Man Man Unagi
At a Glance
About Man Man
SG's first unagi specialty (2016). By Chef Teppei Yamashita. Michelin Bib Gourmand. DUO Galleria (Bugis) is the second branch — directly connected to Bugis MRT.
Live-eel-to-table: eels from Mikawa Isshiki kept in tanks, killed and grilled fresh to order by Chef Nakagawa (20+ years). 15-20 min per order. Bincho charcoal, house-made tare. Perfectly caramelized exterior, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
The Hitsumabushi (S$29.50++): eat 4 ways from one bowl. Plain → with condiments → with dashi broth (the revelation) → your favourite way. One of the most interactive dining experiences in Singapore.
Also: Unadon from S$18.60++, DUO Unagi S$39.40++ (Bugis exclusive — kabayaki + shirayaki side-by-side). Sides: Umaki, Kimoyaki (eel liver), Bone Crackers. No service charge.
Compass Verdict
Man Man is Singapore's most celebrated unagi specialist — and the Duo outlet at Bugis serves the same Hamamatsu-style grilled eel that earned the original Keong Saik outlet its cult following. The Hitsumabushi (three-way eel rice) is the signature: eat plain, with condiments, then as ochazuke. If you have never tried proper unagi, Man Man is the place to start.
Recommended For
Menu
Hitsumabushi
| Hitsumabushi (Regular) ★ | S$29.50++ |
| Hitsumabushi (Large) | S$35.80++ |
| DUO Unagi (Bugis exclusive) ★ | S$39.40++ |
Donburi
| Una Tama Don | S$18.60++ |
| Unadon (Medium) | S$25.80++ |
| Unadon (Large) | S$32.80++ |
Sides
| Umaki (egg roll) | S$14.10++ |
| Kimoyaki (eel liver) | S$10.80++ |
| Bone Crackers | S$6.60++ |
★ = Picks. No service charge (GST only). Walk-in. Queue 15-30 min at peak lunch/dinner.
Practical Info
- Mon–Thu: 11:30am–2:15pm, 6–9pm
- Fri–Sat: 11:30am–2:15pm, 6–9:30pm
- Sun: 12–2:30pm, 6–8:30pm
What to Order
Hitsumabushi ★
Hitsumabushi S$29.50++ — THE dish. 4-way eating transforms one bowl into 4 meals. The dashi broth step is the revelation. Freshly grated wasabi at the table. Regular first, Large only if very hungry.
DUO Unagi (Bugis only)
DUO exclusive S$39.40++ — kabayaki + shirayaki side-by-side. The shirayaki reveals the eel's natural flavour. Unique comparison for connoisseurs.
Una Tama Don (budget)
Budget entry S$18.60++ — unagi + fluffy tamagoyaki. Less eel but satisfying. Try Man Man quality without full Hitsumabushi commitment.
Insider Tips
1. Dashi broth step is game-changer — don't skip. 2. Grind your own wasabi. 3. DUO queue shorter than Keong Saik. 4. Arrive at 11:30am. 5. Sit at counter to watch. 6. Kimoyaki = eel foie gras. 7. Bone Crackers + beer. 8. DUO exclusive item. 9. Eat in, not delivery. 10. No service charge.
Editor's Note
Man Man DUO: the most accessible way to try SG's best unagi. Hitsumabushi is a must-try — 4-way eating is one of the most fun Japanese dining experiences. Michelin Bib Gourmand deserved. Fair value at S$29.50++ (no svc). Honest downsides: DUO space can be warm/cramped, shirayaki divides opinion, char not always consistent, portions feel small for price. For Bugis unagi: the only choice.
Gallery
