Shotengai, also known as a shopping district, is a common sight in Japan where one experiences local life. From traditional tea houses to standing ramen stalls and beauty shops, shotengai serve the daily needs of residents living in the area.
While there are no shotengai in Singapore, there is no lack of outstanding establishments which uphold the shotengai spirit — especially in Tanjong Pagar. Join the crowds this May and June to experience a Singaporean shotengai experience and win attractive prizes with the Tanjong Pagar Lucky Draw Campaign!
Organised by two of Singapore’s most popular free magazines, WAttention, the magazine on all things Japan, and Mangosteen Club, the go-to Japanese lifestyle magazine; this campaign brings the Japanese shopping district concept to the neighbourhood of Tanjong Pagar. What’s more, they are partnering with Plus!, one of Singapore’s biggest rewards programme to provide a digitalised experience for all via the Plus! app.
How it Works:
1. Plan dates with your loved ones, colleagues and friends from now to 30th June 2019 at any of the 70 participating outlets.
2. Download the Plus! app to collect a stamp card at any of the participating outlets.
3. Spend $10 at any of the 70 outlets to earn one stamp. Every five stamps collected entitles you to 1 spin on the FUKUBIKI (福引), a traditional lucky draw machine imported from Japan at Guoco Tower B2 (1-26 June) and 100AM Mall L1 (27-30 June).
With an overwhelming 70 food outlets to check out, we’ve narrowed it down 8 you should start with:

Located on the third level of 100am, this cluster of seven restaurants is a Japanese food paradise! For fresh fish, head to Namazu Uogashi Zuzhi for sashimi flown directly from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka. Alternatively, Saboten’s tonkatsu and chicken katsu will satisfy your fried food cravings!

Looking for a new place to chill after work? This cosy tavern serves up an interesting mix of western, Singaporean and Japanese fusion dishes such as Yong Tao Foo Oden cooked in Dashi broth, sake flavoured Laksa ramen and “Amani” style Chicken Rice. SG Taps refreshes their craft beers on tap regularly — reason enough to visit more than once!

Photo by Burppler Wuu Yyiizzhhoouu
Teppan Kappou Kenji offers a relaxed and intimate dining experience for teppanyaki lovers and kaiseki connoisseurs. Helmed by Chef Kenji who has served Mikhail Gorbachev and the Japanese Emperor, your visual senses and taste buds are in for a treat with artfully prepared dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients from Japan.

Photo by Burppler Jessica Chew
Eating out in a group? Head to this high-class food court you where there’s something for everyone. From crispy pork belly to grilled ribeye steak, mushroom beef burger, duck pizza and more!

Photo by Burppler Matchacrumble .
Make your days and evenings right with delightful Japanese-inspired French-style pastries. Made with high-quality ingredients and fresh fruits, all the cakes and pastries are baked daily to maintain a consistent standard that keeps loyal fans coming back for more. The Strawberry Shortcake and Waguri Millefeuille are definite must-tries!

While Jing Hua does not serve any Japanese food, they do serve dumplings which both Japanese and locals love. Established 30 years ago in Singapore, the Han family has since spread their Pan-fried Mixed Seafood & Pork Dumplings and Zha Jiang noodle recipes to Japan with 7 overseas outlets to date. Pop by to try their famed Xiao Long Bao!

Tucked away in a hidden corner, this is just the spot for a good night out with your pals. And if the Japanese love it, you can bet it’s really good. Try their wide selection of shochu and sake while savouring authentic izakaya dishes such as Grilled Beef Tongue and Banshaku set.
Guoco Tower

Hattendo Café. Photo by Burppler Natalie Wong
Directly connected to Tanjong Pagar MRT station, Guoco Tower offers many convenient options that will satisfy your cravings. Get information about travelling by rail in Japan and even purchase a JR Pass at the Japan Rail Café. Stock up on groceries at Little Farms and shop for daily necessities at Miniso. For a quick bite, Samurice, Makai and Hattendo Café provide delicious and affordable choices.
After all the feasting and merrymaking, don’t forget to collect your stamps to stand a chance to win tickets to Japan, snacks, Japanese sake and many more! Find out more at http://tpluckydraw.com.
If getting the best bang for your buck is your thing, check out Plus! for deals such as 1-for-set lunches and other shopping and travel promotions. Not a member? Sign up easily on the Plus! app and you’ll receive a Plus! card to earn and redeem LinkPoints too! To find out how you can enjoy rebates on groceries, shopping, dining, travel and more, visit plus.com.sg.
This article was originally written and published for Burpple.