Yugen Dining
Underground den where dishes draw on China and Japan.
Contemporary$$$
It begins with a descent. From an obsidian holding room on the ground floor, an elevator plunges you towards a shadowy bunker of smooth bluestone and rough concrete – not unlike a villain’s secret lair. High-end cognac and Japanese whiskies are stocked in a towering, amber-coloured bar that brings new meaning to “top shelf”.
Dishes are no less sensational. Butterflied whole southern rock lobster is doused in syrupy chilli crisp, a sweet through line also seen in gochujang-glazed fried chicken and the dressing of a green mango salad.
Prawn toast is a worthy signature, bolstered by Chinese doughnuts that soak up chilli speckled amazu (the rice vinegar dressing). Chawanmushi is amplified by chicken skin and a touch of smoked eel.\
An oft-videoed dessert of hot citrus caramel poured over a chocolate shell reveals five-spice fudge, and gives Yugen’s dramatic entrance a run for its money.
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