I always thought heading to Lau Pa Sat for food was a little too touristy, so it was never really on my list. But when my friend jio-ed me to Kokoro Izakaya, I finally had a reason to visit. Walking through the bustling hawker centre, soaking in the lively atmosphere and checking out all the different stalls, made me realise there's actually more to Lau Pa Sat than I had expected. Sometimes, all it takes is a good food recommendation to see a familiar place in a whole new light.
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| Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat) |
From the outside, Kokoro Izakaya resembles a charming little Japanese hut tucked within Lau Pa Sat. Despite its compact setup, this is where the team prepares a wide selection of comforting Japanese dishes while serving up ice-cold drinks. With its warm lantern-lit ambience and cosy vibe, it's the perfect spot to wind down after a long day at work, whether you are catching up with friends or simply enjoying a quiet meal.
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| Side of Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat) |
Ramen lovers, this one's for you! Kokoro Izakaya offers two comforting bowls that are perfect for satisfying your noodle cravings. The Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen ($12.90) features a bold, creamy, umami-rich pork broth, while the Tori Paitan Ramen ($12.90) is silky, robust, and comforting with its rich chicken broth. Whether you prefer pork or chicken-based ramen, both make a hearty meal any time of the day.
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| Menu |
One thing that immediately caught my attention was the open charcoal grill. Despite operating from a compact little hut, Kokoro Izakaya lets diners catch a glimpse of the chefs expertly grilling skewers over glowing charcoal. Watching the smoky flames kiss the ingredients while the irresistible aroma fills the air adds to the whole dining experience. It's a simple touch that makes waiting for your food even more enjoyable.
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| Charcoal Grilling at Kokoro Izakaya |
Kick off your meal with the Hyogo Oysters, served fresh and plump. Enjoy them with your choice of ponzu sauce, aburi mentaiko, or aburi mozzarella cheese for three delicious flavour profiles.
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Hyogo Oyster 3pcs - $19.90
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Served sizzling on a hot plate, the Mentaiko Potato Julienne is comfort food at its best.
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| Mentaiko Potato |
Layers of julienned potatoes are baked with creamy mentaiko sauce, melted cheese, and sweet corn kernels, creating a rich, savoury dish that's incredibly addictive.
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| Close-up showing the cheesy potato strands being lifted with chopsticks |
The Tori Paitan Ramen (Light Portion) is ideal for those with a smaller appetite. It features a silky, creamy chicken broth paired with springy noodles, tender chicken chashu, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly cooked ajitsuke egg for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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| Tori Pai Tan Ramen - $6.90 (Light Portion) |
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Black Garlic Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen - $14.90
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The
Chicken Katsu Don features a crispy chicken cutlet gently simmered with egg in a savoury bonito-based sauce, then served over a bed of fluffy Japanese rice. Finished with shredded seaweed, it's a comforting one-bowl meal packed with flavour.
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| Tori Katsu Don Set - $9.90 |
If you're craving seafood, the Salmon Teriyaki Don is another satisfying choice. Featuring a perfectly grilled salmon fillet glazed with savoury-sweet teriyaki sauce, it's served over fluffy Japanese rice with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Japanese pickles for a well-balanced meal.
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| Salmon Teriyaki Don |
Each set comes complete with a side of creamy Japanese potato salad and your choice of hot or iced green tea, making it a wholesome and value-for-money meal.
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| Potato Salad |
Available on the lunch &dinner menu, the Sauteed Udon with Japanese Asari Clam is a delightful alternative to ramen. Chewy udon noodles are tossed with sweet, briny asari clams in a light, umami-packed seasoning for a simple yet satisfying meal.
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| Sauteed Udon with Japanese Asari Clam - $14.90 |
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| Don and Noodle Set |
The Oden is perfect for sharing, featuring a comforting assortment of Japanese favourites including Uzura Tamago (quail egg), Daikon (white radish), Kinchaku (fish roe money bag), Chikuwa (grilled fish cake), mushrooms, and other classic oden ingredients, all simmered in a light, flavourful dashi broth.
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| Oden - $7.90 |
One of my must-order dishes at any Japanese restaurant is Yaki Surume Ika (Grilled Squid). Grilled until lightly charred yet tender, it pairs perfectly with a squeeze of lemon. Choose between the classic Shio (salt) or the sweeter Teriyaki seasoning.
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| Yaki Surume Ika - $22.90 |
The Salmon Cheese Harumaki offers a tasty twist on the classic spring roll. Wrapped in a light, crispy pastry, it's filled with flaky salmon and melted cheese, creating a rich and satisfying bite. Pair it with the creamy dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavour.
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| Salmon Cheese Harumaki - $5.90 |
No visit to an izakaya is complete without yakitori and kushiyaki, and Kokoro Izakaya doesn't disappoint. Every skewer is grilled over glowing charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma and beautifully charred finish.
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| Skewers |
From juicy chicken and pork to quail eggs, mushrooms, sausages, and bacon-wrapped scallops, each skewer is cooked to perfection and makes the perfect pairing with an ice-cold drink.
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6 Types of Skewers - From $3.90 Each
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Pair your charcoal-grilled skewers with a bottle of Japanese sake for the complete izakaya experience. Served chilled, its smooth and clean finish complements the smoky, savoury flavours of the grilled dishes, making every bite even more enjoyable.
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| Sake |
Looking for the perfect bar snack? The Tori Shippo Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken Tail) is an excellent choice to pair with an ice-cold beer or your favourite alcoholic drink. Each bite is crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy inside, with the chicken tail's rich, buttery flavour making it incredibly addictive. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds a refreshing touch, balancing the richness and making it hard to stop at just one piece.
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| Tori Shippo Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken Tail) - $8.90 |
Kokoro Izakaya at Lau Pa Sat is a cosy spot for authentic Japanese comfort food and charcoal-grilled skewers in the heart of Singapore's CBD. From fresh oysters and hearty rice bowls to smoky yakitori, ramen, and sake, every dish is thoughtfully prepared and packed with flavour. Whether you are stopping by for a satisfying lunch or winding down with drinks after work, Kokoro Izakaya is well worth adding to your dining list.
Kokoro Ikazaya (Lau Pat Sat)
Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat Festival Market (MR20, Singapore 048582
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