NINJA BOWL – NINJA-licious Japanese-Inspired Rice Bowls at NETT prices

Posted on May 15, 2016 by lancescape Leave a comment

Having worked in Outram region for close to 3 years, my lunch haunts are usually within the Tiong Bahru or Chinatown enclave. But now, there’s more reason to venture further to Duxton Road – NINJA Bowl for their NINJA-licious bowls and brunch items!

Taking over the place where Department of Caffeine used to be, Ninja Bowl serves Japanese inspired rice bowl at affordable NETT prices.

Their menu at a glance:

Rice Bowls start out carb-free and there are 3 options available for a $2 add-on

Ninja Rice, blend of vinegared Japanese pearl rice and brown rice
Orzo Pasta, pasta tossed with honey (my preference)
Garden Greens

Kabuki ($14) – This turns out to be my favorite among the three bowls I tried. The chicken thigh was marinated in miso, soy, garlic and honey, the result: succulent, tender and juicy. Crunchy pickled beets and beansprouts were filled alongside. The soft onsen egg that oozes out at the slightest touch heightens the overall flavors with its extra creaminess.

Genki ($16) – Perfect caramelization of the yaki unagi to a glistening glory. I thought that the roasted pumpkin was a good vegetable accompaniment to the unagi as it sweetens up the dish, adding texture and dimension. This came very close to a joint favorite bowl as Kabuki for me.

And so, the egg is poked!

Buta ($14) – Aburi Chasu Pork Belly was blow-torched giving it an element of smokiness. The ume pickled apples lends a fruity, sour tartness that cuts through the fattiness. I wished the pork belly was a little thicker and caramelized though.

Brunch options are available as well if NINJA bowl is not your take.

Don’t the two look alike? HAHA

Ebisu ($18) –Seared Hokkaido scallops and mussels in umami-filled miso sauce. And of course, we mopped up every last morsel of the tantalizing delicious sauce with the bread. Can we have more sauce and bread? WHY so good? I think I can have it all by myself.

Gyu & Tama ($17) – fork-tender braised beef cheek with creamy scrambled egg

For the sweet tooth, go for the beautifully plated Fancy French ($16) that is worth the wait of 20 minutes as it is made only upon order. Be surprised to find fig jam stuffed in the soft fluffy brioche toast and a slab of hazelnut butter compliments the crispy moist toast. The pretty french toast is dusted with powdered sugar and drowned in honey infused ume boshi (pickled plums) for a tarty tangy flavour.