Lots of Japanese posters plastered across the walls and pillars, sake bottles lining the windows, almost two dozens of Japanese Lanterns hung over the entrance, contrasting backdrop of dark wooden frames and dark blue tiled walls, the Japanese Izakaya vibe of Niningashi can be felt from miles away. In fact, I didn't pass by this restaurant like I did for others, instead I spotted it from afar.
Since I like patronising Izakaya a lot due to the authentic, distinctive, no frills Japanese feel of such places, Niningashi immediately made it into my wishlist. I love the variety of food items, the freshness of the sashimi, super good vinegar rice–this deserves a special mention–here.
The Assortment of Uni is a must-order for uni fans, and this is one of the dishes that makes Niningashi so special. I mean, where else can one get uni served in huge dollops, except in high end restaurants? This is one of the few places, and the price is affordable. Best of all, the uni is super fresh and packed with sweet umami. Ki Bahun has slight bitter taste while Aka Bahun is oh-so-sweet. I love both, with a slight preference towards Aka Bafun.
Nice, super refreshing salad with earthy sesame sauce. I like it that lots of radish strands are added for the uniqueness, extra refreshing taste and variation in texture.
Niningashi Don really goes all out to impress, featuring fresh seafood such as the buttery Otoro and Chutoro, sweet Hotate, exceptionally flavourful Negitoro, briny shredded crab meat, umami pearls: Ikura, Akami and Salmon. Plus a bonus of raw egg yolk. And it is so beautifully presented.
To top it off, beneath these seafood lays amazingly delicious Japanese rice. Firm and smooth yet fluffy and starchy in texture, the grains with pearl-like sheen has a subtle sweetness and complexity in taste. If you have stomach capacity for more rice, I recommend to choose the more rice option when the service staff queries on your preference on the amount of rice served.
The dish on its own is really good, but I have to say that I'm still an omakase person who prefers different fishes or seafood being served separately. Chirashi is still not really my thing. The don here does not change that. This is my personal preference.
As a true-blue Izakaya, this restaurant also serves Sumiyaki, aka Japanese satays, completing the Izakaya experience. Momo, which is chicken meat, features succulent, plump meat that is grilled to perfection due to the smokey flavour penetrating deep into the meat. Tsukune, minced chicken, is flavourful and easy to bite. I love these. Highly recommend.
I love the ambience here because it is different from those of the usual restaurants. I feel like I'm transported to Japan when dining here. Especially when the friendly staff are dressed in traditional Japanese garb. The service crew here is also polite and prompt to respond to requests.
A great place to enjoy quality uni, seafood, sumiyaki and the feeling of being in a Japanese Izakaya.
Thoughts: Dining in Izakaya is a great experience and is kind to the wallet.
2 Craig Rd
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
