Appare

I’ve walked by Appare a zilllion times, as it is easy to miss as you walk across the 3^rd floor in Novena Square. But I finally stopped by for dinner on a recent evening and was pleasantly surprised! There was place card on the table for dashi and I have to admit that the broth in the udon was indeed quite tasty. And seems like they offer a smaller size so you do not have to order the behemoth bowl. I also liked the tendon — the tempura was perfectly fried but it could have used more of a sauce. Definitely a nice option for Japanese food, and I would better than some of the more fusion places in the mall!

Oh Appare.
If the term OTP (one true pairing) could apply to food, udon and tempura would be it for me. So when I found out this new place in my ‘hood specializes in both, I had high hopes.
The first time I went, I had a good meal. I ordered the veggie tempura and for an extra $ 4, I made it a set. It includes pickled veggies, rice, and miso soup. The tempura had the perfect crispiness and I was in love!
However, my recent visit fell short of my expectations. I ordered the tempura donburi, which is an assortment of prawn and veggies. Portion-​wise, it was sufficient, but the tempura this time was soggy. The rice, which is supposedly a special kind from Hokkaido, was also soggy. What happened to the beautiful, golden, crisp tempura and the al dente rice that I had the first time? :(
I also wish they could have smaller portions for the udon soup. When Miguel ordered it, we were surprised when it came out in a HUGE bowl. There is nothing on the menu that mentions this, nor did any of the staff advise that it serves at least 2 people.
Being the optimist that I am, I won’t give up hope just yet. I am willing to go back again to see if I just came on an off day.

Newly opened jap restaurant that is specializing in Tempura. Ordered the Appare 7. A 7 piece tempura set: Prawn, chicken, salmon, onion, pumpkin, eggplant and 1 more veg
The tempura was good. Freshly fried, non oily. Meats were juicy. And you want to eat it with rice, the jap rice was good too.
Next to try: the giant bowls of udon. Looked too massive for 1 person.