Ikki Izakaya @ The Metropolis - Japanese Comfort Food with a Local Twist

Tucked away at The Metropolis in Buona Vista, Ikki Izakaya is a modern Japanese-style izakaya that impresses with its expansive space, high ceilings, and laid-back yet contemporary atmosphere. Despite being around for eight years, it still feels like a hidden gem — offering a solid lineup of Japanese comfort food alongside an impressive selection of alcoholic beverages. Whether you're looking to wind down after work or catch up with friends over bites and booze, Ikki delivers an easygoing, fuss-free dining experience.

Spicy Maguro Poppers 4/5

We started the meal with the Spicy Maguro Poppers ($9.80) — a fun and flavourful bite served in crunchy pie tee cups. Inside, you'll find cubes of tuna sashimi marinated in gochujang, sitting on a creamy avocado base and topped with tobiko for that extra savoury burst. It's spicy, creamy, crunchy — all in one mouthful — and a great way to whet the appetite.

Tofu Crisps 3.5/5

We also tried the Tofu Crisps ($9), a simple yet addictive snack that substitutes fries or chips with thin, crispy tofu skin. While not particularly bold in flavour, it's a satisfying vegetarian-friendly option that goes perfectly with a cold pint.

Ikki Maki 4/5

One of the standouts for the evening was the Ikki Maki ($17.70), a rich and indulgent sushi roll that hits all the right notes. Cream cheese, avocado, and mentaiko sauce form the core of the roll, wrapped and topped with aburi salmon, mini fish roe, and a dusting of seaweed powder. Each bite is creamy, smoky, and umami-packed — a roll that's clearly earned its signature status on the menu.

IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon 3.5/5

Adding a local twist to Japanese fare, the IKKI's Kick Ass Har Cheong Gai Curry Udon ($16.50) offers a unique blend of flavours. The creamy Japanese curry base is comforting and fragrant, served with a crispy chicken cutlet marinated in traditional prawn paste. While the concept is fun, the execution was slightly off during our visit — the seasoning leaned too salty, which overwhelmed the dish's otherwise enjoyable components.

SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

For something more comforting and hearty, the SPAM Kimchi Fried Rice ($12.80) hits the mark. The fried rice is smoky and robust, filled with the punchy flavour of well-fermented kimchi and balanced out by soft, sweet tamagoyaki and pan-fried spam slices. It's the kind of dish you'd want after a long night out.

Ikki's Tsukune Platter 3.5/5

We ended with Ikki's Tsukune Platter ($16.80), featuring five yakitori-style chicken meatballs glazed in a different sauce: Mentaiko, Gochujang Miso, Okonomiyaki, Cheese, and Original. The platter makes for a great sharing dish, offering variety in flavour, though some combinations stood out more than others. Still, it's a fun and interactive way to sample different seasonings, especially with drinks.

Overall, Ikki Izakaya feels like a well-kept secret. It blends local influences with Japanese izakaya vibes in a relaxed and spacious setting. Whether you're in it for the drinks, the creative fusion dishes, or just a chill place to hang out, Ikki Izakaya checks all the right boxes.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ikki Izakaya
The Metropolis
9 North Buona Vista Drive
#01-06/07
Singapore 138588
Tel: +65 8138 8578
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 11pm
Sat: 6pm - 10pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks @ Neil Road - Bringing the Lively Spirit of Korea to Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks brings the lively energy of Korea's iconic dining culture right to our doorstep. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Sinchon, Seoul, this casual eatery celebrates all things Korean — flavour-packed dishes, refreshing drinks, and the warmth of shared meals with Korean heritage.

Refillable Banchan 3.5/5

Sinchon offers two types of refillable Banchan, both of which are excellent palate cleansers. They are tangy, spicy, and delightfully crunchy.

Fresh Oyster 3.8/5

The Fresh Oysters ($25 for 5 pieces) were a highlight. They were served with minimal chilli toppings that enhanced rather than masked their natural brininess. The freshness was unmistakable, delivering a taste of the ocean in every bite.

Scallop Butter Grill 3.8/5

The Scallop Butter Grill ($24 for 4 pieces) was a delectable starter. The savoury melted cheese atop the tender scallops added a rich layer of flavour, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs 3.8/5

Sinchon's Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs ($50 for 1 piece, $80 for 2 pieces) are marinated in-house by the owner. They boast a fresh taste with a perfect balance of saltiness. The crabs' jelly-like texture, combined with a hint of spice, creates a harmonious flavour that's truly satisfying.

We were told that the traditional way to enjoy this is with seaweed and white rice. It is a very interesting experience.

Mixed Sashimi Platter 4/5

It was our first experience with Korean Sashimi, and it was an eye-opener! Unlike Japanese sashimi's delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Korean-style sashimi boasts a firmer, chewier bite, with some cuts even offering a satisfying crunch. The variety of textures alone made it an exciting dish to explore.

What's even more delightful is the versatility of how you can enjoy it. You can dip it simply in wasabi and soy sauce, wrap it in shiso leaf or lettuce with garlic and chilli for a burst of flavour, roll it in seaweed, or pair it with Korean chilli sauce for a spicy kick. Each method brings out a unique aspect of the sashimi, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

The Mixed Sashimi Platter ($68) offers a customizable selection of premium fish, including Rockfish, Korean Halibut, and Flounder, all flown in fresh from Korea. The options vary with availability and seasonality, ensuring the freshest catch every time.

Cheese Steamed Egg 3/5

A quintessential Korean comfort dish, the Cheese Steamed Egg ($15) arrived piping hot and fluffy. While the egg was slightly overcooked, the addition of cheese offered a rich flavour. A suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate melted cheese within the egg for a smoother texture rather than placing it on top.

Japchae 3.5/5

The Japchae ($22) featured a medley of vegetables, mushrooms, fish cake, and chewy glass noodles, all brought together with fragrant sesame oil. While the flavours were milder compared to other versions, the overall dish was light and satisfying.

Kimchi Pancake 3.8/5

The Kimchi Pancake ($20) impressed with its crispy exterior and generous chunks of kimchi embedded within the batter. The pancake was light yet flavourful, offering a delightful balance of textures, tanginess and spice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

Sinchon's Kimchi Fried Rice ($15) was an undeniable favourite. It was packed with strong kimchi flavours and topped with a perfectly crispy egg with a runny yolk and seaweed garnish. This dish was so addictive that it kept us coming back for more.

Stir-Fry Chilli Pork 3.5/5

Served on a sizzling hotplate, the Stir-Fry Chilli Pork ($30) featured marinated pork chunks accompanied by fresh lettuce and big pieces of Shiso leaves, which is rarely seen in Singapore's version of this dish. While the dish was flavourful, the pork could have been more tender and spicier to elevate the experience.

Clams Stew 4/5

The Clams Stew ($40) served bubbling over a flame is on fire, literally. The spicy broth was packed with meaty clams, sweet white radish and a fiery kick that made it perfect for a rainy night. However, non-spicy eaters should approach with caution!

Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju 4/5

Refreshing and vibrant, the Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju ($18 per glass, $48 per jug) were delightful beverages to accompany the meal. The fruity Soju also come in pineapple flavour, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.

After indulging in Sinchon's diverse menu, it's clear that this spot is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience. The thoughtful attention to detail, authentic Korean flavours, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect place for food lovers and social diners alike. Come here for a slice of Seoul in Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sinchon
55 Neil Road
Singapore 088892
Tel: +65 81891538
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minut4es. [Map]