SINGAPORE 12 October 2022 — In Japan, autumn is said to be the best time for feasting due to the abundance of harvesting crops in the season. Known in Japan as “食欲の秋” (shokuyoku no aki) which translates to “appetising autumn”, there are plenty of delectable foods that you can only enjoy during this season – juicy persimmons, salt-grilled mackerel pike and aromatic pine mushroom rice to name a few.
NEX, in collaboration with ISETAN, celebrates the rich deep flavours of autumn by bringing back the iconic ISETAN Momiji Matsuri Fair after a two-year hiatus. Shoppers can indulge in a smorgasbord of yatai delicacies, sweet treats and premium fresh produce from 25 renowned Japanese brands. Happening from 18 to 30 October, the fair will be held at NEX Atrium Level 1 where shoppers can look forward to various seasonal food flavours from Japan.
Here are some of the highlights of this year’s fairs to keep an eye out for.
New Brands to Watch
Making their debut this year at the fair are heritage brands such as Kurikoma Chaya, TOKIO and KINOKUNIYA.
Kurikoma Chaya upholds their traditional-style appeal while connecting with the younger generation by appealing to their Instagram aesthetics with traditional sweets that elegantly incorporate a mix of colourful fruits and trendy elements. Their Fruit Mochi Cake is a very popular dumpling set that combines the well-balanced sweetness of specialty red bean paste and fresh seasonal fruits with mascarpone cream (5 sticks for S$25).
If you prefer something easy to eat on-the-go, TOKIO’s Banana Crepe is a delectable bundle of whipped cream and banana, and comes individually packed for your convenience (S$3/pc)! These sweet Japanese crepes are Harajuku’s most popular street food, and are sold with various fillings and toppings such as seasonal fruits. The 57 year old fruit parlour brand offers the freshest fruits and fruit products, be sure to try their famed Fruit Almond Pudding and Fruit Jello, available in mixed fruits and strawberry versions.
Another highlight to look out for is KINOKUNIYA’s signature American-style Apple Pie (S$24.90), a long-time bestseller since 1959. First established in 1910 as a fruit merchant in Aoyama Tokyo, KINOKUNIYA has since expanded and now houses 34 stores mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan, offering well-loved ready-to-eat foods and specialty bakes. KINOKUNIYA’s signature American-style Apple Pie features a generous amount of Japanese apples with a hint of cinnamon, and a pie crust with a crisp texture. Warm it up in the toaster to bring out the robust flavours even more, and enjoy it with your favourite toppings such as vanilla ice cream, fruit or whipped cream!
Yatai Fare Not to be Missed
Enjoy Takoyaki by Nakayama Shokuhin (1 pkt of 6 pcs for S$8) — delicious grilled octopus balls made of wheat flour-based batter and filled with diced octopus from Hakata, Kyushu. Topped with takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, green laver and dried bonito flakes, this is one of Japan’s best-known street foods that you don’t want to miss out on.
Taste the essence of the sea with Ijima Shoten’s wide array of seafood items, such as octopus, scallops, squid and shellfish. Sweet and full of umami, the characteristic seafood from Kumamoto is served in both braised and deep-fried style (S$8.80 for 100g braised, S$7.80 for 100g deep-fried) – perfect for seafood lovers to indulge in.
Experience a piece of Japanese food culture with classic comfort foods such as Omurice (S$13.80 for one serving) and beef skewers (S$13) from Tekiya. Savoury fried rice flavoured with ketchup and topped with a thin layer of fluffy omelette, Omurice is a popular favourite amongst children and adults alike. Complemented with soft and juicy beef skewers, these dishes are bound to keep you craving for more.
Premium Japanese Speciality Produce
nonomo brings you unique local produce from all over Japan by small lesser-known manufacturers ranging from region-specific agricultural produce, novel sweets and snacks and sake. The 157 year-old Dewatsuru sake brewery located in the southern part of Akita Prefecture boasts a quaintly designed cup sake. Apart from the small capacity which makes it easy for beginners to try sake, the Dewatsuru Junmai Sake Cup (180ml) is available in assorted designs that are perfect to be re-used as drinking glasses (S$13.90 per cup).
The Shio Koji (Salty Fermented Rice) Miso (S$30 for 450g) from Takazawa Jozo is a world-class all-purpose seasoning that goes well with any kind of cuisine. This miso is made from Koshihikari rice and water from Noto with traditional manufacturing methods, resulting in a deep and unique flavour.
Make sure to head down to NEX from 18 October to 30 October for a mouthwatering good time at this year’s fair! Visit NEX’s website and Facebook for more information about the ISETAN Momiji Matsuri Fair.
Momiji Matsuri Fair Information
Dates: 18 October to 30 October 2022
Address: NEX Atrium Level 1
Timing: 18 October – 12pm to 9pm
Sunday – Thursday – 10:30am to 9pm
Friday & Saturday – 10:30am to 9:30pm
30 October – 10:30am to 8pm
