Review of Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa Singapore: Michelin Guide Unagi

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa

1 Scotts Road, #01-12

Shaw Centre

Singapore 228208

Link to Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa Webpage

Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa has a very rich history. This Michelin Guide Recommended shop originates from Nagoya from 1932 and began as an eel wholesaler before opening a retail restaurant specialised in selling Unagi. The restaurant's signature dish is Ippon Unagi, which is a whole eel grilled over binchotan charcoal. The viewing window within the restaurant provides a close-up view of the chefs at work, constantly taking care of the charcoal as well as the grill to ensure the exterior has the perfect crisp whilst keeping the interior super tender.

The Les Amis Group has now partnered with Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa to open its Singapore branch in Apr 2025. This marks the first outlet of the Michelin Guide recommended Unagi restaurant in Singapore.

What we had in the order of the photos above:

• Sirayaki Ippon Set

• Ippon Una-ju Set

• Unagi Kabayaki Ippon Set

• Ippon Hitsumabushi Set

  
  

What we enjoyed the most were the Sirayaki Ippon Set as well as the Ippon Hitsumabushi Set.

The Sirayaki Ippon Set comes with the traditional Japanese preparation of Unagi without any sauce. It is white ("Shira") and unseasoned. The natural, delicate flavour of the eel is emphasized and has a cleaner finish, letting the charcoal grill provide some natural smokiness and crisp, which was really delicious. Options that were available for pairing were wasabi, ginger, salt as well as a light soy sauce for dipping.

The other set we enjoyed was the Ippon Hitsumabushi Set. This set comes with wasabi, spring onions and a light broth served separately and is intended to be eaten three ways. Firstly, with the Unagi on its own. Secondly, Unagi with wasabi, spring onions and seaweed. And Lastly, Unagi with wasabi, spring onions, seaweed with rice and broth. We thought it offered some variety through the meal that helps with the sweetness from the soy-based glaze which can become quite sweet and overwhelming at times and the broth with some of the soy based glaze made it hearty and comforting.

All the sets came with rice, japanese pickles as well as "kimo-sui" or liver soup. This soup combines the rich flavour of eel liver with a delicate broth and is rather refreshing at the end of the meal. Apparently, it is also touted to be highly nutritious and good for boosting vitality.

In Japan, Unagi is widely regarded as a nutrition and energy boosting health food and it is typically eaten during the hot summer months. Unagi itself is rich in protein, has plenty of EPA and DHA, the good omega 3s and also is packed with plenty of vitamins. The Japanese believe that consuming Unagi in the heat of summer helps replenish stamina and fight summer heat exhaustion, a belief that has been embraced since the Edo period. Considering Singapore is always hot, it seems apt for us to be replenishing our stamina and boosting our energy.

Booking

Tables can be reserved via Chope or you can whatsapp the team directly. There are still tables available one week out at Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa and reservations are highly recommended as we saw some people getting turned away or having to come back at a later time without a reservation. If you would like one of the private rooms available in the restaurant, it is also possible with reservations of 5 pax.

Accessibility

If you are familiar with the row of Les Amis restaurants, you would know exactly where to go. Located on Level 1 of Shaw Centre, entrance is via Claymore Hill, outside Shaw Centre. The closest MRT station is Orchard MRT and can be linked directly via underpass.

The Damage

For the four of us dining, our total bill came up to 260 SGD, which included 4 Unagi sets, a side of Unagi Tamago as well as 4 hot green teas.

Would We Recommend?

Yes. It is quite an experience to go to a dedicated restaurant. Especially one with so much history and experience in handling eels. I do not in general really love Unagi, but this was a nice way to eat really high quality and fresh eels done right. The service was good at the restaurant and the food was good, so why not!