Located in the heart of JW Marriott in South Beach, the spacious Singapore outlet features a whimsical design touting a harmonious combination of wood, stone, marble and leather amidst a backdrop of vivid colours complemented by vibrant paintings created by Back’s mother.

We were treated to an experiential tasting of an all-new Signature Flavours menu that showcased Chef Back’s bold and exploratory culinary style that titillated our sense of taste, smell and sight. Take the Hirame Carpaccio (SGD27) – the fresh and sweet flounder of this iconic sashimi dish was totally transformed by the juxtaposed flavours from the sweet nanbanzu vinegar, shallots, and jalapeno peppers. 

Yukhoe, SGD45

The classic Korean dish of Yukhoe was rendered a playful interpretation with Tajima wagyu striploin served with nashi pear and sesame soy, topped with a quail egg yolk and seaweed caviar. Diners are invited to mix the ingredients according to their palates.

A twist on the Japanese agedashi tofu, the Crispy Tofu seduced with crispy yet chewy bean curd cubes tossed in Korean red pepper paste that delivered a savoury kick followed by a tangy burst of lime.

Left: Crispy Tofu, SGD25; Right: Grilled Alaskan King Crab, SGD42

Another seafood dish that delighted was the Grilled Alaskan King Crab, serving up an explosion of flavour from the Tobiko-laced ‘dynamite’ sauce that added another dimension to the sweetness of the crustacean. The sweet ending came in the form of Beehive (SGD18) that surprised with fresh mango cream and lime sorbet when we cracked open a beautifully plated Meringue.

The kitchen is ably helmed by Chef De Cuisine Tomoyuki Kiga who’s Japanese but raised in Jakarta; Korean Sous Chef Hyungmin Bae; and local Pastry Chef Koh Su Pei.

Tuna Pizza

Akira Back is well worth the splurge — and don't miss the innocent-sounding Tuna Pizza that packed a punch with its thinly sliced tuna layered with earthy truffle oil and umami aioli on a hand-made tortilla base. It will boggle your senses with contrasting aromas, flavours and textures that sum up the bold innovation that’s Chef Back.

Akira Back is located at JW Marriott in South Beach, Singapore