Keisuke's Sublime Tendon (天丼) in the Heart of Tanjong Pagar at Ginza Tendon Itsuki.

I'm a huge fan of Keisuke Takeda's ramen shops around the country. Partially because his noodles are pretty damn good, but especially because each of his shops has a slightly different theme or twist. From his four seasons outlet serving up 4 variations of tonkotsu ramen, to his tori king outlet with a huge broiled chicken drumstick and thigh with each bowl, every outlet has its own charm.

His latest offering, Ginza Tendon Itsuki however, isn't noodle-related at all. Instead, he offers up an assortment of battered and deep fried Tempura (天ぷら) on a bed of steaming hot rice to form a Ten-don (天丼)!


There are only two choices on the menu: $13.90 for the omnivore Ten-don (two slices of chicken, two shrimp, egg and assorted vegetables) or $12.90 for the vegetarian Ten-don. In either case you get the goodies deep-fried and drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce. On a bed of Japanese short-grain rice, of course.

The price you pay is remarkably generous considering it also comes with miso soup and a very tasty chawanmushi. Drinks are perhaps a little pricey ($3.80 for a can of coke) but warm/iced water is complimentary.


One of the highlights (and something new to the darling and I) is the tempura egg. It's hot and runny and adds a delightful richness to the rice.


The tempura'ed items are fresh, expertly fried to perfection, and tastes delicious with that sweet sauce. We have to admit we were expecting (hoping for?) a little more crisp to the batter, but given that ten-don comes pre-doused in sauce, that was perhaps a little wishful thinking.


It's a small restaurant - with seating for perhaps two dozen or so diners. If you're in a smaller group we totally recommend requesting seats at the counter so you can watch the chefs in action frying up the battered items, then meticulously plating them. A word of caution perhaps: If you're planning to come for lunch, make sure you don't have any important client meetings in the afternoons as we're not sure how long it'll take for the aroma of fried food to dissipate from your clothes.


Ginza Tendon Itsuki is located at 101 Tanjong Pagar Road, S 088522 (Next to Orchid Hotel, and just around the corner from Keisuke's Tonkotsu and Gyoza king outlets). No pork, but we're not sure if any other porcine-derived oils, etc are used.