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Ku-Kai Izakaya – Hidden Izakaya in Admiralty!
Looking to enjoy the sunset by the waters while tucking into an icy cold beer and some bites? Ku-Kai Izakaya is the place to be! Despite being slightly inaccessible via public transport, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Most diners here opt for the al fresco dining option for the feels but indoor seating is always available for those who would rather be in the comfort of air-conditioning.
They boast a wide variety of food items and after spending some time flipping through the menu, I decided to start my meal off with the Kani Tama Gratin ($13). This Japanese gratin was made with straight cut macaroni that was firm yet chewy, unlike your typical potato gratin.
The slight sweetness from the bits of snow crab and fish, and saltiness of the bacon bits made for a right balance that hit the spot. The Béchamel sauce and cheese also gave the gratin the creaminess it needed. The layer of aburi mentaiko added a hint of spice and fishiness.
Even with this being a side, the portion was on the smaller side. That said, it was just enough to whet my appetite without being too jelak.
You can’t go to an Izakaya and not have skewers! The Kushiyaki Omakase 5 piece Skewer Set ($22) had the usual suspects – Chicken Thigh, Chicken Balls, Chicken Thigh with Leek, Pork Belly and Shiitake Mushroom. They also have a 7 piece set ($30).
I just have to put it out there that even as I’m writing this all I can think about is the perfectly grilled skewers.
The chicken was moist and tender, the pork belly extremely flavourful and the lightly salted mushroom still slightly juicy. Since they were grilled over a charcoal fire, there was a tinge of smoky flavour in the skewers that complemented the sauce slathered all over.
Finally, I had their Seafood Okonomiyaki ($19) which seemed to be rather popular. You can opt for the Chicken ($16) or Pork ($18) option if you haven’t had enough of their meat dishes. Unfortunately, their rendition of this Japanese pancake missed the mark for me.
The Okonomiyaki was slightly too cakey for my liking and the exterior wasn’t as crispy as I would’ve hoped for it to be. The seafood ingredients were also slightly lacking in terms of quantity, with only little bits of Tako and Prawn scattered around. The only saving grace would be the mountain of Bonito Flakes that topped the cabbage pancake.
I would just go straight for the skewers and other bites they offer and skip their Okonomiyaki.
This hidden gem is perfect for any occasion – a post-work chill session, a family meal or even a romantic evening date. Due to their limited seating, I would recommend making a reservation before heading down!
Ku-Kai Izakaya
Address: 43 Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759962
Phone: 8304 3028
Opening Hours: 5.30 - 10.30pm, Tuesday to Friday. 11.30am - 10.30pm, Saturday & Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KuKaiIzakaya/
MissTamChiak.com made anonymous visit and paid its own meal at the stall featured here.
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Ku-Kai Izakaya is a hidden izakaya by the sea that looks straight out of a Japanese anime
Travel may be picking up, but we’re always on the lookout for hidden finds and exciting eats in Singapore. If you’re craving a little slice of Japan (which has sadly yet to open its borders for leisure travel), look no further than Ku-Kai Izakaya at SAF Yacht Club in Admiralty .
Scenic views & cosy ambience
Don’t be put off by the far-flung location — you’ll get to enjoy scenic views of the Northern coast at this hidden izakaya by the sea. The alfresco dining area is adorned with akachōchin (Japanese red lanterns) and even a torii gate, the perfect setting for a Japanese anime series.
If not for the surrounding yachts, this place would give off major “idyllic fishing village” vibes.
I may have watched one too many Netflix series centred around izakaya , like Midnight Diner , Izakaya Bottakuri , and Restaurant to Another World , but doesn’t the cosy-looking interior remind you of Restaurant Yukihara from Food Wars! (Shokugeki no Soma) ?
Hearty izakaya grub
Moving on to the food and alcohol, Ku-Kai Izakaya doles out comfort classics like Crispy Fried Chicken (S$12) , Kani Tama Gratin (S$11) , and Jaga Mentaiko (S$11) , all of which are making my mouth water.
Don’t miss out on the popular Omakase Skewer Set (S$19 for 5pcs, S$26 for 7pcs) , a platter of assorted kushiyaki skewers like tsukune , negima , and shiitake .
For a taste of the sea, the Aburi Shimesaba (S$15) and Kawa Eib-age (S$11) , or mini deep-fried river shrimps, are best washed down with pints of ice-cold Sapporo beer. Bliss .
Catch the sunset with your partner over a romantic dinner, or round up your makan kakis for a chill drinking session. One thing to note: you are highly encouraged to make reservations by calling 8304 3028 due to limited seating.
I never thought I’d ever say this, but date night in Admiralty sounds like a great idea.
Ku-Kai Izakaya Facebook | Instagram ???? SAF Yacht Club, 43 Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759962 ???? 5.30pm–10.30pm (Tue to Fri), 11.30am–10.30pm (Weekends), Closed on Mon
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Christabel Tan
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- Christabel Tan https://confirmgood.com/post/author/christabel-confirmgoodgmail-com/ The popular Absolut Food Fest from Malaysia will be coming to Singapore with 130 F&B & retail brands, celebrity meet-and-greets, live performances & more for three days only
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- Christabel Tan https://confirmgood.com/post/author/christabel-confirmgoodgmail-com/ Hit up this Bukit Panjang food court for popular nasi padang, roasted meats, Michelin-approved noodles & more alongside Muslim-friendly options
- Christabel Tan https://confirmgood.com/post/author/christabel-confirmgoodgmail-com/ Popular izakaya from Tokyo opens first Singapore outlet with dishes like snow crab croquette rice & uni tuna rolls for under S$30 alongside nightly fire shows
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Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Ku-kai izakaya - alfresco bar @ saf yacht club (next to sembawang camp) [singapore].
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Ku-Kai Izakaya
Ku-Kai Izakaya pAirs Unique Seaside Serenity with Decent Japanese Grub
In the far-flung North of Singapore, there stands a lone cottage by the seaside. A quaint spot where crowds are graced by the gently subsiding fizzle of waves, by wafts of brackish sea breeze, and enshrouded by a meek glow from festooned lines of fairy lights — this is Ku-Kai Izakaya, a unique Japanese bar that provides a seaside setting that distinguishes it from the competition.
Waterfront dining has become a bit of a highly-marketed draw in recent years but Ku-Kai Izakaya feels decidedly different.
It sits on the edge of a yacht club where nightfall’s darkness vignettes the illuminated cottage and the seats propped up on the boardwalk right in front.
Other than the lighting fixtures of the restaurant itself, the only other real source of light is the faint glow of boats docked a few miles away. It’s rare to find a spot in Singapore with a palpable feeling of isolation, much less an Izakaya .
As we all know, these rowdy watering holes are commonly littered about the CBD, as convenient means for Nomikai. In contrast, Ku-Kai Izakaya feels like a serendipitous chance encounter at a Japanese beachside town, far removed from any metropolitan buzz.
It’s not a perfect seaside town experience, admittedly, as sparse lights are still visible in the periphery plus it’s quite a voyage to find the SAF Yacht Club far up in the North . Nevertheless, it’s still quite an inviting setting if you tune out these little flaws.
Working the Grill
Ku-Kai Izakaya’s food is not spectacular by any means. Nonetheless, they worked the grill quite proficiently to churn out some smoky bites — most solid, some rather good.
A rather dependable choice comes in the form of the Grilled Squid ($30) , arriving smokily charred and accompanied by a moreish sauce to pair with the bouncy slivers of flesh while the Kushiyaki Omakase ($19/5pcs) provided moments of satisfaction but also glimpses of mediocrity.
Take the Chicken Heart ($4/pc) , for example, that announces itself on the plate with a jarringly limp crunch and residual offal pungency. Whereas some sticks were executed to a standard just slightly below the most revered Yakitori joints in Singapore, like the Chicken Skin which delivered a glorious mix of fat and crunch.
Some were rather enjoyable though not noteworthy, like the Tsukune that’s seasoned just right but not in any way that’s outstanding. Overall, that’s a good indication — it shows Ku-Kai Izakaya churns out more-than-decent food to do justice to its ambience.
Similarly. there’s competency apparent from the Grilled Beef ($36.80) that’s rendered a luscious pink with scores of fats and smoke. Ku-Kai Izakaya doesn’t quite make it melt-in-the-mouth but it honestly wouldn’t feel out of place at some of the more established after-hours haunts in the CBD.
Homespun Tastes
Libations are a key aspect of any bar, as much as bar food, and this is an area where Ku-Kai Izakaya showed some nous. As simple and modest as a classic Japanese highball is, the Ume-Shio Highball ($12.30) proved to be quite a beguiling thirst quencher.
For a mere highball, it’s furtively complex — refreshing, slightly tart, with a mellow shiso sharpness permeating it. More importantly, it’s phenomenally palatable, which is the paramount attribute for Izakaya tipples.
Compared to the grill-worked bites, the other items at Ku-Kai Izakaya leaned toward being more homespun, such as the Potato Salad ($11) . No doubt it’s creamy, well-spiced, and enjoyable but nonetheless, it was frankly quite mundane.
Of the whole assortment of dishes ordered, the Seafood Okonomiyaki ($19) was the biggest disappointment — bland and garishly doughy while punctuated with cumbersomely hefty bites of onion that took over the palate, a problem accentuated by a marked lack of seafood.
Regardless, I would still advocate for a trip to Ku-Kai Izakaya for a breath of fresh (seaside) air. With pretty serviceable food, delightful drinks, and immaculate vibes, it’s a spot that wouldn’t astonish your palate but will satisfy you with an experience that feels like you were spirited away .
Make your reservations by WhatsApp or SMS to 83043028 .
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- Address : 43 Admiralty Rd W, SAF Yacht Club, Singapore 759962
- Hours: (Tues–Fri) 5:30pm–11:30pm, (Sat–Sun) 11:30am–11:30pm
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$19 KUSHIYAKI OMAKASE AT A YACHT CLUB WITH STUNNING WATERFRONT VIEWS!
October 19, 2022, 2:39 pm
Talk about dining with a view: Ku-Kai Izakaya is a hidden joint located at the SAF Yacht Club with stunning waterfront views and affordable Japanese fare! While the location is a little ulu, it’s worth it for the amazing sunset views.
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The izakaya gives off a very idyllic vibe, with alfresco dining, Japanese red lanterns and even a torii gate—perfect for all your IG-worthy moments pretending you’re holidaying in some remote Japanese fishing village. They also have a super affordable Kushiyaki Omakase, where you get an assortment of 5 or 7 skewers for $19 or $26 respectively. Expect skewers like tsukune, negima, shiitake, chicken skin and more.
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If you’re not looking for skewers, they also offer hearty Japanese fare like Chicken Katsu Curry ($16), Garlic Butter Fried Rice ($18), Grilled Squid ($30), Aburi Shimesaba ($15), Kani Tama Gratin ($11) and more! Come around the evening and watch the sunset as you dine! As seats are limited, you’re encouraged to make reservations by calling 8304 3028 before heading down to avoid disappointment.
Address: SAF Yacht Club, 43 Admiralty Road West, Singapore 759962
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 5.30pm-10.30pm; Saturday-Sunday, 11.30am-10.30pm
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should this hidden izakaya just stay hidden.. 🍻👀
| TRANSPORTED INTO AN ANIME ⛩🏮
hidden gem in the north - izakaya by the sea
a potential restaurant to add to your go-to list?
Dining in peace 😌🤫✨🌌
KU KAI IZAKAYA 🏮
ku-kai izakaya
food we ordered 🥘
🍜 Yaki Udon
🍜 Yaki Soba
🍛 Chicken Katsu Don
🍢 Wagyu Beef Stewer
🍢 Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
the food was super delicious but definitely on the pricey side! the ambience was nice and it wasn’t too hot because of the sea breeze 💨
the service was meh 🙃 the waiter was kinda rushing us to order (not sure if it’s cause we look younger) but overall they were pretty okay!
the pictures turned out great too! there’s definitely a lot of picture-worthy spots around with the sea in the background. the restaurant looked really nice.
there was a very cute family celebrating their birthday next to us, and we sang happy birthday together with them and the waiters there 🤭🤭
i would definitely recommend to take a car there because it’s quite far inside and probably will have to walk for a really long time to find it if taking public transport 🚗
ratings 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣
taste: 8.5/10
accessibility: 3/10
aesthetic: 7/10
price: 4/10
#MyLemon8Diary #foodrecommendations #OutfitIdeas #seaside #JapaneseFood
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Hidden in SAF Yacht Club in Admiralty, Ku-Kai Izakaya is the perfect spot to chill by the waters, catch the sunset with some good food!
Ku-Kai Izakaya. 2,793 likes · 9 talking about this · 2,606 were here. Hello there! We're a newly established Izakaya located @ SAF Yacht Club (43 Admiralty Road West)! In celebration of all things...
Don’t be put off by the far-flung location — you’ll get to enjoy scenic views of the Northern coast at this hidden izakaya by the sea. The alfresco dining area is adorned with akachōchin (Japanese red lanterns) and even a torii gate, the perfect setting for a Japanese anime series.
Ku-Kai Izakaya - Alfresco Bar @ SAF Yacht Club (next to Sembawang Camp) [Singapore] Singaporeans love Japan and with the current travel restrictions imposed by the land of the rising sun; it's a fact that many people can't wait for the situation to improve!
Address: 43 Admiralty Rd W, SAF Yacht Club, Singapore 759962. Hours: (Tues–Fri) 5:30pm–11:30pm, (Sat–Sun) 11:30am–11:30pm. ← Abseil Coffee. Drunken Farmer →. Singapore's most unique izakaya experience at Ku-Kai Izakaya spirits you away to a quaint seaside cottage, paired with decent food and drinks.
Address: SAF Yacht Club, 43 Admiralty Rd W, Singapore 759962. Walk straight pass the guard house towards the ocean. Ku-Kai Izakaya will be on the left. Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday 5:30pm – 11:30pm. Wednesday to Friday: 11:30am – 2pm, 5:30pm – 11:30pm. Saturday and Sunday 11:30am – 11:30pm. Number: 8304 3028.
Talk about dining with a view: Ku-Kai Izakaya is a hidden joint located at the SAF Yacht Club with stunning waterfront views and affordable Japanese fare! While the location is a little ulu, it’s worth it for the amazing sunset views.
We're a newly established Izakaya located @ SAF Yacht Club (43 Admiralty Road West)! In celebration of all things Japan, we hope to provide the most authentic experience for our Japanese friends as well as our locals in Singapore!
📍ku-kai izakaya located at SAF Yatch Club in Admiralty, this unique japanese bar is the perfect place to catch the sunset & enjoy the sea breeze vibes were definitely 💯 and food was good too!! wld definitely be back to try more grilled skewers ️
Fans of Japanese cuisine can expect nothing less than an authentic dining experience that takes you back to Japan, one dish at a time! Ku Kai Izakaya is open from 06:00pm to 10:00pm. Please note that seating are limited due to safety management measures.