For most Singaporeans, Sunshine Plaza is synonymous with one thing: printing. While this unassuming mall along Bencoolen Street is the go-to hub for all things paper and ink, beneath its functional, no-frills exterior lies a culinary secret known only to CBD office workers and savvy foodies.
Sunshine Plaza houses some of the most authentic and value-for-money Japanese eateries in the city. Far from the polished, overpriced chains found in glitzy Orchard Road malls, the dining spots here offer a grit and soul that feel remarkably like the backalleys of Shinjuku or Osaka. If you are looking to escape the crowds of Bugis Junction and want a meal that prioritises flavour over fluff, here are the three definitive Japanese restaurants in Sunshine Plaza you need to visit.
Ichi Tei: The Master of the Budget-Friendly Bento
In a city where a decent bowl of Japanese rice can easily set you back $30, Ichi Tei feels like a welcome anomaly. Having occupied its cosy corner in Sunshine Plaza for over a decade, this family-run establishment has built a loyal following of regulars who swear by its consistency and heart-warming flavours.
The Signature Bowls
If there is one dish that defines the Ichi Tei experience, it is the Unagi Udon. Unlike many places that serve pre-packaged, rubbery eel, the unagi here is grilled to order. Each slice is glazed with a smoky-sweet soya sauce that imparts a deep layer of umami. The meat is tender and plump, with fine bones that are soft enough to chew, ticking every box for a high-quality unagi. This is served alongside a piping hot bowl of udon in a broth that, while slightly on the saltier side, perfectly complements the silky, slurp-worthy noodles.
For those who prefer rice, the Mentaiko Salmon Aburi Don is a showstopper. The chef is generous with the mentaiko sauce, which is blow-torched to perfection. The resulting smokiness pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the fresh salmon.
A Hidden Gem in the Kaisen Don
One cannot discuss Ichi Tei without mentioning their Kaisen Don. While it features staples like Salmon and Hokkaido Scallop, the true star is the Nishin (herring served atop its pale yellow roe). The textural contrast between the crunchy roe and the soft, smooth herring is a delight for the palate. It adds a salty, briny kick that elevates the entire bowl.
The Secret in the Soup
Perhaps the most underrated part of the meal is the Miso Soup. While most restaurants treat miso soup as a powdered afterthought, Ichi Tei’s version is a rich, nourishing elixir. The chef reveals that the secret lies in using salmon parts—usually discarded in other kitchens—and simmering them for hours. The result is a soup brimming with body and collagen that must be savoured while piping hot.
Pro-Tip: The dining area is small and intimate. To avoid the “office rush” from the nearby CBD, try to arrive before 11:45 AM or after 1:30 PM.
Ichi Tei
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-51 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 11:15 AM – 7:45 PM | Saturday: 11:15 AM – 2:30 PM | Closed on Sundays
UOUO (魚王魚王): An Authentic Izakaya Experience
Stepping into UOUO feels like being transported directly to a Tokyo izakaya. It is a seafood-centric sanctuary where the atmosphere is lively, the service is straightforward, and the food is uncompromisingly fresh. Despite a modest 3.5-star rating on Google (which may be the result of customer impatience due to the wait times or the traditional $4 starter charge), UOUO is a high-quality establishment that deserves your attention.
Seafood Air-Flown from Japan
The reason the seafood here tastes so superior is simple: the fish is air-flown twice a week. If you time your visit right, you are eating fish that was in Japanese waters just hours prior. The Sashimi Platter is the undisputed crown jewel. The cuts of Maguro (tuna), Toro (fatty tuna), and Madai (sea bream) are thick, glistening, and buttery. A unique touch here is the customisation; if you aren’t a fan of ika (squid) or ebi (prawns), you can usually request a swap.
Ramen with a Fishy Twist
While primarily a seafood house, UOUO offers a punchy ramen selection. Their signature Tenka Ichigeki Ramen is a tonkotsu-style seafood blend. The broth is milky and comforting, starting with a mild porky flavour and ending with a lingering sweetness that suggests a delicate fish-based reduction.
The bowl is dominated by an intimidatingly large slab of pork belly. While it leans towards the “Jiro-style” in terms of size, it retains a savoury-sweet marination that penetrates deep into the meat. It is a hearty, rustic bowl of noodles that provides the perfect “carbohydrate hug” after a long day of work.
Pro-Tip: If you go with a group of friends, order a few rounds of drinks. UOUO often offers significant discounts on food menu items when paired with beverages, making it one of the most affordable high-end seafood meals in the Bugis area. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for your leftover fish bones to be turned into a soul-warming seafood soup!
UOUO
Location: 91, 01-18 Bencoolen St, #19/20 SunShine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday-Sunday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Deli’s Kitchen: The Specialist of the Grill
If Ichi Tei is for the bento lover and UOUO is for the sashimi purist, then Deli’s Kitchen is for the carnivore. This humble eatery focuses on Japanese grilled delights and “Western-style” Japanese comfort food (Yōshoku).
The Rare Find: Gyukatsu
In Japan, Gyukatsu Motomura is a legendary dish featuring deep-fried beef cutlets. Finding a comparable version in Singapore that doesn’t cost a fortune is a challenge until you find Deli’s Kitchen. Their Gyukatsu features thick, juicy, medium-rare beef coated in a light, crispy tempura batter. It is incredibly tender, especially when dipped in their signature wasabi sauce. Upon request, the restaurant even provides a small stone stove, allowing you to sear the beef to your preferred level of doneness right at your table.
Comfort Food at Its Best
Beyond the beef, the menu is expansive:
- Senri Ox Tongue Steak: Perfectly trimmed to remove tough bits, leaving only the most tender morsels which are grilled to perfection.
- Pork Katsu Don: Notable for its thick, juicy pork and an egg-and-rice base that isn’t overly salty, allowing the flavour of the grain to shine.
- Roast Beef Omurice: Served with a rich, homemade demi-glace sauce, this dish frequently sells out by mid-afternoon.
One standout feature of Deli’s Kitchen is the nutritional balance. Every dish is served with a generous heap of varied greens—zucchini, beetroot, purple cabbage, and lettuce—ensuring you leave feeling satisfied rather than sluggish.
Deli’s Kitchen
Location: 91 Bencoolen St, #01-54 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Open Daily 11 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Why Sunshine Plaza is the Ultimate Hub for Japanese Food Cravings
You might wonder why a cluster of high-quality Japanese restaurants has formed in a “printing mall.” The answer lies in the unique ecosystem of the Bras Basah/Bugis precinct.
- Authenticity over Aesthetics: Because the mall isn’t a high-traffic luxury destination, these restaurants don’t have to pay the astronomical rents of ION Orchard or Jewel Changi. This allows them to invest more in their ingredients.
- The Student/Pro Crowd: Surrounded by institutions like NAFA, LASALLE, and SMU, as well as several corporate offices, these eateries must maintain a high standard of value. If the food wasn’t excellent and affordable, it wouldn’t survive the scrutiny of budget-conscious students and discerning office workers.
- A Quiet Haven: While the rest of Bugis is teeming with tourists and shoppers, Sunshine Plaza remains relatively tranquil. It is a place where you can actually hear your dining companions speak, making the meal feel like a genuine escape.
Final Thoughts
Sunshine Plaza may not have the glittering facade of Singapore’s newer developments, but for those who value culinary substance over style, it is a goldmine. No matter what you’re craving for, this mall has something for every Japanese food enthusiast.
The next time you find yourself in the Bugis area, bypass the fast-food chains and the crowded food courts. Walk a little further down to Sunshine Plaza, follow the scent of grilled unagi and simmering tonkotsu, and discover why this mall is actually one of Singapore’s best-kept dining secrets. Just remember to bring your appetite and maybe get there a little early to snag a seat!