Thomson Plaza has undergone a remarkable transformation from a quiet tuition hub to a vibrant dining destination. With its recent renovations and diverse culinary offerings, this Upper Thomson mall now rivals many of Singapore’s popular food havens. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes Thomson Plaza a compelling choice for food lovers.

The Japanese Experience: From Budget to Premium

Sushi and Sashimi Excellence

Thomson Plaza’s Japanese dining scene is particularly impressive, catering to various budgets and preferences. Omoté (formerly Sushiro) stands out with its spectacular chirashi don offerings—11 varieties ranging from the accessible Omote Chirashi at $12.80++ to the show-stopping Super Mount Chirashi at $38.80++, which reviewers describe as a mountain of assorted seafood generous enough for multiple diners. The freshness and meat-to-fat ratio of the sashimi consistently receives praise, making it exceptional value for money.

For conveyor belt sushi enthusiasts, Sushiro offers a no-frills experience where most plates cost just $2.30. The setup is perfect for solo diners who enjoy the meditative quality of watching colorful plates glide by. Crowd favorites include Grilled Mackerel, Engawa, and Salmon Belly, with carby additions like Shoyu Ramen with Egg ($8.60) rounding out the meal.

Specialty Japanese Concepts

Hajime Tonkatsu & Ramen, helmed by Singapore’s first tonkatsu chef Tan-San, brings authenticity without the premium price tag. The Premium Pork Loin set at $25.90++ includes appetizer, miso soup, free-flow rice and cabbage, plus watermelon for dessert—a thoughtful touch. The Tonkatsu Ramen ($17.30++) cleverly combines two Japanese favorites in one satisfying bowl.

Hokkaido-ya, opened by Sushi Tei, takes the fast-casual approach with wallet-friendly prices that don’t compromise on quality. The Aburi Mentai Bara Chirashi Don ($14.90+) features beautifully torched mentaiko that gives each bite a fragrant char, while the Shirobuta Pork Katsu Hokkaido White Curry Rice ($12.90+) offers a creamy, milk-enriched curry that’s particularly kid-friendly.

Unique Japanese Dining

Tsukada Nojo carves out a niche with their famous Bijin Nabe—golden chicken collagen soup hotpot. The set at $25++ per person includes soup base, vegetables, meatballs, and condiments. Complementary sides like Chicken Nanban ($9) with creamy tartare sauce and Salmon and Ikura Rolls ($10) elevate the experience beyond typical hotpot fare.

Korean Comfort and BBQ

Wonderful Bapsang delivers authentic Korean fare in a comfortable setting. The Korean BBQ options—Galbisal (beef ribs at $44.80++), Samgyeopsal (pork belly at $26++), and Yaengnyeom Dwaeji (marinated pork collar at $26++)—provide quality meat experiences. For those seeking cooked dishes, the Kimchi Jjigae ($15.80++) offers tangy, lightly-spiced comfort, while the Kimchi Cheese Bokkeumbap ($17.80++) satisfies cheese lovers with its blanket of melted goodness over kimchi fried rice.

Chinese Cuisine: From Homestyle to Fine Dining

Regional Specialties

San Ren Xing specializes in Fujian and Sichuan-style dishes, with their signature Braised Nanping Noodles ($11.90++) earning legendary status among regulars. Served in a pot with seafood, pork, and vegetables in cloudy broth, it’s the kind of dish people return specifically for. The restaurant offers practical set meals for two ($59.90++), four ($89.90++), and six ($148.90++) diners.

Nan Yang Dao brings Malaysian Chinese flavors to the table with particular success in their Penang Fried Kway Teow ($6.80+), praised for strong wok hei. The Big Bowl Curry Noodle ($9.90+) impresses with its lemak, spicy curry and generous ingredients including prawns, pork belly, fish balls, tau pok, and boiled egg—all for under $10.

Dim Sum and Fine Dining

Peach Garden represents the upscale end of Chinese dining with ongoing promotions that make it accessible. The Afternoon Tea Dim Sum Buffet (weekends 3-5pm, $25.80++ per person with fourth diner free) includes signature items like Roasted Crispy Peking Duck and Steamed Live Prawn. The $2 lobster noodles promotion (minimum spend $50 weekdays, $80 weekends) during dinner is particularly noteworthy.

Zi Char Style

The Coriander Cafe shouldn’t be mistaken for a Western cafe—it’s a proper zi char eatery with red plastic chairs and long tables. Their specialty Fish Head Curry ($22) comes well-regarded, while budget-friendly noodle options start at just $4.50 for classics like Fried Hokkien Mee and Sinchow Bee Hoon.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hotpot for All Budgets

Shi Li Fang democratizes the hotpot experience with set meals starting at an astonishing $9.90++. The Single Value Set Meal is perfect for solo diners wanting the full hotpot experience without sharing. Add just $0.80 for free-flow drinks—a smart value proposition that makes this one of Singapore’s most affordable hotpot options.

Indonesian Flavors

BISTRO BOX By Uncle Penyet brings the popular ayam penyet concept to a slightly more upscale setting while maintaining reasonable prices. The signature smashed fried chicken costs $12.80, with equally appealing fish and prawn versions at the same price. The all-day breakfast menu, including Blue Pea Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing ($8.80), adds versatility to their offerings.

Western Fare and Artisanal Pasta

42 Pasta is the Answer earns its 5-star Google rating through dedication to craft—making fresh pasta daily in rotating shapes and natural veggie flavors like pumpkin and sweet potato. At $15 for Pasta of the Day, it represents increasingly rare artisanal quality at accessible prices. The Roast Pork with Waldorf Salad ($12/$18) offers a well-balanced sharing option.

The Grumpy Bear covers all Western comfort food bases with 11 varieties of chicken chop, from classic Black Pepper Chicken ($14.90++) to adventurous Chilli Crab and Salted Egg versions ($18.90++). Pasta options and a $6.90 meal completion deal (soup plus homemade ice lemon tea) make it a reliable choice for straightforward Western cravings.

Plant-Based Excellence

iVegan proves that vegan dining can be diverse and delicious, earning a 4.9-star Google rating. The menu spans Western, Korean, Japanese, and local cuisines—an impressive range. The Set Meal Promotion at $12.90++ (starter, main, drink) offers excellent value, while their housemade Black Bean Burger ($14.90++) and zi char-style vegetable dishes demonstrate that plant-based eating doesn’t mean limited options.

Value Propositions and Standout Deals

Several restaurants offer exceptional value:

• Sushiro’s $2.30 sushi plates make Japanese dining accessible
• Shi Li Fang’s $9.90++ hotpot sets redefine budget dining
• Omoté’s $12.80++ chirashi don delivers generous fresh seafood
• iVegan’s $12.90++ three-course sets span multiple cuisines
• Peach Garden’s promotional pricing brings dim sum buffets within reach

The Verdict

Thomson Plaza has successfully reinvented itself as a serious dining destination. The mall’s strength lies in its diversity—whether you’re craving Japanese sashimi, Korean BBQ, Chinese comfort food, Western classics, or plant-based cuisine, quality options exist across all price points.

The Japanese offerings are particularly strong, with multiple restaurants competing on quality and value. Chinese cuisine is well-represented from casual zi char to upscale dim sum. Budget-conscious diners will find numerous sub-$15 options that don’t compromise on taste or portion size.

What sets Thomson Plaza apart is accessibility—both in terms of location for Upper Thomson residents and pricing that welcomes regular visits rather than special occasions only. The renovated interior provides a comfortable shopping and dining environment, finally fulfilling the potential this mall always had.

For families, the variety means everyone’s preferences can be accommodated in one location. For solo diners, conveyor belt sushi and single hotpot sets remove the awkwardness of dining alone. For food enthusiasts, the concentration of quality Japanese restaurants and artisanal options like handmade pasta justify dedicated visits.

Thomson Plaza has evolved from a forgotten tuition center hub into a legitimate food destination worthy of your dining consideration—and quite possibly your regular patronage.