Kemuri might slip from your notice if you are not intentionally seeking its space. Nestled on the 4th floor of Cuppage Plaza, its unpretentious entrance is marked only by a modest doorbell. We were promptly ushered into the cosy 18-seater space upon ringing it, settling comfortably at 2 of the 10 counter seats.
Kemuri, the sibling establishment of the esteemed 5-time Michelin Plate recipient Kappo Shunsui, maintains its exclusivity by opening solely for dinner and presenting only an Omakase Menu ($99++/person) that is expertly curated by Chef Michio "Mitchy" Murakami.
The focus on chicken in its Yakitori courses is evident, showcasing top-tier seasonal ingredients imported from Japan. Complementing the Yakitori are appetisers, side dishes, rice and noodle dishes.
Assorted 3 Kinds Appetisers
Our course began with an Assorted 3 Kinds Appetisers consisting of a wedge of sweet fig, a slice of duck and asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon. The standout surprise was the utmost tender slice of duck.
Before starting on the Yakitori courses, we were introduced to 4 types of spice powders we could pair, including Yuzu Chilli, Japanese Black Pepper, Sancho Chilli and Seven Spices.
Tsukune 4.2/5
The Yakitori series kicked off with the Tsukune, delivering a delightful tenderness and well-balanced marinade.
Chicken Heart 4.5/5
Beyond the conventional chicken cuts, you can expect the more unconventional offerings, such as the Chicken Heart, which had a satisfying chew while being tender within.
Chicken Tail 4.8/5
This was one of the best Chicken Tail I've had in recent times. The skin on this was done wonderfully thin and crisp.
Salad of the Day - Chicken Salad 4/5
Before moving on to the next set of Yakitori, we enjoyed a refreshing palate cleanser of Chicken Salad with corn, edamame, chicken and a mildly tangy vinegar jelly.
Chicken Thigh 4.5/5
Grilled to a smoky char, the Chicken Thigh was juicy and tender, albeit a little salty
Lady Finger 4/5
A number of vegetables complement the poultry dishes. The crunchy Lady Finger was the first we had.
Chicken Neck 4.5/5
I’m not usually a fan of Chicken Neck, but Kemuri’s rendition was more than likeable with a light smokiness.
Grated Radish with Salmon Roe 4.2/5
I particularly appreciated the change-ups between the skewers, which kept the whole meal fun with variety. This Grated Radish with Salmon Roe came timely before the third series of Yakitori.
Chicken Gizzard 3.8/5
Of the various chicken parts, the Chicken Gizzard was among my least favourites due to its overly chewy texture.
Shiitake Mushroom 4/5
The simple-looking Shiitake Mushroom was grilled just right, with its juiciness locked in.
Chicken Drumstick 4.2/5
While the glaze was a little salty, like the Chicken Thigh we had, we still enjoyed the juicy Chicken Drumstick.
Uni Chawanmushi 4.2/5
The final non-Yakitori course of the night was the Uni Chawanmushi, smooth and tasty, elevated with fresh uni.
Chicken Soft Bone 4/5
Next was the Chicken Soft Bone, crunchy and seasoned with a generous hand of pepper.
Eggplant 4/5
The final vegetable feature was the Eggplant. I appreciated how lightly seasoned the vegetables were so as not to overpower them.
Chicken Liver 4.8/5
The Chicken Liver skewer claimed the top spot for me that night. The ultra-thin and crispy outer layer encased a melt-in-your-mouth inner texture. If not for how full I was at this point of the meal, I would have requested for another!
Chicken Wing 4.2/5
Our Yakitori course concluded strongly with the Chicken Wing. We thoroughly enjoyed the lightly charred, crisp exterior and similarly tender meat.
Duck Soba 4/5
The Duck Soba, a part of the meal with a choice between noodles and rice, featured soba noodles of decent quality. The standout was the impressively succulent slices of duck.
Minced Chicken and Egg Bowl 4.5/5
Between the 2 choices of mains, I'd definitely recommend the Minced Chicken and Egg Bowl more. The generous topping of minced chicken with the silky raw egg yolk was such a comforting combination. Make sure to give the bowl a good mix before digging in.
Our experience at Kemuri was memorable, particularly considering the price tag. Drop a WhatsApp message to them to make your reservation.
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.
Kemuri
Cuppage Plaza
#04-02
5 Koek Road
Singapore 228796
Tel: +65 9772 4300
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT (NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 6pm - 11pm
(Closed on Sun)
Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B, C or D. Walk to Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to Cuppage Road. Walk down Cuppage Road. Walk to Cuppage Plaza. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
