Ippai Modern Izakaya - Special Yummy Japanese Tapas

This restaurant is no longer in operation 

I actually noticed Ippai from quite a long time ago since the eclectic exterior design of neon lights, Japanese ukiyo-e drawings is very striking. But since it is located within Dorsett Hotel, I had assumed it is a Japanese Buffet. Yes. I should have known it’s lzakaya instead due to the setting. Anyway, better late than never.

I’m all hyped up to try the food here the moment I saw its menu featuring Japanese Tapas, called Tapasu in Japanese Romanji. I like unique concept of Japanese food served in small plates so that I can try more menu items in one sitting. In addition, the food here is pretty unique, and of course yummy, so dining here is a worthwhile experience.

The interior of Ippai is that of modern, cool, upmarket Izakaya style. A great place to chill, get comfy, enjoy some good food with friends. And enjoy some sake while at it lol

The service is also very good and attentive. And they make some good recommendations on sake and food. In addition, it’s nice that they let me know of this “one for one tapas” promotion so as to be kinder to my wallet 👍🏻

The very interesting Negitoro Cone is packed with so many ingredients, as evident from the photo, and so much flavours. Creaminess, umami, tangy zest, planty pungency all stuffing into the cute cones, whose crunchiness works very well to enhance the overall texture. I also love the thoughtfulness for wrapping the cones with paper.

Kurobuta Miso Yaki is pretty juicy with nice lightly charred exterior, and comes miso sauce and mayonnaise. A hearty nice treat to munch on.

I love Ebi Tartar Yaki. This is my favourite of the night. Lightly seasoned with a dollop of tartar and a dose ofvflying fish roe, the subtle briny sweetness of the succulent prawns shines through and takes the centrestage.

Hotate Truffle Uni Ice-cream is so luxurious. The uni ice-cream at the centre is naturally sweet with a lace of umami. It’s coldness complements the scallop slices very well. It’s decadent and delicious, but the price is much steeper than that of other dishes.

Interesting trio of sake pairing, and it's for twenty bucks only. Super value for money.

Besides the items I had tried, here are lots of other unique dishes in the menu. I want to try them too!

By the way, this restaurant serves Don sets instead during lunch. Some look interesting, but since I’m more for the experience, I opted for dinner to try the tapas.

Thoughts: Nice Unique Japanese Tapas!

332 Dorsett Residences #01-03

Nearest MRT: Outram

Izakaya Yoppi - Very Good Japanese Food

There is a new hidden gem right in the middle of the shopping complex Wilkie Edge. which is the shiner neighbour of the good old Peace Centre. I wouldn't have known about this cool new find if I didn't pass by the perimeter of Wilkie Edge to go to a nearby cafe. The upmarket, clean and zen furnishings instantly caught my attention and I changed my plans right on spot to dine at Izakaya Yoppi instead.

I actually go into the restaurant via the backdoor since I was walking along outside of the shopping complex. The main entrance is accessible through the interior of Wilkie Edge. Anyway, due to how I got in, I got to walk through the entire length of restaurant to get to the main dining area. So I got to see the several impressive partitioned-off areas furnished in traditional Japanese style, where patrons sit on the floor to dine at the low table, with a nice hollow-out space beneath the table to stretch the legs.

Decor wise, I really love the strong zen influences of light wood, wooden fences and Japanese rectangular lamps here. The food here is surprisingly very affordable, with set lunches going from eighteen plus to under thirty. And to add it on, it's very good.

I got Tempura and California Roll set lunch, and the California roll is very tasty.

The salad is also very refreshing and tasty, with every part of the veggies slathered with the Japanese Wafu dressing.

The Pitan Tofu here is the star of the meal. I never have something like this before, and it is so surprisingly awesome. The light-tasting sauce of century egg renders the silky soft tofu to be so flavourful. And the tempura bits added introduces a delightful crunchiness to the dish that contrasts nicely with the tofu. This is the must-try of the restaurant.

The salmon sashimi here is nice, fresh and well-cut. I like it that the salmon here is of a nice deep orange hue, which is that of what upmarket Japanese restaurants typically serve.

The Tempura is of that nice crispy texture, and I love it that the prawns are very succulent and full of briny sweetness.

I decide to add on a side of Pork Belly Skewer, aka Buta Shio, since the set meal really satisfies me. This meat is juicy and has a lovely smoky aroma with light hints of salt and pepper. Now I want to try more of their skewers lol

This restaurant is most probably one of my best random, purely accidental finds of the year. And the food is suitable for most Singaporean palates (meaning you can bring your parents here too). The service is pretty good too. This is one of the places I can afford to go often to with family or friends due to the good combination of good food, good ambience and good price.

Thoughts: Very Nice Japanese Restaurant!

8 Wilkie Road, Wilkie Edge #01-22

Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut, Bencoolen or Rocher

Niningashi Izakaya - Izakaya Fun and Uni Cravings Satisfied

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