Ginkyo by Kinki @ One Holland Village - Redefining Japanese Dining with a Festival of Flavours

Nestled in the heart of One Holland Village, Ginkyo by Kinki emerges as a vibrant social haven, weaving a tapestry of contemporary creativity into the fabric of traditional Japanese dining. Drawing inspiration from the Icho Matsuri 'Ginkgo Festival' in Tokyo, this modern Japanese bistro is the brainchild of the visionaries behind Kinki Restaurant + Bar at Customs House. Ginkyo doesn't just offer a meal; it orchestrates an experience, blending authenticity with a touch of avant-garde flair.

Truffle Fat Wings 4.2/5

We first sampled the Truffle Fat Wings ($19) - a delightful symphony of textures and flavours. Deboned wings, generously stuffed with Niigata Koshihikari rice infused with truffle paste, edamame, and sea kelp. Charcoal-grilled to perfection and glazed with housemade yakitori sauce, these wings transcend the ordinary. The oil from the chicken skin elevates the dish, and a squeeze of lemon adds the perfect zing.

Uni, Caviar, Ikura 4.2/5

The Uni, Caviar, Ikura dish ($22) is a visual and gustatory masterpiece. Resembling sushi, the rice is seasoned with kombu, shaped, and pressed overnight. Tempura-battered and deep-fried for a crispy texture, it's adorned with negitoro, Tokujo grade uni, Magnum ops, Oscietra caviar, Kita-sanriku ikura, sliced cucumber, and gold flakes. A symphony of flavours unfolds with each bite—a perfect harmony of the sea and land.

Kimchi Onigiri Arancini 3.8/5

Ginkyo's playful creativity shines in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). A Japanese twist on Italian arancini, deep-fried kimchi rice filled with gorgonzola is wrapped in seaweed and served with kimchi aioli. The result is a tantalising explosion of spicy and savoury notes, redefining the boundaries of fusion cuisine.

Swordfish Ceviche 4/5

The Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) is a journey to South America and Japan on a single plate. Diced swordfish marinated in fig-infused Japanese rice vinegar and lime juice meets a medley of citrus, tomato, avocado, Japanese cucumber, shallots, pickled green chilli, and spicy mayo. Enjoy it on crispy rice crackers for a burst of textures and flavours — a delightful wrap of freshness.

Hamburg Wagyu 4.2/5

For a carnivorous indulgence, the Hamburg Wagyu ($36) steals the spotlight. Kagoshima A4 wagyu, minced and seasoned to perfection, graces a bed of crispy rice. Topped with a hot egg bath, burdock chips, and oba tempura, this dish is an orchestra of flavours and textures — grilled elegance that unfolds with every bite. There is also the option of topping up $15 for foie gras.

Okonomi-Rosti 4.5/5

The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) offers a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki. Grated potatoes seared to a crisp form the base, adorned with cabbage, bacon, Hokkaido scallops, bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce, and shredded nori. Each bite is a dance of flavours — a perfect fusion of Japanese and European influences.

Ginkyo by Kinki is more than a restaurant; it's a culinary overture that celebrates the fusion of tradition and innovation. The menu is a curated symphony, with each dish a note in the harmonious composition of Japanese flavours and global influences. As you step into Ginkyo, prepare for a gastronomic journey that transcends boundaries, guided by the expert hands of culinary maestros.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ginkyo by Kinki
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-01 to 04
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 9337 7451
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Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sun: 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Vietsmith @ One Holland Village - Discovering a Stir-fried Version of Vietnamese Pho

Exploring the newly unveiled One Holland Village offerings, we found ourselves at Vietsmith, a Vietnamese restaurant, amid the growing array of dining choices. During my visit a few weeks ago, the mall was still in the process of welcoming all its restaurants, but we discovered a delightful Vietnamese option in Vietsmith.

Fried Seafood Spring Roll 3.5/5

Our lunch commenced with the Fried Seafood Spring Roll ($7.90). Crispy and golden on the outside, it harboured a delectable blend of seafood and vegetables within, delivering a satisfying contrast in each bite.

Lemongrass Prawn 4.2/5

Next, we had the Lemongrass Prawn ($14.90). A delightful starter, it exuded the enticing aroma of herbs and spices and a side of pickled vegetables that served to refresh the palate.

Grilled Chicken with Broken Rice 3.8/5

For a heartier option, we had the Grilled Chicken with Broken Rice ($15.90). Moist and flavourful from its well-crafted marinade, the chicken was complemented by a juicy meat patty featuring a tantalising mix of vermicelli and minced meat, creating an additional layer of textural contrast.

Wagyu Beef Pho 4/5

Opting for a premium choice in the pho selection, my dining companion savoured the Wagyu Beef Pho ($20.90). The luscious slices of Wagyu beef infused the broth with rich flavour, offering a delightful symphony of taste in every slurp.

Stir-fried Pho with Beef 4/5

A departure from the traditional soupy pho, the Stir-fried Pho with Beef ($14.90) caught our attention. The flat rice noodles, wok-fried to perfection, carried the unmistakable aroma of wok-hei, showcasing Vietsmith's prowess in crafting traditional pho and presenting an enticing dry variation.


Vietsmith
One Holland Village
7 Holland Village Way
#03-25/26
Singapore 275748
Tel: +65 6263 9163
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]