Chotto Matte [CLOSED]

I was asked by a friend to try this place for awhile now. So I dragged him along with me. This place isn't hard to find. It is nicely tucked behind the Roti Prata shop that is facing Singapore General Hospital. 

The freshly painted white walled, royally nestled in the corner hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the main road and the row of pubs that litter the Kampung Bahru stretch. 

There are so many items on the menu! It is busy with Yakitori items, to Sashimi and Sushi, to Dons... So I asked my friend for recommendations, and here it is: 

The "die die must try" is the Pork Belly Don, or perhaps he knows I have a weak spot for all things Pork Belly (hence the High Cholesterol). But seriously, the magic is in the Garlic Fried Rice - a secret that Chef Chee claims he will never tell. Then comes the perfectly fired Pork Belly (not just any pork but from the star studded region of Kagoshima), the fats are slightly charred to give off that irresistible fragrance. 

Kagoshima Pork Belly Don ($35)

And from the same region, more known actually for its beef, is this simple skewer. For looks are so deceiving... I promise you that there is minimal seasoning on this piece of meat. It is just the quality of the Kagoshima Beef and the expert hands of the chef over the fire. It simply melted in my mouth! It was so good, I could cry. Seriously.  

Kagoshima Toru Buta ($5)

Basically there is a selection of 28 yakitori items on the menu. It was just the two of us, so we didn't order much. (Still the bill came to be fairly substantive)  

Tebasaki ($3)

Next up on the table is another Pork Belly dish. Method of preparation appears to be like the Dong Po dish in Chinese cuisines. Braised and slow cooked till the skin and fats amalgamated to become one texture, whilst the meat simply pulls easily into shreds. 

buta kakuni ($29)

On the side, I could not resist ordering the Foie Gras sushi. I was curious to see how two exotic ingredients would blend -  the Unagi (Eel) and the Foie Gras. And it turned out very well. The sweet sauce was the gelling factor, and texture wise the foie gras burst out from within seemingly to seal in the flavours of this mouthful. 

Foagura Unagi Maki ($28).

The Verdict is that this place is a young and rare gem. Though pricey it is every bit quality for money. Though slightly hard to get to, it proves to be a nice getaway from the town and touristy areas for your romantic date or a quiet dinner with friends. 

I will be back to try the Omakase set, which is only $100! (certainly cheaper than my ala carte experience)


Chotto Matte
54 Blair Road (Opposite SGH)
Tel: 6222-8846
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun from 5pm till late

Taste: 3.5/5
Service: 4/5
Ambience: 2.5/5
Price: 2/5 (ave $100 per pax)