I first learnt of Yakiniku Daidomon from a TV programme, Buffet Buffet. Because it is rather pricey, I never really got around to trying it. The buffet costs $43++ for weekdays, and $48++ for weekends. Diners have the option of adding $10 for additional sashimi and tempura items, and $25 for wagyu, scallops and oysters. Recently, the restaurant was having its anniversary promotion, where the complete menu can be had for $60++. That's $18 cheaper for weekdays, and $23 cheaper for weekends!
My dining partner and I decided to go to the United Square outlet, which is in Novena. We initially had trouble finding the place, because the storefront within the shopping centre is only a small, unassuming doorway. It is more accessible from the outside of the centre. We arrived shortly after six, and were the first customers for dinner. One thing that surprised me was that the service staff did not bother to explain the menu and price or the buffet items. We had to ask to confirm that the $60 promotion included the additional sashimi, tempura and wagyu items. We also had to ask if the buffet included the cooked items laid out buffet style around the restaurant - these included salads, chawanmushi, salmon head, clams, baby octopus and others. Other than this, service was excellent and attentive. Shortly after we were seated, a staff brought a bucket of flaming charcoal to our table, followed by a grill. A ventilator around the grill prevented any smoke.
We started off with sashimi and tempura. My favourite, ika (squid), was not available. The tako (octopus) and shiro maguro (butterfish*) were delicious, though the salmon wasn't as fresh as I had expected. The tempura was very well done, the batter was light, but not too light.
Next, we ordered the various wagyu beef cuts, and scallops and oysters. The wagyu beef were absolutely amazing - tender and tasty.
We also enjoyed the scallops and oysters.
One thing we had an issue with was the portion of meats. They are rather large, as you can see from the pictures. These were what we were served for two diners. Also, we made the mistake of ordering the wagyu beef first, because when we ordered the normal beef cuts after that, they paled in comparison. It wasn't that the normal beef cuts were not good, it was just that the wagyu was a lot better.
We were quite full by then, so we skipped a number of items, including the chicken, pork cuts and sausages. However, I read about the yukke (marinated raw beef) on His Food Blog, so I had to try it. It was... certainly interesting. The seasoning certainly complemented the beef, and there wasn't any strong beefy or bloody taste one might expect from raw beef. The meat was chewy and springy, but not overly so, making it easy to chew and swallow.
Out of curiousity, I also tried the gyutan (beef tongue). It actually tastes better than it sounds, as long as it isn't overcooked (then it becomes tough like a piece of rubber).
We also ordered ika for grilling, which was available. This was a pleasant surprise for me because it showed that the chef knew that ika sashimi had to be very fresh, and would not serve them if they weren't, unlike several local Japanese restaurants that actually dare to serve not-so-fresh ika. We finished off our dinner with ice cream, which was a refreshing end to our meal.
Overall, we had a great experience at Yakiniku Daidomon. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. We loved the use of charcoal, which made the experience all the more authentic. We only wished the portions were smaller so we could have tried more food. For $60++ with sashimi and wagyu beef, I think this is great value, and I will certainly be back if this promotion is still on in future.
Yakiniku Daidomon (website)
101 Thomson Road
#01-14/15
United Square
(map)
Singapore 307591
Phone: 6356 7577 / 6356 7277
Also,
371 Beach Road
#01-07
Keypoint (map)
Singapore 199597
Phone: 6295 2077 / 6295 3077
Links: HungryGoWhere | Yum.sg
* According to Wikipedia and various sources on the Internet, this fish could be the Escolar, which has a known laxative effect, especially if consumed in large quantities.
