Miss Japanese food but can't travel anytime soon? Here are seven highly-rated izakayas in Singapore that will transport you to the land of the rising sun with their delish bar grub and drinks.
Suishin Izakaya
Photo by Burppler Gary Lim
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For Sashimi By The River
Located in the hustle and bustle of Boat Quay sits this izakaya bar! Enjoy fresh cuts of quality Salmon Sashimi ($10), Salmon Belly Sashimi ($12), Maguro Sashimi ($12) and Hotate Sashimi ($12) over sake while enjoying the evening breeze. If you're looking for a satisfying dinner, add on their Beef Niku Udon ($12) and Salmon Fried Rice ($12) to fuel up for a night of drinking!
Yakitori Yatagarasu
Photo by Burppler Wei Ping Ang
For Classic Yakitori
For a trendy yakitori to bring your friends, this fairly new one in town guarantees a good time. You can expect to chomp on mindblowingly good Chicken Karaage ($9) and a varied selection of yakitori from ($2.50 - think Soft Bone, Gizzard, Thigh and more) while nursing a very tall glass of Mega Highball (from $17). In case you’re hungry for more, bat for the hearty Oyako Don ($12.80) — just pray that it hasn't sold out!
TAAN IZA-BAR
Photo by Burppler Zenia Liow
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For Fusion Izakaya Dishes
This eatery located at Liang Seah Street is a Modern Japanese izakaya restaurant offering savoury dishes like Salmon Mentaiko Don ($19), Unagi Tama Mentai Don ($22), and Kani Tama Don ($18), which sees fried omelette with crabmeat, ham and Japan leek. Their Saikoro Steak ($20), which consists of Wagyu beef cubes, Shimeji mushroom and their tasty home-made sauce, is also highly raved about by many patrons!
The Modern Izakaya
Photo by Burppler R Goh
For A Modern Experience
Situated within CHIJMES, The Modern Izakaya is a contemporary bar styled after the yakitori/kushiyaki joints in Japan, complete with a wide array of sake, shochu, whisky and Japanese craft beers. Skewers are priced from a very affordable $3, and Burppler R Goh also loves a surprising find - Katsudon Set ($15) with salad, miso soup, chawanmushi and dessert of the day. "The katsudon was tender with a crisp batter, silky eggs and savoury onions beneath. A hearty spread of great quality!"
Mono Izakaya
Photo by Burppler Pat Jon
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For Aged Fish Donburi
Mono Izakaya is a modern izakaya that specialises in aged fish & meat dishes, paired with unique cocktails and a very cosy atmosphere. The menu is ever-changing, but you can generally expect rice bowls served with plenty of good stuff, from a Chaliapin Steak to Bulgogi Duck. The seafood here is something else, featuring things like Chutoro, Madai and jumbo-sized Botan Ebi marinated in Korean soy. You can also use Burpple Beyond here and save around $20 on their main dishes.
Keria Japanese Restaurant
Photo by Burppler Casey Tan
For Humble Izakaya Fare
Tucked away in the basement of Cuppage Plaza, Keria racks up points for its underrated but authentic and hearty Japanese fare. Get the value-for-money Tempura Moriawase (from $20), which comes with expertly batter-fried vegetables and seafood. Share the addictive Mentaiko Cabbage ($12) and luxe Uni Pasta ($60) too! Burppler Casey Tan says latter is "rich, creamy and bursting with umami. The addition of ikura pearls do nothing to balance the flavors of the sea but heck I ain’t complaining."
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Hit up this spot for affordable Japanese cuisine in the heart of Tanjong Pagar. If you're looking for a light lunch option, try their Onigiri Set ($8) of salmon, mentaiko and ume, served with a side of miso soup and pickles. Dig into their Mini Chirashi Don ($15) and Beef Niku Udon ($12) for a satisfying lunch with colleagues. Use the other Beyond deals for their Negima ($3) and Tebasaki ($4) yakitori to complete the meal!
