Tori Sanwa Raffles City – Oyako Don Restaurant From Japan

Tori Sanwa Raffles City (鶏三和) is the first Singapore outlet of oyakodon chain Tori Sanwa from Japan. Located at B1 of the mall, this is a restaurant specialising in meals with chicken as the focus. As at the time of this post, a second outlet has opened in Great World City.

In Singapore, Tori Sanwa seems to be operated in conjunction with Japan Food Holdings. According to its website, “In the 1900s, Tori Sanwa became Japan’s very first Oyako Don specialty restaurant, introducing their signature fluffy and moist Oyako Don dish. Currently, there are 92 outlets in Japan and 6 outlets in Taiwan (as of 2023).” It seems that the creation of a mild dashi compound and the use of a certain breed of chicken (Chicken Nagoya Kochin) is a winning combination.

However, we learn from a Straits Times (10 August 2023) article that the Singapore outlets do not use chicken and eggs from Japan.

What is Oyakadon?

According to Wikipedia, “Oyakodon (親子丼), literally “parent-and-child donburi”, is a donburi, or Japanese rice bowl dish, in which chicken, egg, sliced scallion (or sometimes regular onions), and other ingredients are all simmered together … and then served on top of a large bowl of rice. The name of the dish is a poetic reflection of both chicken and egg being used in the dish.” Some of the main dishes as well as side dishes, such as chicken karate and tsukune can be seen in the display case (picture below).

Tori Sanwa Raffles City Menu

Here are pictures of some portions of the Tori Sanwa Raffles City menu. We decided on the Oyakodon ($12.90++) and Chicken Cutlet Don ($14.90++).

Our Lunch at Raffles City

The two dishes looked roughly the same as they have much in common – steamed rice covered by a heap of soft fried egg. The difference lies in the chicken content. Classic oyakodon has small bits of chicken cooked inside the egg while the chicken cutlet has more substantial pieces of fried chicken, which are topped with the blanket of soft fried egg. Both were served with miso soup and chawanmushi which we thought were quite unremarkable.

The more oyakodon (picture above) would be the dish to pick for a classic version of this dish. It is also more affordable. Those with a bigger appetite may prefer the chicken cutlet version (pictures below). The pieces of chicken were substantial and the extra $2 for added protein is value for money.

We were fine with both dishes but they did not wow us with any exceptional flavours.

Ratings:
Food: 3
Service: 3
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 3 TOPs

Tori Sanwa Raffles City
252 North Bridge Rd, #B1-75
Singapore 179103

JFH Website