Daikoku Japanese Izakaya @ Maxwell KADA - Embodies The Rustic Charm of Japanese Izakaya

Daikoku Japanese Izakaya at Maxwell KADA embodies the charm of a rustic Japanese izakaya, offering an inviting and down-to-earth atmosphere. At the heart of the kitchen is a Japanese couple who previously ran their own yakitori shop in Sendai before taking a leap of faith to bring their craft to Singapore.

Yakitori 4/5

Crown Yakitori

We started with a platter of their signature charcoal-grilled yakitori — definitely the highlight here. A standout was the Crown Yakitori ($5). It had a chewy texture at the centre, contrasted with jagged, charred edges that offered moreish, smoky bites. Rare and hard to find, this is a must-try for yakitori enthusiasts.

Wing Yakitori

Meatball Yakitori

Two other notable skewers were the Wing Yakitori ($3.80) and Meatball Yakitori ($3.80). The wings were expertly butterflied, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully without the usual greasiness. The meat stayed tender and juicy, clearly not rushed on the grill. As for the meatball, it was aptly seasoned, with a loose yet juicy texture — not an easy feat when skewering minced meat.

Thigh with Leek Yakitori

Other staples include Thigh with Leek Yakitori ($3.80) and Enoki Pork Belly ($4), which were well-grilled, rendering off any excess fats and retaining their meaty texture.

Vegetable options include the Asparagus Yakitori ($3.40) and Yellow Corn ($4.80). The latter was particularly enjoyable — sweet, juicy, and laced with aromatic, buttery flavour.

Dragon Maki 4.5/5

Beyond skewers, the maki rolls are well worth exploring. The Dragon Maki ($14.80) impressed with its balance of plump, well-seasoned rice and fillings like fried ebi, cucumber, avocado, and tamago. Each bite was mouth-filling and satisfying — easily one of the better maki rolls I've had in recent memory.

Ikura Chawanmushi 5/5

From the appetisers, we tried both versions of the Chawanmushi — the Regular ($4.50) and the more luxurious Ikura Chawanmushi ($8.50). Both were silky-smooth and custardy, with savoury, umami-packed mushrooms at the base that seemed to have been pre-cooked for extra flavour. The ikura added pops of briny richness, but it was the texture and execution of the steamed egg that stood out.

Mentaiko Fries 2.5/5

Pitan Tofu 4/5

The Mentaiko Fries ($7.80), however, leaned heavy on the sauce. While it's meant to be indulgent, mentaiko sauce, especially when mayo-based, works best in moderation for a boost of mouthfeel and flavour. On the other hand, the Pitan Tofu ($4.80) was creamy and addictive.

There’s also a commendable selection of sake. I started with a shot of Kawatsuru Sanuki Cloudy, which was soft and textural, and ended with a refreshing Yuzu Sake, sweet and citrusy — perfect to round off the meal.

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.



Daikoku Japanese Izakaya
Maxwell KADA
5 Kadayanallur Street
#01-03
Singapore 069183
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Walk to Erskine Road. Turn right and walk down Erskine Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Umami 10 @ Telok Ayer Street - A Refined Japanese-European Fusion, Tapas-Style Experience

Located in the vibrant Telok Ayer district, Umami 10 delivers an elevated dining experience, blending the artistry of Japanese cuisine with refined European influences. Designed around a tapas-style concept, it offers a curated menu of inventive small plates, all served in an inviting setting perfect for savouring fine food, wine, and sake.

Premium Hyogo Oysters 4.2/5

The Premium Hyogo Oysters ($36) set the tone for the meal. Plump, juicy, and boasting a clean, briny flavour. The creamy oysters are elevated with uni and ikura toppings, delivering an exquisite taste of the sea in every bite.

Truffle Pitan Tofu 4.2/5

A standout dish was the Truffle Pitan Tofu ($20). This luxurious creation combines silky tofu with a rich, creamy century egg sauce, delivering a bold and savoury depth. Snow crab meat adds a delicate sweetness, while ikura pearls provide bursts of umami flavour. A subtle hint of truffle oil ties everything together with its earthy aroma, making it a must-try.

Cod Fish Shirako 4/5

The Cod Fish Shirako ($28) is a seasonal delicacy that should not be missed. The creamy texture and mild sweetness of the shirako are perfectly complemented by the house-made sauce, creating a delicate yet indulgent dish.

Gold Charcoal Karaage 4.2/5

The visually striking Gold Charcoal Karaage ($19) is as delicious as it is eye-catching. The chicken is coated in charcoal powder and finished with edible gold, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. It's a perfect balance of flavour and texture, making it a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs 4.2/5

The Wagyu Boneless Short Ribs ($35) are braised for 12 hours in a red wine blend, resulting in an incredibly tender, melt-in-the-mouth texture. The buttery flavour of the wagyu is enhanced by the richness of the braising liquid, offering a luxurious bite that's worth savouring.

Garlic Fried Rice 4.2/5

The Garlic Fried Rice ($20) is comfort food at its finest. Fluffy Japanese rice is cooked to perfection, with prawns adding a touch of sweetness. The garlicky and eggy fragrance is well-balanced, making it an irresistibly satisfying dish that complements the richer items on the menu.

Three Liqueur Tiramisu 4.2/5

To end on a sweet note, the Three Liqueur Tiramisu ($18) is a bold twist on the classic Italian dessert. The blend of three distinct liqueurs brings depth and complexity to the dish, striking the perfect balance between sweetness and subtle warmth from the alcohol. It's a decadent and satisfying finale to the meal.

Umami 10 impresses diners with its innovative Japanese-European fusion dishes, offering them an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Telok Ayer. From indulgent small plates to exquisite seasonal offerings, each dish reflects a perfect harmony of flavours and textures. Pair it with their curated selection of sake or wine, and you have a dining destination that's perfect for both intimate meals and celebratory occasions.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Umami 10
163 Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068616
Tel: +65 65135789
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Turn left onto Telok Ayer Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes.  [Map]

Kushi Japanese Dining @ Grantral Mall & Complex MacPherson - Offering Budget-Friendly A La Carte Japanese Buffet

Kushi Japanese Dining has been a fixture in Singapore for the past 16 years, having moved locations a few times before settling into its current spot at Grantral Mall, MacPherson. Offering a budget-friendly à la carte buffet, Kushi boasts an extensive selection of Japanese dishes that satisfy all your cravings.

Assorted Sashimi Platter 4/5

We began our buffet experience with the Assorted Sashimi Platter, which included maguro, sake, shiro maguro, tako, ika, meikajiki, and hamachi (limited to one serving per table). The sashimi was impeccably fresh, with the shiro maguro standing out as a rare find at many Japanese restaurants.

Pitan Tofu 3.5/5

Chawanmushi 3.5/5

We also enjoyed the Chawanmushi, which was subtly flavourful, and the must-try Pitan Tofu, a unique and creamy dish that offered a different take on tofu.

Agedashi Tofu 4/5

Tako Yaki 3/5

Asari Miso Soup 4/5

Moving on to the hot dishes, we sampled the perfectly fried Agedashi Tofu, which was crispy on the outside and tender within. It's a dish we could quickly devour on our own. The Tako Yaki was decent but could be skipped if you're looking to save room for more sashimi. The Asari Miso Soup, with its plump and fresh clams, served as a refreshing palate cleanser, preparing us for the next round of food.

Assorted Kushiyaki 3.8/5

Saba Shoyaki 4/5

Pork Belly Shogayaki 3/5

Surume Ika 4/5

Next, we tried an assortment of Kushiyaki, as recommended by our server. Each skewer was perfectly grilled, but our favourites were the Saba Shoyaki and Surume Ika. The saba was generously portioned, lightly salted, and deliciously flaky, while the grilled squid had a pleasantly charred flavour and was only available in limited servings. The Pork Belly Shogayaki was tasty, but we wished we had room to enjoy it with rice.

Assorted Tempura Platter 4/5

For Tempura, the Ebi stood out with its light, crispy batter, and the prawn itself was fresh and sweet.

Kitsune Soba 3/5

Garlic Fried Rice 3/5

Kushi offers options like Garlic Fried Rice, Kitsune Soba, and Mini Ramen if you need carbs. While they were decent, they didn't leave a lasting impression.

Shabu Shabu Pork 4/5

However, the Shabu Shabu Pork was a pleasant surprise. The broth was clean and sweet, likely from the vegetables, and perfectly contrasted with the heavier grilled and fried dishes we had been enjoying. This hotpot dish is a must-try if you want something to cut through the greasiness and refresh your palate.

Wafu Beef Steak 3.5/5

For those looking for more beyond the buffet, Kushi offers a 25% discount on selected à la carte dishes. We decided to try the Wafu Beef Steak. You can request your preferred doneness, and the flavourful wafu sauce enhances the tender steak.

Priced at $54.90++ for lunch and $58.90++ for dinner, Kushi's buffet is exceptional value for money, offering a wide variety of quality Japanese dishes. The restaurant is clean, brightly lit, and nicely decorated, providing a comfortable dining environment.

For those planning a special gathering, Kushi also offers two private dining rooms, each accommodating up to 10 people, or 20 if combined, with a minimum spend required. Whether you're a fan of sashimi, grilled items, or hotpot, Kushi Japanese Dining will surely satisfy you.

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


Kushi Japanese Dining
Grantral Mall & Complex Macpherson
601 Macpherson Road
#01-27/28
Singapore 368242
Tel: +65 69040728
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Nearest MRT: Tai Seng (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tai Seng MRT Station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill @ Wisma Atria - Newest Brainchild of Chef Yamashita Teppei Replaces Koh Grill & Sushi Bar, Offering Range of Japanese Fare

Kai Kai Sushi & Grill now sits where Koh Grill & Sushi Bar used to be in Wisma Atria, bringing diners a comprehensive menu of Japanese dishes ranging from classic sashimi and sushi to yakitori and teppan.

The new casual restaurant is helmed by Chef Yamashita Teppei, most known for its various Japanese F&B concepts on our island, such as Teppei Japanese Restaurant and Man Man Japanese Unagi Restaurant (now known as Unagi Tei). Here at his newest brainchild, Chef hopes to bring affordable yet quality Japanese fare to diners.

We sampled several items, with some in bite-sized portions. The prices listed are for the full portions.

Pitan Tofu 4/5

Pitan Tofu ($5) is always one of my must-orders when it's on the menu. Kai Kai's rendition is decent, with a slightly nutty sesame sauce base and a generous topping of chopped century egg and tobiko. I would have preferred a more robust century egg flavour in its sauce for that extra oomph.

Kai Kai Hanabi Roll 4/5

You will find a selection of different sushi rolls on the menu, one being the Kai Kai Hanabi Roll ($18.80). I found the sauce slightly too sweet, but this one is for fans of salmon as they offer it 2-ways here - raw in the middle and lightly aburi-ed on top.

Negitoro Sushi 3.8/5

The Negitoro Sushi ($6) roll had the classic combination of minced tuna and chopped spring onions in its centre, with crunchy tempura bits for extra texture. The tuna portion could be much better, for a better ratio to the tempura bits.

Nama Kaki 4/5

Next was the Nama Kaki, which had a plump and fresh oyster drizzled with a mildly tangy ponzu vinegar sauce.

3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase 4/5

We got to see Chef Yamashita Teppei do a bluefin tuna block-cutting demonstration, leading to our next dish, the 3-Kind Sashimi Moriawase ($15). We sampled slices of otoro, chutoro and maguro.

While they weren’t the best quality of cuts, they were still thick and fresh.

Buta Enoki Yakitori 3.5/5

The Buta Enoki Yakitori ($4) had enoki mushrooms wrapped with pork belly. While I enjoyed the grill on it, it was tougher and blander than I expected it to be. I prefer a stronger seasoning on this.

Yaki Hotate 4/5

Served in its shell with a wedge of lemon, the Yaki Hotate ($12) carried a nice slight char. The plump scallop remained juicy despite the grill.

Sukiyaki 3.5/5

While the pork slices were tender, we found the rest of the elements in the Sukiyaki ($16.80) more mediocre. The base could be a touch less salty as well.

Kani Toro Donburi 4.2/5

From the selection of mains, I decided on the Kani Toro Donburi ($17). It was clearly created for crab lovers, with crab meat, crab leg and soft shell crab with toppings of ikura and tobiko. The original size and portion will also include an onsen egg! The crab meat used was fresh and sweet.

Kai Kai Castle Bento 3.8/5

The Kai Kai Castle Bento ($18.90) was served in a multi-tiered bento box shaped like a Japanese castle. Each tier featured different items, namely tamago and unagi, assorted sashimi, and a bed of rice with chopped tuna belly, tempura bites, flying fish roe and ikura.

Unfortunately, its taste paled compared to its look, with average cuts on the sashimi. I must say that it's still considerably decent for the variety at this price.

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.


Kai Kai Sushi & Grill
Food Republic Wisma Atria
#04-21
435 Orchard Road
Singapore 238877
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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