Tomodachi means friends in Japanese. The Muslim restaurant that goes by the same name holds the meaning for me. A halal-certified restaurant located in Whitesands Mall, Tomodachi specializes in Japanese and Western cuisine. I was first attracted to the restaurant for their student specials. As a student, it’s hard to resist those cheap deals! Gradually, it became a special hang out place for me and my friends and we would head over to the restaurant to celebrate the end of exams. (Ah, such fond memories!) With that, I find the restaurant’s name really apt – a gathering place for me and my buddies.

I’ve been to Tomodachi a number of times and this post includes a collection of food I’ve tried.

Note: these trips made to the restaurant were when I was on a budget and me and my friends usually ordered their Student Meals. Their Student Meals are available from 11.30AM to 6PM on Mondays to Fridays with each meal at $6.90, inclusive of ice lemon tea. Add-ons such as miso soup, sushi and cheese fries can be purchased with every Student Meal by topping up $1.50.

Chicken Teriyaki Bento – Student Meal ($6.90). The chicken teriyaki was a little overcooked. The serving for the bento was very generous and it was very filling. The cold potato salad side was topped with crushed boiled eggs and crispy turkey bacon bits and it was delicious.

Carbonara – Student Meal ($6.90). This was ordered by my friend. Her verdict: it was rich and creamy.

Aglio Olio ($8.90). This was ordered by my friend and the chili flakes were sprinkled on the spaghetti by her. Did not get to try it but according to my friend it was a little on the bland side.

Zaru Soba ($9.80). Cold buckwheat noodles served with a dipping sauce. You can order it with chicken katsu for an additional $3.  Ordered without the chicken katsu because I wasn’t hungry that day. I would suggest ordering the one with the chicken katsu as you’ll find yourself wanting some meat to go along with the noodles. This meal is either a hit or miss and if you like Japanese noodles you’d enjoy this.

Tomo Rainbow cake ($6.50). The 6 layered rainbow cake was much raved about by my friends so I had to try it. The cake was pleasant looking however it did not live up to my expectations as it was a little dry on the day I tried it.

Chocolate Truffle Cake ($5.50 for the cake itself). My friend and I added an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream. The chocolate truffle cake was rich and moist and paired with the vanilla ice cream, it was heavenly. Definitely a must try!

My overall experience at the restaurant was good. The service crew provided excellent service and they were very approachable and friendly. They were always on stand-by and were quick to clear our plates and refill our cups. The food was served within a reasonable waiting time and my friends and I need not wait long for our food to arrive. The ambiance was relaxed and it serves as a perfect meet up place for causal dining with old friends and with the family.

That’s all for my food review! Will be back to try out the pricier meals at Tomodachi the next time round!

Tomodachi

Opening hours: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm

1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3,

Pasir Ris, Singapore