Himawari Japanese Restaurant – Buffeting with the Golfers

We first notice Himawari Japanese Restaurant opening during our regular visits to Orchid Country Club ('OCC'). As a member of OCC, we have been spoilt with the current dining options here, ranging from restaurants such Peach Garden, Gayatri, Vanda Terrace and now we have the Japanese option of Himawari. Do take note that all the restaurants above are open to public, while for members we just enjoy additional discount.

Himawari @ OCC is a second branch of this popular restaurant renowned for their Japanese ala-carte buffet with over 80 different dishes which include shabu shabu and sukiyaki. This review is compilation of a few visits from the Little Devil and myself.

Located in the second level of OCC Driving Range, this place can easily be seen once you enter the OCC compound. Parking are plenty for those driving, and there is a regular shuttle bus from Yishun MRT station to OCC for the non drivers.

Dining with the Chef

So far we find the buffet option is more value for money, considering our huge appetite we will end up spending the same amount for ala-carte. For Japanese buffet, we normally start with their sashimi and salad. For sashimi, you can choose from salmon, sweet prawn, sea bream, yellow tail, tuna, swordfish, octopus and squid. It is all fresh, thick slices and very generous serving. The California salad that we tried so far has been refreshing with a slight tangy dressing which is good to open up your appetite.

California Salad

Sashimi 

Sashimi

Next in line is their shabu shabu or sukiyaki. The beef that they serve here has an excellent marble. With a short cooking time, you will enjoy juicy tender beef sensation in your mouth. For a non-beef eater, you can stick with chicken. For the finishing touches to accompany the soup, you can choose udon or rice to go with this meal.

Shabu Shabu Stock

The Beef

For the cooked dishes, the notable mention is the grilled gindara (cod fish) teriyaki. It is tender, moist and not fishy. The other cook dishes such as agemono, tempura or other hot/simmer dishes are average. This is expected when it comes to buffet.

Beef Fillet Yakimono - Grill

Prawn Tempura

Agedashi Tofu

I always like to leave the carbo section for last, so leave some tummy space for the sushi and temaki. We noticed the sushi rice is nicely cooked and seasoned well rice vinegar. There are so many variety to choose from, it will be quite though for you to decide. Skipped the maki though, I am not sure why, but I feel the maki here is just so so. When we get into this stage, we are normally quite stuffed.

Salmon Skin Temaki - Hand Roll

Service is good, but expect it to drop when the restaurant become crowded. For dinner, the crowd start coming in after 7.30pm. The first round of food order normally it come quite fast. For the next rounds, the food will come at a slower rate and don't be surprise if you have to be constantly reminding the waiters on your orders.

The décor of the restaurant is simple and Zen. If you are facing the driving range, the view of golfers hitting the balls and practising their swings is a common sight. I just hope the golfers can still concentrate hitting the balls instead of drooling over our sashimi.

Overall, Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ OCC offer a good dining option in the Yishun area for the public or OCC members. They serve good Japanese food with lots of variety starting from appetizers to desserts. . Although the price can be slightly on the high side, they are very generous in their servings. Cheers!!

Food & Drink: 7.5/10

Value: 7/10

Service: 6.5/10

Ambiance: 7/10

Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ Orchid Country Club

1 Orchid Club Road

#02-02 Driving Range Unit

Singapore 769162

Tel: 6934 3313

Website: http://www.himawari.com.sg/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HimawariJapanese

Op Hours: Daily 11.30 – 15.00, 18.00 – 22.00

Buffet Price:

Adult (Mon – Thu) Lunch / Dinner: $38.80++ / $42.80++

Adult (Fri – Sun & PH) Lunch / Dinner: $41.80++ / $45.80++

Senior Citizen (Above 65YO) $ $30.80++

Children (90 – 120 cm) $ 27.80++

Other Outlet:

Himawari Japanese Restaurant @ Alexandra

991B Alexandra Road

Block 4 #01-08.

Singapore 119970

Tel: 6272 1110

Op Hours: Daily 11.30 - 14.30, 5.45 – 22.00