The name Onori should be ringing some bells for those whom have been following us for quite a while — we had visited these folks when they had first opened their doors at Telok Ayer previously. It does seem that the folks behind the brand is ready for the brand’s expansion — they have recently opened a second outlet in the Basement 2 level of orchardgateway. Onori takes over the former premises of the now-defunct LEMOONTEA there — other notable dining establishments which one can find in the same area would be that of EatAlley. The orchardgateway location of Onori is bigger than that of their first outlet at Telok Ayer; this also means a more spacious seating area for dine-in patrons comprising of typical dining tables and chairs as well as counter seats. With the concept and the brand being heavily focused on Japanese handrolls, Onori serves up their handrolls in sets of 3s, 4s and 5s — this would come with a beverage on the side, while patrons can also opt to add a Crab Roe Chawanmushi and Nori Butter Miso Soup on the side as well. Patrons whom prefer to have the handrolls ala-carte can also get to purchase them individually as well.

We went for the Handroll Set (5 pieces) and opted for the Bay Scallops Handroll, Chicken Nanban Handroll, Chicken Tsukune Handroll, Miso Gindara (Black Cod) Handroll, and the Spicy Salmon Handroll — our choice of beverage was the Yuzu Jelly. The items in which that required a top-up above the base price for the Handroll Set (5 pieces) would be the Bay Scallops Handroll, Miso Gindara (Black Cod) Handroll and the Yuzu Jelly beverage. Amongst the handrolls that we had ordered, our favourite would be the Spicy Salmon Handroll; this would be described in the menu to come with elements such as Ikura, Mala Salmon Skin, Sesame & Chili Oil, Negi and Toasted Sesame Seeds. The Spicy Salmon Handroll is a simple handroll that would satisfy those whom especially love their sashimi bowls and sushi — the piece of seaweed does come with a plastic wrapper which all the rice and all other elements come above that patrons would need to slide out; a pretty thoughtful touch that allows for easy eating of the handroll. Here, the sushi rice does come not overly sweet and with a slight savoury note, yet firm and holds up its shape when bites are taken into it; the raw cubes of diced salmon being marinated with Sesame & Chili Oil for a savoury and fragrant note, while the Mala Salmon Skin gives a saltish crunch for textural contrast against everything else beneath — the Ikura giving a popping sensation with an umami note at the same time. Definitely a crowd pleaser, and one of the handrolls to order whilst at Onori especially if one is going for the set.