Royal Host Singapore: Japan family restaurant chain opens first store at Jewel Changi Airport

Royal Host — Japan’s leading family restaurant chain — has opened its doors at the bustling Jewel Changi Airport and it marks its first overseas debut in Singapore!

It’s also its first direct store, which means that the brand imports most of its ingredients from Japan for the freshest quality.

The team aims to replicate the same authentic taste and flavours that one can expect from Royal Host’s restaurants in Japan.

This famed diner boasts 223 outlets across Japan, with an impressive, time-honoured legacy that spans 53 years. 

If you’re a Japanophile or travel there frequently, Royal Host Singapore might be one of your most anticipated openings of the year.

Don’t rush down just yet, though: The restaurant is currently in its soft launch phase, up until Jul 18. It’s still in the midst of fine-tuning operations before the grand opening, so the menu is limited to a select few dishes, for now. 

Come Jul 19, Royal Host Singapore will be in full swing. Diners can count on a comprehensive line-up of its signature yoshoku (dishes influenced by Western and Japanese cuisines) and the hospitable service that it’s well-known for.

You’ll find the beloved Japanese diner on the third floor of Jewel Changi Airport, where bright, warm overhead lights and cosy plush seats beckon you in. 

From the moment you set foot into the store, you’re warmly greeted by the friendly staff, who synchronously chime: “いらっしゃいませ!” (pronounced as irrashaimase, which translates to welcome in Japanese).

The mood is thus set from the get-go, promising a soothing, enjoyable dining experience as you catch up with loved ones over comfort food — as if you were dining at a close friend’s home.

On the menu, you’ll find homely yoshoku fare that marries both Western and Japanese cuisines. But don’t be mistaken: It’s not your usual burgers, steak and spaghetti. 

Instead, its yoshoku refers to Western dishes prepared with Japanese-style cooking techniques and ingredients (the majority of which are specially flown in from Japan).

Savour classic yoshoku on the Royal Host Singapore menu

The Royal Host Singapore menu is extensive and peppered with a motley of mouth-watering dishes that will have you spoilt for choice.

But if we could recommend one dish, it would be none other than the “Royal” hamburg steak (S$29.80), which is the brand’s Japanese-inspired twist on the classic beef hamburger. 

The dish features premium, finely ground beef that’s carefully rolled into rotund balls before they’re sizzled to a perfect, smoky char. The result is a juicy and tender hamburg steak that brims with umami. 

The hamburg steak also comes with your choice of three sauces, which include a brown butter gravy, wafu dip (made from dashi soy sauce and grated white radish) and the Singapore-exclusive black pepper sauce.

Omu-rice (also known as omelette rice) is a must-have in every Japanese restaurant and Royal Host Singapore doesn’t disappoint on this front.

But among the lot, the “Royal” omu-rice with demi-glace sauce (S$26.80) caught our eye. It’s truly a sight to behold, thanks to a sprawling, creamy omelette that droops over a bed of tangy ketchup-infused rice. 

According to the staff, Royal Host’s omelettes are crafted with fresh eggs imported from the Kyushi prefecture in Japan, which results in a fluffier, lighter texture. 

That we appreciated, as its smooth, airy body prevented the dish from being too heavy on the palate. It also perfectly balanced out the savouriness of the rich demi-glace gravy, which forms a picturesque moat around the omu-rice.

Parfaits and sundaes are go-to desserts at Japanese restaurants and Royal Host Singapore is no exception. 

We had the hot fudge sundae (S$18.40), which came in a towering sundae glass crowned with dollops of uber-decadent vanilla and chocolate gelato. 

For added indulgence and texture, the treat is also adorned with slices of chopped banana and chocolate sauce.

Besides the usual slew of coffees and teas, there are also a trio of Singapore-exclusive mocktails to look forward to. 

First up, there’s the Singapore Sling (S$11.50) — our pick — which is a vibrant, zesty blend of tropical fruits that is oh-so-refreshing on a hot day. 

On the other hand, the mojito (S$11.50) sees hints of Thai lemongrass, fresh lime and mint. 

Perhaps the girls will enjoy the lychee rose (S$10.50), which is lighter compared to the other two mocktails. It comprises an aromatic lychee red tea topped with fizzy soda and longan fruits.

This was a hosted tasting.

For the latest eats, read about Har Har Chicken’s new opening at Bishan or chic gastrobar Taishike with authentic Taiwanese fare. Alternatively, check out the newest openings in Singapore here. 

Do explore the GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride to Royal Host at Jewel Changi Airport for its comforting Japanese-Western fare.