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Toku Nori , a new Japanese restaurant, is nestled on the second and third storeys of a pre-war heritage shophouse along Telok Ayer Street. The name "Toku (特)" translates to "special" in Japanese, and true to its name, Toku Nori is reinventing handrolls with its unique touch. The 40-seater sushi bar counter dining space infuses traditional design elements of a Japanese handroll bar with contemporary aesthetics, offering an inviting ambience for a memorable dining experience. Handroll: Hotate Roll 4/5 We began our dinner with a selection of handrolls, each crafted by the chef right before our eyes at the sushi bar counter, served and timed to individual pace. The Hotate Roll ($9), paired with yuzu koshi, lime, and chives, was a delightful start. The premium-grade japonica pearl rice, Koshihikari, provided a sublime balance of moisture, stickiness, and subtle sweetness that complemented the scallop's natural sweetness. The yuzu koshi and lime pairing heightened the overall flavour profile, making each bite a refreshing experience. Handroll: Maguro Roll 4/5 Next, we had the Maguro Roll ($8), featuring smoked onion cream, crispy shallots, and melt-in-the-mouth maguro. The combination of flavours and textures worked harmoniously, offering a delightful textural enjoyment that left us craving more. Handroll: Engawa Roll 4/5 The Engawa Roll ($9.5) was another highlight, aburi for a touch of smokiness before being wrapped into a roll with shiro miso and roast garlic. The slight char from the aburi added a depth of flavour that elevated the delicate engawa. Premium Roll: Foie Gras Roll 4.2/5 For a more luxurious experience, we opted for the Foie Gras Roll ($16). The creamy foie gras, given a kiss of fire from the torch, was paired with a garlic soy glaze and spicy leek, resulting in an explosion of flavours that was both rich and satisfying. Premium Roll: Wagyu & Uni Roll 4.5/5 The Wagyu & Uni Roll ($16) comprised of wagyu karubi, Hokkaido sea urchin, and caviar. This luxurious combination of fatty, melt-in-the-mouth wagyu, the sweetness of uni, and the umami from the caviar created a heavenly flavour profile that left us wanting more. Izakaya Platter Kakuni Pork Belly, Aburi Salmon Crispy Sushi, Maguro Popper, Chicken Rib 4.5/5 In addition to the sushi rolls, Toku Nori offers a selection of izakaya items. We sampled the Kakuni Pork Belly ($14/2pc), Aburi Salmon Crispy Sushi ($16/3pc), Maguro Popper ($12/3pc), and Chicken Ribs ($14). Each item was well executed, delicious, and perfectly complemented with alcohol, making them ideal for a casual night out. Wagyu Sando 4/5 The Wagyu Sando was another standout dish. The rich, buttery wagyu was sandwiched between lightly toasted, golden brown bread. The exceptionally tender wagyu and the slight crunch of the bread created a delightful mouthfeel that was both satisfying and memorable. Sakura Matcha Latte, Yuzu Matcha, Housemade Warabi Mochi 4.2/5 To wrap up our meal, we enjoyed the Housemade Warabi Mochi ($12), which was airy and soft, presented in three different flavours: kinoko, goma, and matcha. For matcha lovers, we had the Sakura Matcha Latte and Yuzu Matcha, both of which used ceremonial-grade premium tsuki matcha, offering a perfect balance of flavours to end our meal on a high note. Toku Nori is a gem in the heart of Telok Ayer Street, offering a unique and modern take on traditional Japanese handrolls. Its inviting ambience, attentive service, and innovative menu make it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the delicate art of sushi and handrolls. Toku Nori promises an exceptional dining experience that will leave you coming back for more. Note: This is an invited tasting. Toku Nori 200A Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068638 Tel: +65 8082 6536 Facebook Instagram Website Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line) Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 1145am - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm Direction: 1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left and walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [ Map ] 2) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [ Map ]