Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei - Juicy Hamburg Steaks That Ooze Cheese
What: Ramen King Chef Keisuke Takeda is one chef I'm always excited to hear from. After favourites like Keisuke Tori King and Keisuke Lobster King, he launches Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei—his 12th and latest outlet in Singapore, also his largest here accommodating up to 66-pax.
While still in the territory of hearty comforting fare, the outlet ventures off his familiar path of winning ramen and boldly flavoured broth bases to dabble in classic Japanese hamburg steak at the now nearly two-month old outlet.
What to expect: The menu here is kept straightforward with only two choices—regular Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Set or a triple cheese version—and one simple rule: each person to a set. Kids have choice of a kid's set that comes without the hot plate and a side of Yakult.
But we've picked up on cases where diners pay for a set yet volunteer to give up their hamburg steaks to focus solely on the salad bar buffet.
Yes, you read right—the ubiquitous Keisuke standard of pickled greens and eggs transforms into a full-fledged salad bar buffet here at Hamburg Keisuke, offering over 20 side dishes and a free-flow egg counter of 8 different types of eggs.
You can even get the signature Deep Fried Egg (tempura onsen egg, fried outside, oozy within) from perpetually packed sister outlet Tendon Ginza Itsuki here.
Highlights: Definite must-tries from the salad bar include their simple yet madly addictive, flavoursome Potato Salad with just enough texture, and the Cha Soba Salad brightened with juicy tomato slices.
From the egg counter, go straight for their Scrambled Eggs—buttery rich and creamy to a point of almost cheesy—and also their winning Tamogayaki. The rolled omelette is perfectly done. Fluffy, eggy and beautifully seasoned.
Chef Keisuke’s masterful hamburg steaks are to-die-for succulent and literally chopstick-tender—great even for the fussiest of grandparents.
Each order consists of 150g patty of prime Wagyu shoulder cut—minced in-house into two sizes, so it isn't overly soft and there's a juicy bite that comes from every chew—an ebi fry, a cube of tofu, and two pieces of aburaage (thinly-sliced tofu that's been deep-fried).
There are four sauces to team your hamburg steak with: Keisuke Original, a slightly tart Demi-glace, Teriyaki Mayonnaise, and a savoury Oroshi Ponzu (radish with vinegar).
I recommend the Keisuke Original with the Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Set ($18.80), or go rich on rich with Teriyaki Mayonnaise and the Triple Cheese Prime Beef Hamburg Set ($20.80) of oozy, pleasantly salty trinity of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.
For those looking to beat the food coma, there's also an intense Espresso Jelly dessert, enjoyed with coffee cream, on the salad bar selection.
The establishment does not take reservations, so expect queues at this highly popular outlet. Do try to head down early, especially if you’re dining with a larger group.
This was an invited media tasting session, though all views expressed are my own.
Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei Address: 72 Peck Seah Street, Singapore 079329 Tel: +65 6908 4348 Operating hours: Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 5.30pm-10pm