Given that Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Singapore stretch to three hours (and 44 songs), it’s no surprise that the globe-trotting pop star sought out one of the city’s most-hyped restaurants to refuel recently. Eagle-eyed diners spotted her at KOMA in Marina Bay Sands, presumably to sample their array of modern Japanese dishes – and honestly, it’s no wonder, given how KOMA has quickly become a jewel of the highly competitive Singapore dining scene. Here’s all you need to know about the Swift-approved spot!
First of, the obvious comment to make is that KOMA is a beautiful restaurant, and one which lends itself well to appearances on social media. That eye-popping main dining area features a giant 2.5m Japanese bell, and an ornate foot bridge, which draws the eye immediately. Even before that, guests will have the chance to pose beneath the orange arches of the entranceway, which aims to evoke memories of Kyoto’s famed Fushimi Inari Shrine. The idea of “eat with your eyes” doesn’t just apply to what’s on your plate here.
Still, the food remains the main attraction, and as one of the best restaurants in Singapore, KOMA takes it very seriously indeed. The sushi bar forms yet another focal point of the restaurant, and if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat here, you’ll see the chefs preparing nigiri and sashimi with utmost care. There’s a huge variety on offer, with everything from yellowtail to shrimp to eel here – and if you’re looking to really make it a memorable meal, try the sea urchin (at 480 dollars, your bank account will likely remember it too).
Elsewhere, the dinner menu features a lineup of hotpot, robata grill classics, gyoza, tempura, and more. Personally, I’m tempted by the sound of a wafu carbonara with uni and smoked butter, or the barbecued beef short rib; whatever you get, KOMA’s commitment to innovative dishes using fresh and seasonal produce is unwavering. You’ll eat very well here, and for special occasions, that might stretch to the omakase menu at $360. Although if you’re going all out, there’s another level to reach: the omakase by KOMA menu, featuring hand-picked selections from Chef Shintaro Hozumi, and served in the restaurant’s private dining room.
To drink, there’s an array of signature cocktails with different flavour profiles to suit each palate. If you’re leaning towards something light and thirst-quenching, the Puremalt Highball is the way to go, whilst those looking for a sweet and sour profile might try the Ichigo Sour, made with strawberry sake and lychee tea-infused syrup. My eyes, meanwhile, have gone straight to the KOMA Negroni series, with three different varieties that you’d be wise to try across the course of your visit.
KOMA may not be an everyday dining option, but between the sumptuous design and the elevated, carefully crafted dishes, it’s easy to see why it’s a popstar’s dining destination of choice!