I was looking for a new Japanese restaurant to explore in the CBD, and my search led me to Gochi-So Shokudo at One Raffles Place. Located in the North Wing beneath the office towers, it’s a casual spot that fits naturally into how I’ve viewed Raffles Place establishments: easy to find and accessible.
Although what caugh my attention twofold was the use of charcoal grilling and the way its dishes are put together, with bowls and sets topped with additions that add another layer to the meal. It’s a restaurant that brings Japanese dining into a busy office district while keeping its offerings at affordable prices.
What Gochi-So Shokudo Is About
Gochi-So Shokudo brings Japanese rice meals, donburi, tonkatsu sets, and curry dishes into Singapore’s CBD, with its menu built around ingredients such as Iberico pork imported from Spain.
Located at 1 Raffles Place, #B1-30, the restaurant sits beneath the office towers and serves as a convenient stop for those working in the area. The brand has also expanded to locations such as Chinatown Point, Bedok Mall, and Westgate, keeping the same focus on Japanese dishes to the masses.
For those exploring the area further, here’s the best flavours tucked into the area that reveals a little more of what food Raffles Place has to offer.
The Menu and What I Ordered
Iberico Pork Jowl Don With Onsen Egg
I started with the Iberico Pork Jowl Don at $13.80. The pork jowl had a gentle char from the grill, carrying that smoky flavour that works naturally with a bowl of warm Japanese rice. The sauce added depth without masking the meat, while the onsen egg brought a smooth richness that tied the components together.
Chicken Katsu, A Different Take On Gochi-So’s Katsu Selection
I added the Chicken Katsu to see how the kitchen approached something outside its Iberico pork focus. The cutlet had a light panko crust that gave way easily when sliced, with the chicken inside remaining tender and well-seasoned. Compared to the richer pork options, this felt cleaner and more straightforward, allowing the texture of the meat and the crisp coating to take centre stage.
Cheese Roll Katsu, Crisp Layers With A Richer Centre
The Cheese Roll Katsu brought a different texture to the table. The outside carried the same crisp fried coating, but cutting into it revealed melted cheese wrapped with meat, giving each bite a softer and richer contrast. It was a smaller item compared to the katsu sets, but it added another dimension to the meal without feeling like an afterthought.
The Sides, the Miso Soup, and a Small Honest Note
The sets arrive with cabbage salad and miso soup, and here’s where I’ll be straight with you.
The cabbage salad was fresh and crunchy, a decent counter to the fried pork. The miso soup was fine, though on my visit it ran a touch oily. And one of the pork bowls I tried felt a little underseasoned on its own, needing a bit of the sauce to come alive.
None of this ruined the meal. But it’s worth knowing that not every dish lands the same way.
Service and the Ordering System
Gochi-So Shokudo follows a casual counter-ordering setup that fits the pace of a weekday meal. The staff were nice when I asked about the menu, and the food arrived at a steady pace once I settled in.
The first thing to know is that you order before finding a seat. Place your order at the counter, collect your number, and find a table while the kitchen prepares everything.
The process keeps things moving without taking away from the experience. For the money, the restaurant offers a dining style that feels suited to those looking for a well-paced Japanese meal in Raffles Place.
Planning Your Visit
A few details are worth knowing before making your way down.
- Location: 1 Raffles Place, #B1-30, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
- Nearest MRT: Raffles Place, directly connected
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am to 9:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 11:30am to 9:00pm
- Price range: Around $10 to $20 per person
The restaurant opens daily, and it’s worth a quick check of their latest contact details before visiting, especially if you’re planning a meal outside the usual lunch hours.
Leaving Gochi-So Shokudo
Gochi-So Shokudo is a restaurant with a clear focus. It takes Japanese staples and builds its menu around a few key ideas rather than trying to cover everything.
That might be the reason it works. You come here knowing the kind of meal you’re looking for, and the restaurant delivers the taste you expect from these Japanese dishes.
