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]

Kinki Restaurant + Bar @ Customs House - Celebrating 15 Years with a Throwback Menu

Kinki Restaurant + Bar marks 15 radical years in Singapore’s dining scene with its bold identity and innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. Known for reimagining Japanese comfort food into addictive new classics, Kinki continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in tradition.

This March, the restaurant brought back five of its well-loved creations as throwback à la carte dishes, offering diners a nostalgic yet exciting experience. I had the opportunity to sample three of these throwback dishes — Unagi Scallop Maki, Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki, and Kinki Okonomiyaki—along with a few other menu highlights.

Unagi Scallop Maki 3.5/5

The Unagi Scallop Maki ($33) is a deep-fried maki roll featuring succulent unagi and scallops, complemented by house-made unagi sauce. Unlike traditional maki, this version has a tempura coating, giving it an additional crisp exterior. While the textures were enjoyable, the flavours could have been more pronounced to elevate the dish further.

Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki 3.5/5

The Prawn & Spicy Tuna Maki ($28) offers a twist on the traditional spicy tuna roll by incorporating tempura prawn for a satisfying crunch. The spicy tuna mayo mixture adds a creamy element, but I wished for a more robust kick in the spice level to enhance the overall experience.

Kinki Okonomiyaki 3/5

Another throwback dish, the Kinki Okonomiyaki ($32), features classic okonomiyaki ingredients such as shredded cabbage, seafood, and streaky bacon. The dish is topped with bonito flakes and shredded nori but is served atop toasted bread, giving it a pizza-like presentation. Personally, I was not a fan of the bread base, which felt like a cost-cutting measure. I would have preferred a more traditional okonomiyaki with an abundance of shredded cabbage holding everything together.

Spicy Buffalo Katsu 1/5

We regretted ordering the Spicy Buffalo Katsu ($32). The katsu itself was very dry, and the spicy buffalo sauce was overwhelmingly spicy, making it difficult to appreciate the pork. Unfortunately, we were unable to finish this dish.

Buta Kakuni Claypot 4/5

Our favourite dish of the night was the Buta Kakuni Claypot ($35). This slow-cooked braised pork belly rice is served in a claypot with a perfectly poached egg. The pork belly was well-infused with the rich braised sauce, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Every bite was packed with umami, making it a comforting and satisfying dish.

Matcha Lava Cake 2.5/5

To end the meal, we tried the Matcha Lava Cake ($15). While the matcha flavour was rich and distinct, the cake itself was denser than expected. Additionally, the pairing of matcha with goma (black sesame) ice cream felt mismatched, leaving us unconvinced by the flavour combination.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar continues to impress with its creative approach to Japanese cuisine, but this throwback menu had its highs and lows. While the Buta Kakuni Claypot stood out as a must-try, some dishes, like the Spicy Buffalo Katsu, missed the mark. Nonetheless, Kinki remains a vibrant spot for those looking to enjoy a fun and unconventional take on Japanese classics in a stylish setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Customs House
70 Collyer Quay
#02-02
Singapore 049323
Tel: +65 83636697
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Go to 2nd floor, take the overhead bridge link across the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant @ Marina Square - Affordable Wagyu Beef Yakiniku Buffet

Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant at Marina Square specialises in Wagyu Beef Yakiniku. It offers a high-quality buffet spread at affordable prices. For those seeking an elevated experience, premium Japan Kagoshima Wagyu is available in different grades on the à la carte menu.

Kagoshima Wagyu 3 Cuts

The buffet has three tiers: Standard, Deluxe, and Premium. To enjoy Wagyu beef, opt for the Deluxe or Premium options, with the latter featuring Kagoshima Wagyu. The Kagoshima Wagyu is served in three different cuts, unveiling its beautiful marbling and allowing diners to experience a variety of textures.

Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak, Angus Beef Ribeye

The Premium buffet also includes a thick-cut (300g) Japanese Wagyu Sirloin Steak for those who prefer a chunkier bite. Alternatively, the Angus Beef Ribeye is a great choice if you prefer a meatier cut with less marbling.

Pork Cheek Fillet, Iberico Pork Collar, Pork Belly

Pork lovers won't be disappointed either — the buffet includes high-quality pork selections such as Black Pork Belly, Iberico Pork Collar, and Pork Cheek Fillet. All were tender and succulent, but the pork cheek fillet stood out with its melt-in-your-mouth texture, reminiscent of Wagyu.

Seafood

Seafood selections were thoughtfully curated and exceptionally fresh, featuring options like salmon, prawns, ika (squid), hotate (scallops), and more.

Sashimi

There's a wide variety of accompaniments to complement the BBQ meats and seafood. The Sashimi selection includes salmon, maguro (tuna), tai (sea bream), hamachi (yellowtail), tako (octopus), and shime saba (vinegared mackerel). The Premium buffet further impresses with Wagyu Sashimi and Wagyu Tataki.

Furikake Gohan, Garlic Chahan

For carbs, the Furikake Gohan and Garlic Chahan were excellent pairings. I especially enjoyed the Garlic Chahan, topped with crispy fried garlic bits. Having it alongside the rich, fatty Wagyu cuts and a comforting bowl of miso soup truly enhanced the dining experience.

Other side dishes, including Tamago Yaki, Maki, Kaki Fry, and Ebi Fry, completed the feast. We couldn't get through the entire menu, but the Kaki Fry — fried breaded oyster — was exceptionally moreish and worth trying.

Kaki Fry

DELUXE BUFFET (U.P $69.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $49.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $54.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $54.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $59.90++

PREMIUM BUFFET (U.P $119.80)
LUNCH: Mon – Fri: $85.90++ Sat- Sun & PH: $89.90++
DINNER: Mon – Thu: $89.90++ Fri – Sun, Eve & PH: $95.90++

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tenkaichi Japanese BBQ Restaurant
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard
#03-129
Singapore 039594
+656250 8918
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Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm
Sat & Sun, PH: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B or D. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

DOMO Modern Japanese @ Fairmont Hotel - Where Robatayaki Meets European Creativity

DOMO Modern Japanese, located at Fairmont Singapore, marks Chef Rose Ang's return after 29 years abroad, working in some of Europe's finest restaurants. With an impressive six-year tenure at NOBU Group, Chef Rose brings a fusion of Japanese robatayaki with modern European flair, promising a unique and refined dining experience.

Tuna Taco, Wagyu Taco 4/5

We began with the Tuna, Feta, Avocado Taco ($18 for 2pcs) and Wagyu Beef Taco with Jalapeño ($28 for 2pcs). Both tacos were served in crisp, hard shells, adding a textural contrast to the well-balanced ingredients. The tuna taco had a delightful freshness with the feta's creaminess, while the wagyu taco carried a satisfying umami kick with a spicy jalapeño finish.

Salmon Tataki with Dijon Mustard Balsamic Glaze 4.2/5

The Salmon Tataki ($22) is a classic dish with a flavourful twist. While the lightly seared salmon was undeniably fresh, the Dijon mustard balsamic glaze elevated the dish, adding a tangy and slightly sweet dimension that brightened the dish beautifully.

Salmon California, Crabmeat, Cucumber, Avocado, Tobiko Maki Roll 3.8/5

Softshell Crab, Cucumber, Kimchi, Tobiko, Chilli Mayo Maki Roll 3.8/5

We also indulged in two different maki rolls, each offering its own unique blend of flavours and textures. The Salmon California Maki ($28) was a classic yet satisfying combination of sweet crabmeat, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and briny tobiko, all wrapped in delicate sushi rice. Each bite delivered a harmonious balance of freshness and richness. Meanwhile, the Softshell Crab Maki ($24) took a bolder approach, featuring crispy softshell crab, crunchy cucumber, and a hint of kimchi and chilli mayo spice. The interplay of umami, heat, and crunch made this roll a more dynamic and exciting option. While both rolls were enjoyable, they leaned towards the familiar, lacking a distinct signature touch that would set them apart from other maki offerings in town.

Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle Sauce 4/5

The Fried Halibut ($35) was beautifully executed. It featured a crispy exterior while retaining a moist, buttery interior. The yuzu truffle sauce added a refreshing citrusy contrast that complemented the delicate fish wonderfully.

Asparagus Fried Capers with Sesame Teriyaki 3.5/5

A simple yet well-executed dish, the Asparagus Fried Capers ($16 for 5pcs) was grilled with sesame teriyaki, adding a light smokiness to the natural crunch of the asparagus. While flavourful, it felt less innovative compared to the other dishes.

Miso Chicken with Grilled Eggplant in Mirin Ginger Soy 4/5

Among the grilled selections, the Miso Teriyaki Chicken ($24) stood out with its beautifully caramelised glaze. The chicken was grilled to tender perfection, its juices locked in beneath a lightly charred exterior. The miso teriyaki glaze lent a delicate balance of sweetness and umami, enhancing the meat's natural flavours without overpowering them. Each bite carried a subtle smokiness, a testament to the precise grilling technique. Alongside the chicken, we had the Grilled Eggplant with Mirin, Ginger, and Soy ($16) — a simple yet well-executed dish. The buttery-soft eggplant absorbed the aromatic sauce, which brought together the gentle sweetness of mirin, the warmth of ginger, and the deep savoriness of soy. The interplay of sweet, earthy, and smoky notes elevated the otherwise humble vegetable, making it a delightful complement to the richer dishes on the table.

Flambe Angus Beef Tenderloin with Japanese Whiskey 4.2/5

Making a dramatic tableside entrance, the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin ($49) was served on a salt stone and flambéed with Japanese whisky. The beef was already excellent on its own, but the whisky flambé added an extra aromatic depth.

Domo Arigato Finale 4/5

When the Domo Arigato Finale ($80) arrived at our table, I finally understood why this dessert carried such a hefty price tag — it wasn't just a single dessert, but an extravagant platter showcasing every sweet creation on the menu comprising of Matcha-Misu, Sticky Date Ginger Pudding with Soy Toffee Sauce, Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Coffee Brulee and Coco Crumble, Mangolicious Cake with Mandarin Orange Sorbet, Ice Cream Selections, Fresh Fruits and Berries. It felt like a grand finale to an indulgent feast, a symphony of flavours and textures crafted to delight every kind of dessert lover. More than just a dessert, the Domo Arigato Finale felt like a celebration of indulgence, perfect for those who want to sample a little bit of everything and end their meal on a truly memorable note.

DOMO Modern Japanese presents refined robatayaki with a modern European touch, thanks to Chef Rose Ang's extensive global experience. Standout dishes include the Flambé Angus Beef Tenderloin, Fried Halibut with Yuzu Truffle, and the Salmon Tataki. While not every dish was groundbreaking, the overall execution and flavours were well-balanced and satisfying. If you're a fan of Japanese-European fusion, DOMO is worth a visit, especially with their opening special — from 28 Feb 2024 to 31 Mar 2025, every table receives a free limited-edition appetiser (worth $18), specially curated by Chef Rose.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


DOMO
Fairmont Singapore
252 North Bridge Road
#03-00
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 89108835
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station.Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Genki Sushi @ Somerset - Catch Genki Sushi’s Limited-Time Collaboration with Spy x Family From 19 Sep to 3 Nov 2024

Spy x Family fans are in for a treat as Genki Sushi rolls out a limited-time collaboration menu featuring 10 exclusive creations inspired by the popular anime. Available at all Genki Sushi outlets islandwide, the special menu brings beloved characters to life through a range of dishes.

Genki Premium members can also redeem a limited edition Anya Tote Bag with a minimum spend of $50 while stocks last.

Anya’s Beef & Peanut Butter Maki

One of the signature items is Anya's Beef & Peanut Butter Maki ($4.90), which reflects Anya's love for peanuts. This sushi roll features a quirky combination of short plate beef, cucumber, and a housemade peanut sauce.

Ebi Mentai Maki 3/5

Another sushi roll creation is the Ebi Mentai Maki ($4.90), filled with shrimp, tamago, and cucumber, then drizzled with rich mentaiko sauce.

Chicken Stew 3/5

For a comforting option, the Chicken Stew ($6.90) offers a bowl of chicken chunks, potatoes, and carrots, served with tamago and star-shaped rice. Although we found the rice too dry, the stew itself was pretty satisfying.

Hiyashi Tanuki Udon 3.5/5

On the cooler side, the Hiyashi Tanuki Udon ($4.90) is served chilled with chewy udon noodles dressed in Japanese Goma sauce, complemented by crabstick, tamago, cucumber, and crispy tempura bits.

Stellar Ebi Katsu 3/5

The Stellar Ebi Katsu ($2.90) was created in celebration of Anya's first ‘Stellar Star’ earned. This star-shaped shrimp cutlet is deep-fried and served with mayonnaise.

Anya Croquette 3.5/5

Another fried treat is the Anya Croquette ($2.90), which comes adorned with an Anya imprint. The crispy croquette is served with Tonkatsu Mayo sauce, giving it a flavour profile reminiscent of okonomiyaki.

Clam Chowder 3/5

The soup option on the menu is a creamy Clam Chowder ($3.90) with bits of clams, carrots and potatoes.

Kaisen Gunkan 3/5

Lastly, the Kaisen Gunkan ($4.40) offers a mix of different sashimi cubes topped with a bit of spice.

Kani Salad Edo-mae 3.5/5

In addition to the themed items, we also had a couple of dishes from the regular menu. The Kani Salad Edo-mae ($3.60) consisted of rice wrapped in sweet omelette and topped with crabstick shreds.

Aburi Maguro 2.5/5

The Aburi Maguro ($3.40) was unfortunately over-torched, taking away from the fish's natural flavour.

Parfait 2.5/5

To end the meal on a sweet note, two themed desserts are on offer. The Bond Mofu-Mofu Parfait ($6.40) and Spy x FamilySpecial Parfait ($6.40) both feature existing soft serve flavours - Hokkaido Milk and Matcha, decorated to fit the Spy x Family theme. Each is topped with honey stars and a chocolate piece featuring the character Bond.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Genki Sushi
313@somerset
B2-03
313 Orchard Road
Singapore 238895
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]