Retro-chic Japanese restaurant references traditional izakaya style eateries with yakitori dishes & sake
April 18th, 2016
Modern Japanese restaurant JINzakaya is set within the recently launched Connexion at Farrer Park integrated medical and hospitality complex in the Little India precinct of Singapore. A casual dining concept inspired by the ever-popular Japanese izakaya-ethos of good eating while drinking, JINzakaya deftly blends both traditional and contemporary Japanese design references, while the authentic cuisine includes selections of yakitori, sashimi and ramen dishes. The latest restaurant opening by the acclaimed Les Amis Group, JINzakaya is located adjacent to upscale sibling Japanese restaurant Sushi Jin, and is suffused with the group’s meticulous culinary standards, albeit in a relaxed and casual dining atmosphere.
Design Occupying a compact space in the newly launched Owen Link indoor food and lifestyle avenue, JINzakaya features an industrial-chic vibe – elevated with retro-pop Japanese posters. Across the restaurant frontage, a vivid green tiled bar counter, discreetly separated from outside by boldly printed Noren curtains, faces into the open kitchen. And in the adjacent compact dining room guests can look into the kitchen through the full-width glass at one end. Rustic timber decor, steel framed tables, and simple wooden stools evoke the unpretentious izakaya aesthetic while eclectic design elements include lighting fixtures made from empty sake bottles, and the retro neon sign add a fun dimension.
Cuisine The attractively presented menu offers a wide selection of dishes including sashimi, 19 varieties of yakitori skewers, charcoal grilled mains, ramen noodles, plus salads and snacks and platters for sharing. Cooking in the open kitchen and over the charcoal grill, the kitchen team engage with diners in the traditions of vibrant izakaya-style dining. Authentic Japanese produce is flown freshly from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market three times weekly – while other premium produce includes MBS 8 Australian Wagyu and Kurobuta pork. Among highlights from the menu, it is hard to go past the signature JIN Tori Ramen; yakitori sticks of Tori Momo (chicken thigh) and Wagyu Kushi; and the Kuruma Edi Bacon – a grilled king prawn wrapped in bacon.
Beverages Complementing the izakaya cuisine, the drinks list includes attractively priced bottles of premium quality sake – with flavour profiles from sweet to dry to match either the cuisine or personal taste preferences – plus several popular Japanese draft beers, tea, and soft drinks. Signature fruit-infused sakes – Amabaki Blood Orange and Tenzan Yuzu – when combined with soda or ice, entice as flavourful refreshments.
JINzakaya opens daily, serving lunch and dinner. The FOUR X FOUR Lunch menu offers top value at S$12.80 ++. Evening table reservations are recommended.
