Our love affair with Japanese food is no secret. Neither is Japanese food enclave Liang Court, or even Cuppage Plaza for that matter. But with the arrival of Japan Food Town nearly a year ago, clutches of Japanese restaurants all next to each other, preferably in a mall, became the hot dining trend of the year. Tanjong Pagar Centre and 100AM have followed suit, as have a couple other places. Here are our favorites, new and old.

Cuppage Plaza

Before Japanese food enclaves got all sexy, there was this gem, surrounded by reflexology places and KTVs, and home to eateries like Azmaya Honten and its signature shabu shabu, yakitori at Kazu Sumiyaki and bar fare at Hanashizuku. 5 Koek Rd.

Chijmes

The historic building underwent a facelift in 2014, and now there’s a Japanese food alley home to no less than 10 Japanese restaurants. We’re especially into aged sushi specialist Ashino, and traditional tonkotsu ramen by Ikkousha. 30 Victoria St.

Eat At Seven

Eat at Seven is the second sexiest enclave on this list, with high ceilings and plenty of light. Among the seven restaurants, don’t miss trawler-to-table specialist MaguroDonya Miuramisakikou Sushi & Dining and kuroge wagyu at yakiniku restaurant NikuNoHi. #03-310-316/307 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd.

Emporium Shokuhin

Isetan Scotts Market

Japan Food Town 

With its wood paneling and spare foliage, Japan Food Town opened with regional Japanese delights at its 16 restaurants, all firsts from Japan. Highlights include Tsukiji market’s beloved Sushi Taketawa and udon specialist Inaniwa Yosuke. #04-39/54 Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd.

Millenia Walk’s second-floor Japanese food street has plenty of affordable options: steaming bowls of ramen at Chabuton and Miharu Sapporo Ramen, and fresh premium thick cuts of sashimi at Teppei Syokudo, Tomi Sushi or Rakuzen. The latest addition is Tengawa, specializing in Hokkaido milk-based curry. Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd.

Tanjong Pagar Centre