Navigating through Basement 2 of Takashimaya, you will find a cluster of Japanese eateries, collectively known as Gourmet Dining. And amongst these is Nakajima Suisan, which specializes in grilled fish sets. All their fish sets are served with pickles, salad, rice, miso soup and green tea.

The cheapest item on their menu is the Shio Saba Set (S$8.50 Nett). The Saba fish was fresh and sufficiently juicy but not significantly different from what you can get at the food court. So unless you are a huge Saba fan, the fish you should be ordering here is the Akauo Kasuzuke Set (S$11.50 Nett).

It was my first encounter with the Akauo fish and it was love at first taste. Akauo has a lovely firm texture and a sweet and delicious flavor, most likely because it was marinated with Sake Kasu (lees leftover from making sake).

But as expected for all good and cheap food, especially one that is located right smacked in Orchard Road, expect a queue. Don’t rush to join the queue once you arrive though, order and pay at their stall first before proceeding to the queue beside Tsuru-koshi Udon. Food will be served shortly after you are allocated a seat.