If you are someone who appreciates Japanese food, Nadaman is one place that you may consider to adjourn to for some authentic Japanese cuisine. Started in Japan about 170 years ago by Mansuke Nadaya (Nadaman) and branching into Singapore in 1971 at Shangri La Hotel, it has since become a regular dine-out for familiar faces. 

• The Vibe
  Nadaman's selection of marble and natural wood for the interiors gave the place a very contemporary and pleasant feeling. Together with the pots of white orchids, paper lamps and soft traditional Japanese music playing in the background, it exudes a sense of elegance and serenity. They have three traditional tatami rooms which can accommodate 4-6 people and a western style private room that can seat 8 people. To fully cater to different preferences of customers, Nadaman also has two Teppanyaki sections which can take a total of 16 people. In all, the variety and ambience at Nadaman resembles that of a typical Japanese restaurant, an ideal place for the nostalgic Japanese expatriates.

• The Food
  Kaiseki, which literally means “the art of transforming the blessings of nature into food”, refers to a set of dishes, each cooked in different ways. At Nadaman, Chef Kanemaru, plans the menu on a seasonal basis depending on the season's catch. To kick-start the 8-course Kaiseki set ($80+++ per person), we had the home-made sesame mousse, so smooth that it literally glided down your throat leaving a wholesome feel and tantalizing you with its fragrant aftertaste. Another interesting item, the Zoni soup, was a clear soup containing some vegetables, chicken and sticky rice cake. Unlike any other miso soup, it was somewhat a tasty nutritious broth. After savouring their Foie Gras Chawamushi (steamed egg with shark's fin sauce), you might realize that no other Chawamushi would stimulate your taste buds as much. In a mouthful, you can feel the soft steamed egg melting on your tongue, revealing the shreds of shark's fin within. The sauce is neither too think nor too sweet and blends splendidly with the taste of the egg. This dish is not included in a set of Kaiseki but it is available on the ala carte menu for $15+++. Sashimi lovers will delight in the assortment of tuna, yellowtail and sea bream.

  It is also interesting to note that all dishes come in exquisite-looking plates and will be placed in a particular manner before consumption.

• The Service
  To complement the traditional ambience of Nadaman, the service staff was dressed rather appropriately as you can expect to see ladies in Kimono ushering you to your seats. They were generally polite, courteous and willingly to cater to your needs. If you enquire about the dishes placed before you, Mr Hara, manager of Nadaman, would be more than willing to help.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Nadaman
If you are tired of always going to your usual Japanese hangout joint and would like to try something more traditional, the Kaiseki set from Nadaman would serve as an eye opener. Everything, right from the taste, to the presentation of the dishes will provide you with an interesting dining experience. For a start, you may want to opt for the cooked food which left an impression. However, I have to caution that the price might just be a little steep. Then again, the money you pay is not only for the food but also for a wholesome dining experience so at the very least, I would recommend making a trip down on special occasions for some authentic Japanese cuisine.