Mazechirashi at Aoki

Okay, I am finally letting you in on a secret. Lunch at Aoki, a sushi bar-restaurant in Shaw Centre, is actually a lot more affordable than you think. Lunch sets start at $35++ and up, and includes a salad, small appetiser of the day, miso soup and dessert - usually a pudding, a mini scoop of ice cream and a piece of jelly.

I always zoom in on the mazechirashi, sushi rice topped with mixed sashimi, from tuna to ikura to uni. The fish has been marinated and does not need much else, but feel free to add more soya sauce if you wish. I like to eat mine with a smidgen of wasabi in every bite for extra zing.

I guarantee that you will have a satisfying, value-for-money lunch, especially considering what Aoki charges for dinner (from $165 a person, as stated on its website). Other sets include nigiri sushi and other cooked items.

The best part is, your tummy will not growl until it is time for dinner.

Where: Aoki, Shaw Centre, 02-17, 1 Scotts Road, along Claymore Hill, opposite the HSBC bank branch
MRT: Orchard Open: Two lunch seatings on weekdays, noon - 1.20pm & 1.30 - 3pm
Tel: 6333-8015
Info: www.aoki-restaurant.com.sg/aoki/

Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.