KOMA, A Japanese Culinary Oasis at Marina Bay Sands

A Modern Japanese Odyssey at KOMA: Delighting Our Out-of-Town Guests

When hosting out-of-town visitors, choosing the perfect dining destination becomes more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to showcase the flavours and ambience of your city. Recently, we embarked on a culinary journey with our Sydney based guests at KOMA and it was an experience that impressed and epitomised Singapore's rich tapestry of tastes and cultural elegance. Combining this gastronomic adventure with a pre-dinner drink at Spago for its panoramic views, we treated our guests to an unforgettable evening - no mean feat when they come from stunning Sydney.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered at Spago, perched atop the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Its sky-high vantage point offered a breathtaking panorama of the city, a visual feast to complement the one that awaited our palates at KOMA. The cityscape, with its twinkling lights, provided the perfect prelude to our evening.

KOMA, situated a short walk away in the Shoppes side of Marina Bay Sands, is a true testament to modern Asian sophistication. The architecture is a breathtaking fusion of contemporary design and Asian inspiration, welcoming you with a stunning display of Tori gates at the entrance. These red archways, providing a dramatic entrance from the Shoppes, certainly make for an Instagram-worthy photo stop. 

Once inside, you cross a delicate miniature bridge, setting the tone for the unique dining experience. The ambience is a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Japanese aesthetics, creating an enchanting atmosphere that immerses you in a world of serene beauty. The grand size of the venue ensures a buzzing vibe and yet still manages to offer plenty of discrete dining locations. It reminded me a little of the fabulous Buddakan restaurant in New York, made famous for its showcase in Sex & the City. 

Our culinary voyage began with a selection of appetisers that teased our palates and left us eager for more. The Yellowtail ginger jalapeño (S$29++) was a revelation, with the perfect marriage of flavours. Amarillo, cilantro, soy, and lime danced on our taste buds, creating a freshness of taste and texture.

The Salmon pillow (S$18++) was a personal favourite. With roasted jalapeño and smoked avocado, it was an interplay of crunchy and creamy textures. The dish demonstrated how KOMA seamlessly combines traditional Japanese elements with contemporary innovation to craft dishes that surprise and impress.

Our next culinary adventure was the DIY Spicy Tuna (S$36++), an interactive experience that allowed us to create our own delectable bites. The crispy rice, sweet soy, chives, and spicy mayo provided the canvas for our creativity. It was a refreshing change of pace and added an element of fun to our dining experience.

The 7 Treasure Vegetable maki (S$16++) was a revelation in vegetarian sushi. Avocado, cucumber, asparagus, kanpyo, radish pickles, shiso, and nori were woven together to form a vibrant and flavourful roll that celebrated the diversity of Japanese ingredients. Even meat lovers amongst us couldn't resist its charm.

For dessert, we indulged in the impressively presented Lemon Yuzu (S$18++). This delightful creation featured lemon mousse, yuzu jam and cacao crumble. It was a burst of light and citrusy flavours that cleansed our palates and left us feeling satisfied yet refreshed.

At KOMA, it's not just the dishes that impress but also the impeccable service. The staff's knowledge of the menu, their attentiveness, and their warm smiles added a layer of hospitality that made our evening even more memorable.

Our dining experience at KOMA, combined with a drink at Spago, was a perfect showcase for our out-of-town visitors. It revealed Singapore's ability to offer world-class food and beverage concepts which blend modernity with tradition. It offered a true wow factor with a delicious gastronomic adventure set amidst stunning architecture and a captivating ambience. KOMA is more than a restaurant; it's a destination dining experience of culinary artistry and cultural diversity, inviting guests to embark on a sensory journey that will surely be one of their Singapore highlights.

About the Writer

Expat writer and reporter Rebecca Assice is a passionate foodie, wine lover and traveller originally from New Zealand who has been in Singapore since 2011. Rebecca is a lover of all things luxury whether it be hotel stays, fine dining restaurants, day spas or beach clubs. Rebecca is a busy mum of three and an entrepreneur with a portfolio of entertainment experiences across Singapore and Australia. In Singapore, she runs Virtual Room (https://singapore.virtual-room.com), a unique and mind-blowing VR escape game experience. Rebecca is a frequent traveller and has enjoyed some of the world's best restaurants and resorts all across Asia, Europe and the US. Rebecca and her French husband are always looking out for the hottest new tables and experiences in Singapore. You can join Rebecca on her food and travel journey through her descriptive reports and articles published and distributed on http://www.expatchoice.asia

If you would like Rebecca or any of the Expat Choice reporting team to visit your establishment as a guest to report on your unique experience and have this report published on our network, you can contact Expat Choice HQ by email with details about your offering at [email protected]