Sometimes I wonder if Liang Court will still exist if not for the supermarket and its eateries at the basement...even after it completes its overhaul, which is in-progress.

To be honest, I haven't seen any restaurants with more Japanese customers than Tampopo, not even Waraku. And they all flock here for the authentic family japanese fare. So if you hadn't tried this, you don't know what you're missing.

I shadn't make any recommendations. Just order whatever appeals to you. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Haven't been here in a year, but the food still tastes great, still a paradise!

Their signature fried carrot cake with XO sauce. Well, I would say it's evenly fried and worth the money ($7).

Double-boiled sharks fin soup in Jap stone pot ($38) - This pot is said to keep your food hot for 30 mins, so that you could savour the last drop as good as the first! Good for maximum 3 servings. The pic below shows only one serving because P and I were so eager to try it that we forgot to take a shot 1st!

Baked rack of lamb - most tender one that I've had in my life (so far...) ($15)

Below are the recommended braised vermicelli ($16) and the 'won't-go-wrong' spinach in stock with wolfberries and whole garlic ($14) - both which I find so-so only...

HSBC cardholders entitled to 10% off ala carte price.

Be ready to take a long (and tiring) stroll up Mount Emily to Upper Wilkie Rd if you are visiting this restaurant for the first time...(that is if you don't have a car like me heh...) Click map here.

This much-publicised restaurant is located at the Hangout Hotel and it's owner cum chef is said to be a lawyer-turned-chef who resigned from his well-paid solicitor job to pursue his interest in cooking. (sigh...how I wished I could do the same...)

Anyway, we were lucky to get a table without making any reservation, even when half the restaurant was already reserved for a private function. But we sure were disappointed when they use the same old ruse by asking "Would you like some sparkling or still water to start?". We were too naive by assuming still water would mean plain water and ordered the latter so that he would go away and we can continue to flip through the wordy menu to decide our order. Then came 2 OPENED pet bottles of FIJI NATURAL ARTESIAN WATER. We looked at each other and immediately realised we're 'duped'. It costs $5 per bottle for goodness sake! We could have ordered another dessert or iced tea! (FYI, a glass of ice lemongrass tea there costs only $4.50.)

Other than that, I must be fair to say that the rest of the dinner lives up to its hype, except for the duck leg confit which was a tad too salty and tasted like chinese waxed-duck at times. It is served with Fried Yam cake that is yummylicious.

The soft shell crab starter is well fried to crisp and together with the black pepper paste, it makes you wonder if you are actually having Black Pepper Crab.

The laksa pesto linguini was recently reviewed and is almost a sure-order at all the tables that day. Those who can't stomach spicy food are warned to inform the waiter beforehand for any special order requests.

Last but not least, the unconventional orh-nee was served with a refreshing (and not too sweet) coconut ice cream and layers of crisps. Best of all, it tastes better than it looks!