Jin Ho – Affordable Japanese Cuisine with Umami-Filled Asari Bata Yaki in Hougang

There can never be too many Japanese eateries in Singapore and Jin Ho quickly made itself a favourite on my list. Nestled away in Hougang, the stall can be spotted from a mile away, thanks to its eye-catching signage that basically screams Japanese. 

You’ll mainly find donburi on the menu — Chicken Katsu Don ($7), Gyudon ($11) and Unadon ($13), and Yaki Udon ($5). Feel free to top your meal up with an onsen egg ($1),  mentaiko sauce ($2) or more proteins for those looking to fill their tummies. 

If you’re only feeling slightly peckish, order some Tatami Iwashi (grilled baby sardines) ($5) or Surume Ika (seasonal Japanese squid with salt) ($10) to munch on. 

Of all the dishes on the menu, the one I’ve been eyeing – and my main reason for making the trip here – was the Asari Bata Yaki ($10). The bowl was filled right to the brim with an aromatic broth with dozens of asari clams hiding beneath the surface. 

The soup tasted almost like garlic butter toast but sans the heaviness. The spice level was adjustable — no spice, less spicy and all-out spicy. I went for the middle ground of less spicy so I could still taste the buttery and seafood-y fragrance of the broth. It would have been nice to have a bowl of rice alongside it but even on its own, it was addictive enough. 

The chewy flesh of the clams were small but fresh. Chew it with the minced garlic, chilli and green onion, or just slurp it right up with the soup. They don’t supply you with another bowl for the clam shells so you might want to ask for one (but be considerate if there’s a crowd because they don’t have small ones) or do it the old-school style and fold a paper box.

It may be a little pricey to some, given the location of the stall, but it makes quite a substantial meal. Maybe if they throw in that bowl of rice and make it a set, people would find it value for money.

Need a bigger protein fix? The Tonkatsu Don ($8) is a classic Japanese favourite. Along with the tonkatsu were a side of braised shimeji mushrooms, edamame and a couple of cherry tomatoes, all on a bed of pearly Japanese grains. I love how this visually appealing ensemble has all the food groups accounted for. 

The fried pork cutlet was drizzled in a sweet and tangy tonkatsu sauce. While the meat was a little hard, it wasn’t too tough to chew through, and it had a good crunch from the nicely-fried exterior. The rice also felt a tad undercooked to me (which I then soaked in the broth of the Asari Bata Yaki, so all’s well in the end). 

For those looking for a healthier option, the Pork Don ($8) is essentially the grilled version of the Tonkatsu Don. 

I do like how Jin Ho pays attention to health as almost all the other dons are also served with edamame and cherry tomatoes to create a well-rounded meal. As for me, the Asari Bata Yaki has turned me into a repeat customer and I’ll be praying hard for them to open another outlet so I have more options location-wise to get my fix!