Japanese dining scene heats up

TAIGA DINING Open Feb 8

IF you're used to sushi restaurants with the ubiquitous blonde wood interiors, faux or real hinoki counters and kimono-clad staff, Taiga Dining takes the stereotype and mixes it up a bit.

First you'll see an all-white textured wall at the entrance of the restaurant on the ground floor of Regent Singapore, emulating the rocky landscape of Kochi prefecture. Step inside and a warren-like foyer awaits, leading you into a dark, club-like space with a long hinoki counter as the only indication of its dining genre.