I first fell in love with Ichiban Boshi when a friend took me to the Suntec branch. I was of course skeptical at first, seeing how it looks surreptitiously like the Fiesta I feared.

However, after taking a few of their signature sushi and other dishes, I was mildly hooked. So there I was venturing to the other branches.

Then one fine day, they started to remove my favourite dishes aka Spicy Tori Karaage and Yasai Itame from the menu. When I enquired with a server, she explained that somehow some survey was done on some dishes and they decided to revamp it with some sets. Voila, my favourite dishes have since disappeared from the face of Ichiban Boshi.

I wonder what sample size and the target customers the survey was based on? Those making up like what 49% of the customers who frequent the place?

Now, I vow not to return to Ichiban unless the dishes are restored to their original glory. Well, I shall treat this place as a passing fad to me. Apparently, I didn't qualify for the survey that they based the revamped menu on.

It is shocking to see how crowded Ang Mo Kio Hub can be, even on a Monday afternoon. Just check out the queues at NTUC and you will know what I mean. Alright, back to Ichiban Sushi, I was looking for a quick place to eat around Ang Mo Kio and decided after seeing the service staff zipping around in lightning speed that this would probably be ideal for me.

I started out with the Agadeshi Tofu which was much larger in real life than what the picture showed. Unfortunately it was rather tasteless, even with the accompanying sauces and after a few bites I could not eat any more of it.

The next appetiser was the California Roll, which was served in four large round pieces. Once again, I found this dish lacking in taste. A simple way to solve this problem would proabably be to add more mayonaise.

My final appetiser is something I must try at every sushi chain, the Negitoro (Tuna belly with onion) Sushi but once again there seemed to be lacking in taste.

Just when all hope was lost, my main course, a set which comprised of tempura, a salmon don and curry udon. The tempura was alright although the prawns may not have been very fresh with it being a little soggy. I enjoyed the curry udon, although some may feel that the udon is a little on the chewy side. However, my favourite still lies in the salmon don. Although the salmon was not of top grade quality, the idea of mixing it with chilli padi helped to spice up the meal, although I had to remove quite a chunk of the chilli since it was too spicy for my more westernised palate. In general however, small portions this set allows one to try a bit of everything - something that I enjoy.

In summary, the title of the review speaks for itself, and I must say that overall I was satifised with the quality (even though it was certainly not gourmet standard) given the price point. Service was very efficient.

Ichiban has been my "choice" of Japanese food but the recent visit to this branch kind of disappoints.

Maybe because this time round I was sitted by the belt instead of by the window. (I guess I'm a sucker for "atmosphere")

Anyhows, objectively speaking, this being a "sushi" joint, fares low
in terms of its' sushi's "appearance". Sitted beside the belt, I had a good view of all that went past me and I must say that some looked as if it had been there for the entire day (i was there from 8pm), and some had fillings spilling all over (not because it was over-stuffed, just badly placed). By the time the shop closed, the belt was still packed with plates! (which I think is a waste, perhaps the sushi making can be better controlled)

However, cos' my company only likes cooked food so we ordered a curry udon and the unagi bento.

The Curry udon had a really familiar taste...and after some recollection, we realised it reminds us VERY much of Maggi Mee! (Curry Flavour!) ;p The unagi set was HUGE! And though I admit I was thrilled by the size of the unagi, it was TOO tasty (very saltish), it had to go with the rice provided. Tempura was...too thick on the flour. Sashimi was "ma ma" - so so.

Considering that I still went back to Ichiban boshi (the richer sister at Wisma) the following day, I guess I will still opt for Ichiban but I do hope that AMK will pick up once again! (I did leave with fond memories of the sushi the last time I was there.)

Fresh and nice sushi, and the price is standard of $S1.90 for normal plates. I was addicted after my first visit there ... definitely worth queuing up. Portion for set meal are big and is definitely value for money.
Despite I didn't get to sit beside the conveyor belt due to all fully seated, but I was impressed by the promptness of the waitress in taking orders and deliver the orders.

Food here is quite ok.

Just one thing to note, if possible, don't sit near where the chefs prepare the food. If you are placed near the area, try to ignore them because their food handling technique are something you don't really want to see.

Fresh fish may be left out of the fridge for over 20 mins before being placed back into the fridge. Carrots shredded and placed in a basket that is in a sink filled with dirty dishes.

Just enjoy the food and don't peek at the chefs!

OH and be careful, there are 2 tables where the air-con blows directly onto. It is freezing cold there.