Unagi or grilled eel, is a cherished delicacy in Japanese cuisine. Mastering the art of eating unagi involves appreciating its unique flavors and textures, while respecting the traditional methods of preparation and presentation. Discover the nuances of enjoying this exquisite unagi dishes and elevate your dining experience with a deeper understanding of unagi's culinary heritage at Unatoto Singapore.
Understanding Unagi: The Delicacy of Grilled Eel
Unagi, the savory grilled freshwater eel, holds a special place in Japanese cuisine. Known for its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, unagi is often served with a sweet-savory glaze over steamed rice. This delicacy is more than just a dish; it's a cultural experience that reflects the meticulous culinary craftsmanship of Japan. Appreciating unagi involves understanding its preparation, from the selection of premium eel to the traditional grilling techniques that enhance its distinct taste. Dive into the world of unagi and discover why this grilled eel is a beloved staple in Japanese dining.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Eat Unagi
Embark on a culinary journey with our step-by-step guide to enjoying unagi, the beloved grilled eel in Japanese cuisine. Eating unagi involves appreciating its delicate flavors and textures through traditional methods. From the moment it's served to the final bite, each step is designed to enhance your dining experience. Follow this guide to savor unagi like a true connoisseur, and discover the subtle intricacies that make this dish a timeless favorite.

Unagi with rice
Unagi with rice, or unagi donburi, is a beloved Japanese dish that features tender, grilled eel served over a bed of steamed rice. This flavorful combination is elevated by a savory-sweet sauce that perfectly complements the smoky taste of the unagi. Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for both casual and fine dining experiences.
Unagi Don
Unagi Don, also known as unadon or unagi donburi, is a beloved Japanese dish that features tender, grilled eel served atop a bowl of steamed rice. The eel, or unagi, is typically glazed with a savory-sweet sauce called tare, which is a blend of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. This sauce gives the eel a rich, caramelized flavor that perfectly complements its smoky and slightly charred taste.

The preparation of Unagi Don is an art in itself. The eel is carefully filleted, skewered, and grilled over charcoal, ensuring a delicate balance between a crispy exterior and a succulent, moist interior. The unagi is then generously brushed with the tare sauce multiple times during the grilling process, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Unagi Don is often garnished with a sprinkle of sansho, a Japanese pepper that adds a hint of citrusy spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor profile. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, as unagi is rich in protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Whether enjoyed in a high-end restaurant or a humble eatery, Unagi Don remains a quintessential comfort food in Japanese cuisine, offering a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that delight the senses.
Unagi Hitsumabushi
Unagi Hitsumabushi is a special Japanese dish hailing from Nagoya, known for its unique way of enjoying grilled eel. The dish features finely chopped unagi served over a bed of hot, steamed rice in a wooden container. The preparation and presentation of Unagi Hitsumabushi set it apart from other eel dishes, offering a multi-layered dining experience.

Traditionally, Unagi Hitsumabushi is enjoyed in three stages. First, the unagi and rice are eaten as-is, allowing diners to savor the pure flavors of the eel and the slightly sweet tare sauce that glazes it. Next, green onions, wasabi, nori (seaweed), and other condiments are added to the bowl, enhancing the dish with new textures and flavors. Finally, a flavorful dashi broth is poured over the remaining eel and rice, transforming it into a comforting ochazuke (rice soup).
This method of eating allows diners to experience the versatility of unagi in different forms, each bite offering a distinct taste and texture. Unagi Hitsumabushi is not only a culinary delight but also a cultural experience that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Nagoya.
Unagi Sushi
This Unagi sushi combines the rich, smoky flavor of unagi with vinegared rice, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture. There are various styles of unagi sushi, including nigiri (sliced eel atop rice) and maki (eel rolled with rice and seaweed). Each style offers a unique way to enjoy the eel's succulent meat and the balance it brings to the dish.Â

The nigiri style highlights the eel's texture and allows its flavors to shine, while maki rolls often include complementary ingredients such as cucumber or avocado, adding freshness and complexity to each bite. Unagi sushi is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. This dish is a staple in many sushi restaurants and is beloved by both locals and international visitors.
Other unagi dishes
While unagi rice dishes are immensely popular, there's a whole array of other unagi delicacies that are equally captivating. Each dish offers a unique way to savor the tender, smoky essence of grilled eel, promising an unforgettable culinary experience.
Umaki
Umaki is a delightful Japanese dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of unagi with the light, slightly sweet texture of tamago (Japanese omelette). This fusion dish presents a harmonious blend of ingredients that perfectly complement each other, making it a popular choice in Japanese cuisine.

The preparation of Umaki begins with unagi no kabayaki, where the eel is carefully filleted, skewered, and grilled over charcoal. It is then glazed with a savory-sweet tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, creating a rich, caramelized flavor. The grilled eel is then wrapped in a fluffy tamago, which is made by mixing eggs with a touch of dashi (Japanese broth) and sugar, and cooking it in layers to achieve a soft, custard-like consistency.
Uzaku
Uzaku is a refreshing and elegant Japanese dish that combines the rich flavors of unagi with the crisp, cool texture of cucumbers. This dish is a delightful fusion of taste and texture, offering a perfect balance between the savory eel and the refreshing vegetables.
The preparation of Uzaku begins with unagi no kabayaki, where the eel is filleted, grilled, and glazed with a savory-sweet tare sauce. The eel is then sliced into bite-sized pieces and served atop a bed of thinly sliced cucumbers. The cucumbers are typically marinated in a light vinegar dressing, adding a tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the unagi.
Uzaku is often garnished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped scallions, adding an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. The combination of ingredients not only provides a delightful mix of flavors but also makes Uzaku a nutritious and refreshing dish, perfect for warm weather.
Unagi Tempura
Unagi can be fried in the style of tempura. This fusion of traditional Japanese techniques offers a unique way to enjoy the beloved eel, making it a standout dish in any Japanese cuisine repertoire.
The preparation of Unagi Tempura starts with the eel being filleted and lightly seasoned. It is then coated in a delicate tempura batter, which is typically made from a mixture of flour, egg, and cold water. The eel is deep-fried until the batter becomes golden and crispy, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.

The result is a dish that contrasts the smoky, savory taste of the unagi with the airy, crisp tempura coating. Unagi Tempura is often served with a dipping sauce, such as tentsuyu (a mix of dashi, soy sauce, and mirin), which enhances the overall flavor profile. A sprinkle of grated daikon radish or a wedge of lemon can also be added for an extra burst of freshness.
Come to Unatoto Singapore: Authentic Japanese Unagi Restaurant
Located in the heart of Singapore, Unatoto offers an unparalleled dining experience for lovers of authentic Japanese restaurants, with a special focus on unagi (grilled eel). At Unatoto, the commitment to quality and tradition is evident in every dish, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Unagi, a delicacy in Japanese cuisine, is prepared with meticulous care at Unatoto. The eel is charcoal-grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky flavor and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Each piece is glazed with a special sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the eel, creating a harmonious blend of taste and aroma that is simply irresistible.

The menu at Unatoto is thoughtfully curated to offer a variety of unagi dishes, ensuring that there is something for every palate. From the classic Unagi Don (grilled eel over rice) to more innovative creations, each dish is a testament to the culinary artistry of the chefs. For those looking to explore beyond unagi, the menu also includes a selection of other Japanese favorites, all prepared with the same attention to detail and quality.
In addition to the exceptional food, the dining atmosphere at Unatoto is warm and inviting. The restaurant's interior is designed to reflect the traditional Japanese aesthetic, creating a serene and comfortable setting for diners. Whether you are enjoying a meal with family, friends, or colleagues, Unatoto provides a perfect ambiance for any occasion.
Unatoto Singapore also prides itself on offering great value. Despite the high quality of the ingredients and the expertise involved in preparing each dish, the prices remain affordable, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy a taste of Japan. Visit Unatoto Singapore to indulge in an authentic Japanese unagi experience that promises to leave a lasting impression. Whether you are a long-time fan of unagi or trying it for the first time, Unatoto is the place to be for a truly memorable dining adventure.
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Unatoto Guoco Tower
7 Wallich St, B1 - 03 Guoco Tower Singapore
Phone:Â +65 6015 0591
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Unatoto Novena Square
238 Thomson Rd, 01-84 Velocity@Novena Square, Singapore
Phone:Â +65 6909 7519
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