out in June 2017 as a tendon specialist, Kogane Yama is an original Japanese brand found by the K Food Holdings (Chir Chir Fusion Chicken Factory, Masizzim, Nipong Naepong, NY Night Market) with the meaning of ‘golden mountain’ in Japanese. Recently, the homegrown restaurant brand has expanded its menu with 9 NEW donburi and yes, price adjusted to nothing above $15!!!!
Although there are 2 outlets, I went to the Kogane Yama at Bugis Junction level 2 where the myriad of restaurants are located.
With the recent sweltering weather, it is always good to order something refreshing. I like the Iced Honey Yucha Soda ($5.80) at Kogane Yama which is packed with heaps of antioxidants and is also great to combat the heat.
If you are like me, one who has a thing with savory saucey egg, Katsu Don might appeal to you. With an option of Chicken ($9.90) or Pork ($10.90), this popular Japanese staple is one hearty bowl to have.
Pork Belly Shogayaki Don ($10.90) is one of my personal favourite among the 9 new items that are launched at Kogane Yama. The thin slices of pork belly is stir-fried with enoki in ginger sauce and is bursting with flavours. Mix well together with the onsen egg and the premium Koshihikari short-grain rice, this is a largely satisfying bowl that I don’t mind having any day any time.
I like anything aburi and topped with the Japanese mayo. Hence the NEW Aburi Salmon Mentai Don ($11.90) hit the spot with those cubes of half-grilled salmon served with diced cucumber and tamago blanketed in that totally sinful yet yummilious torched mentaiko (cod roe) mayonnaise sauce. With the tobiko and tempura crumbs added for more texture, this is definitely a dish to order for any lovers of aburi salmon at Kogane Yama.
There is also a NEW Salmon Ikura Don ($13.90) on the menu which is draped with slices of fresh salmon sashimi and crowned with glistening baubles of salmon for the salmon purists.
For those who love sashimi pieces, try the Bara Chirashi Don which comes with an option of Salmon only ($11.90) or Assorted ($14.90) which is served with diced raw salmon, tuna, swordfish, surf clam, steamed prawn, ikura (salmon roe), tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and tamago (Japanese omelette) on a bed of sushi rice. Oh yes, you can also add truffle oil with a top up of $2.
To woo the lovers of grilled eel aka unagi, you can now find Unagi Avocado Don ($14.90) which is served with buttery-soft avocado and onsen egg and Unagi Tugi Don ($13.90) which is served with tamgo toji (soft-scrambled eggs) and slivers of onion on the menu at Kogane Yama.
Besides the items mentioned above, there are also Tori Karaage Don ($9.90) and Salmon Teriyaki Don ($11.90). The Tendons at Kogane Yama have also revised their price – Mixed Bowl ($13.80); Chicken Bowl ($11.80); Prawn Bowl ($11.80); Vegetable Bowl ($9.80). With the price tag of a donburi starting from only $9.90 each and 15% reduction in price for the Tendons, that definitely call for a revisit to Kogane Yama to check out some of the new items.
Kogane Yama
Bugis Junction
200 Victoria Street #02-50 Bugis Junction Singapore 188021
Operating hours: Mon to Fri 11am-10pm (last order at 9.30pm)
Sat to Sun 11am-11pm (last order at 10.30pm)
Jem
50 Jurong Gateway Road #01-15 Jem Singapore 608549
Operating hours: Mon to Fri 11am-10pm (last order at 9.30pm)
Sat to Sun 11am-11pm (last order at 10.30pm)
