June 26th, 2012
A prime location on the waterfront of Singapore’s Marina Bay is the setting for the edgy urban Japanese dining and bar venue- Kinki. Occupying a two level space at the waterfront end of the old Customs House pier at Marina Bay, Kinki combines a compact dining space seating approx 60 guests, with above, an open-air rooftop deck and bar with spectacular 360 degree views across Marina Bay and the CBD skyline behind. Conceived as an irreverent take on the classic Japanese restaurants, Kinki exudes a hip-edgy attitude that has made it a hit with the younger Singaporean urbanites.The kitchen serves a modern style of Japanese cuisine that draws on elements of international influences to create an enticing and memorable dining experience.
DJs spin Urban tunes nightly for a chill-out atmosphere, and Friday nights feature performances by Chef Kinki (DJ SHA) commencing at 9pm, and playing late into the night. The open-air rooftop bar is a popular spot for evening pre-dinner drinks and late night partying, with DJs playing during the happy hours on Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays. Saturday nights feature different theme nights to add some spice to the mix.
The restaurant area of Kinki- with the DJ console covered in the graffiti art of respected Singaporean urban artist ANTZ.
The interior design of Kinki features elements of an industrial chic style- with partial raw concrete flooring, blackened ceilings with exposed ductwork and pipes. Intriguing features include the light fittings made from fishing hooks, suspended from the ceiling of the private dining area, and charcoal bricks that fill the window sills. The entrance to Kinki is highlighted by a spectacular floor mural created by a renowned tattoo artist (Chris Garver of Miami Ink) that captures the vibrant colours and intricate designs of classical Japanese tattoos. Also featured is the graffiti art of Singaporean street artist ANTZ- with the DJ console covered in manga style cartoon graphics.
The restaurant space comprises the compact main dining area seating around 40 guests, and a wrap around sushi counter and private dining area that seats a further 20 diners. The rooms feature large windows on all sides that take in the fabulous views of the waterfront location.
The sushi counter of Kinki
The main dining room of Kinki- with full height windows overlooking Marina Bay
Dining tables in the private area opposite the sushi counter
The main bar in the restaurant
Featured wall mural at the entrance to Kinki
The stunning mural designed and painted by a renowned tattoo artist onto the floor at the entrance to Kinki
The cuisine style at Kinki is essentially modern Japanese, but also offers some intriguing flavour combinations using both premium quality seasonal produce imported from Japan and ingredients from both Asian and Western cuisines. Good examples are the Foie Gras & Scallop Sushi featuring an unexpected pairing of succulent raw Hokkaido scallop and pan-seared foie gras.
And the King Salmon Maki combines king salmon, ricotta, avocado and cucumber, with the roll covered in crispy tempura flakes.
Signature dishes at Kinki include the Kinki Style Okonomiyaki, with the usual Japanese ‘pancake’ base substituted with Kinki’s version of a homemade baguette base. Seductively crispy, the okonomiyaki is generously topped with Hokkaido scallops, prawns, applewood-smoked bacon, sweet onions and mozzarella. A vegetarian version with tomatoes, wild mushrooms, baby eggplant and baby spinach is also available. The Wagyu Veggie Sushi features a Japanese lettuce wrap with seared wagyu, onion, goma seed, chive and Kinki style wagyu sauce. In addition to the “Kinki’s Customs” dishes, the menu also includes wide selections of sushi and sashimi; maki and temaki; tempura; noodles and rice; cold salads; and teriyaki grills.
Seafood Gyoza
Crispy Pork Belly with spicy goma sauce – Pan seared kurobuta pork belly served with Kinki’s spicy sesame sauce
Grilled Pork Rib with Kinki’s style miso – Flame grilled miso marinated kurobuta ribs, Kinki’s spicy sesame sauce
The Bar Menu at Kinki features innovative cocktails, with the “Kinki Originals” concocted using enticing hybrid combinations of flavours and ingredients. Highlights include the Geisha Sake-rita– Tequila, Yuzu Umeshu, Orange liqueur, Fresh Passion fruit syrup, and Orange juice; and Peach Blossom Margarita– Tequila, Peach Umeshu, Peach purée, and Lemon juice. The extensive cocktail list includes selections of classic martinis, caipirinhas and mojitos- all with Japanese taste elements. Additionally, Kinki are serving a good selection of premium sake, shochu, and umeshu; together with regular premium spirits, Japanese and local beers, and champagnes.
Kinki Mango Mint– vodka, mango juice, kiwi & mango puree, mint syrup. From the Kinki Originals cocktails.
Hokkaido Plummet– vodka, umeshu, Kinki spiced syrup, peppermint. From the Kinki Originals cocktails.
On the level above the Kinki restaurant is the Rooftop Bar- a large expanse of open-air timber decking with awesome views across all of Marina Bay and with the towering city office buildings looming in the immediate background. Rising prominently from the rooftop deck is the original concrete Customs Tower structure. The deck area is completely open, the wooden high tables and chairs providing the perfect perch for taking in the sunsets or evening city views.
The outdoor rooftop deck of Kinki- with spectacular views across Marina Bay
The rooftop bar of Kinki- nestled in under the highrise office towers of the Singapore CBD
The original Customs tower rises up from the deck of Kinki
Kinki Rooftop Bar and Restaurant- Singapore
Address: #02-02 Customs House,70 Collyer Quay, Singapore. 049323
MTR: Raffles Place MRT
Reservations: + 65. 6533 3471
Website: www.kinki.com.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kinkibar
Opening Hours:
Kinki Restaurant
Lunch– Monday to Friday 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Dinner– Monday to Saturday 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Sundays- Closed
Kinki Rooftop Bar : Monday to Saturday 5:00 pm ~ late
Promotions: Happy Hour- Monday to Friday 5:00 pm-8:00 pm (Buy 1 Get 1 Free)
