Ku-Kai Izakaya

While I always thought that I can only find relaxing places facing the sea in Malaysia, Ku-Kai Ikazaya had given me a different perspective. The place is not easily accessible and far-flung. One has to travel deep into the roads to reach it. 

Ku-Kai Ikazaya

 However, if you are looking for some instagrammable spots that are Japan-lookalike, the trip may be worth travelling especially if you are able to catch the sunset or blue hours timing. The alfresco dining area was adorned with Japanese red lanterns and just right behind this Torii Gate, the place is opposite Johor Bahru. 

Sea View 

No doubt that the place was quite remote, we were surprised that it was fully booked and leaving no room for walk-in customers. We were quite lucky to have a table but with limited dining timing before the reservation slot kicks in.

Along the straits of Malaysia

Torii Gate

Mentai Tamago was served with a dollop of dashi by the side. The vibrant yellow-looking egg layers were cold and sweet-tasting filled with Mentai in the middle. 

Mentai Tamago - $9.80

Having this as our first dish is kind of "opening up" the stomach for more Japanese food along the way.

Mentai

Seafood Okonomiyaki was served on a wooden board. We do not often get to see Okonomiyaki served in Japanese dining places and I thought this tasted quite decent with a handful of bonito flakes topped over the ingredients of this "Japanese Pancake" that is decked up with cabbages, carrots, seafood (Tako and prawn) and mayonnaise.

Okonomiyaki Seafood - $19

If you prefer chicken or pork to seafood, they have these options available for the Okonomiyaki too. 

Closer Look at Okonomiyaki

I had the Suntory Premium Draught to accompany my meal for the evening. 

Suntory Premium Draught - $9.30

The can of Melon Soda was rather small. Nonetheless, this soda drink has a fragrant Melon taste and was refreshing.

Melon Soda - $5

This Japanese Gratin was made with macaroni giving a firm and chewy texture. Together with the sweetness from the bits of crab and fish the saltiness from the bacon bits strike a good balance in taste. The cheese also gives the gratin a creaminess while the aburi added a thin layer of charred texture.

Kani Tama Gratin - $13

While we saw some fish nuggets on the other table and thought it was this. These fried items smell fishy but still edible. Squeeze some lemon juice over them and enjoy the bite. It goes well with the Japanese beer too. 

Ishikawa no Buri Tatsu-age - $15

It's hard to go to an Izakaya without ordering skewers. We opted for the Omakase Skewer Set of 7 pcs. It consists of Shitake Mushroom, Pork Belly, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Chicken Thigh with leek, Meatballs and Chicken Thigh.

Omakase - $30 (7 pcs)

As I sit near the ordering counter, I got to see the staff grilling the skewers over the charcoal fire. Each and every piece of skewer has a tinge of smoky flavours. The chicken thighs were tender and juicy while the pork belly was slightly salty. The meatballs on the other hand had sweet sauce slathering over and complemented well.  

Chicken Thigh

The large squid took a long time before it was placed on the table. Apparently, this dish was very popular among the diners and was served with a dollop of mayonnaise and the squid was showered with some chilli powder. The charred squid is tender and springy. 

Ika Ichiyaboshi (Large) - $30

Ku-Kai Izakaya is definitely a hidden gem not only for special occasions but also for a normal family meal or an evening date. It will be recommended to do a reservation before heading down to avoid disappointment. I will very much want to be back with some companies over skewers and beer again.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Ku-Kai Izakaya
Location:  SAF Yacht Club, 43 Admiralty Rd West Singapore 759962
Nearest Station: Sembawang (NS11)

Tocha Bistro | Alfresco Dining, Bar & Grill

My first visit to Tocha Bistro had left me a good impression not only for the service rendered but also the ambience that is perfect for an evening chillax. Location is just a short walk away from Lavender and Bugis MRT station.

Tocha Bistro

Tocha Bistro is located in Hotel Boss and by the side of the canal, offering an impressive array of food choices at good pricing.

Chilling by the canal

If you prefer the indoor seating, their modernly furnished interior is welcoming too.

Tocha Internal Seating

The menu was extensive and I was surprised by the variety of food they offered as they have over more than 60 items on the menu. While we had decided to focus on beers on that evening, we skipped the main dishes and started ordering bar bites. 

Menu

Starting off the bites with 2 bowls of Beef Cube at 200g each recommended by one of the regulars here in the group. These cubes do smell good with the use of garlic slices. They were juicy and the biting texture was absolutely chewy. 

Beef Cubes (200g) 牛肉粒方块 - $15.80

The 3 scallops were yummy and also one of my favourites order for the evening. They were baked with 3 types of cheese and mayonnaise. 

Baked Scallops 烤扇贝- $12.80 (3 pcs)

The slightly charred edges of the cheese on the scallop shell added on a crisp texture to the soft pulling cheese. 

Scallop and its charred edge

This deep-fried pork belly was served in a box with faux newspaper. The meat was not too dry and you can even hear the crackling sound from the crispy skin as we sink out teeth down into these scrumptious belly. Pairing these with their house-made sambal Belachan was a total joy especially washing them down with some beer.

Deep-Fried Pork Belly 香炸五花肉 - $13.80

With all the bar bites and snacks ordered, we paired them together with the glasses of Erdinger.

Dunkel - $10++ Each

Having continuous conversations, we just could not stop munching on the bites. We had these quesadilla paired with guacamole. These quesadillas too were served on a stone plate warm which makes me comfortable under the cooling air of the air conditioning environment. 

Quesadilla - $13.80

With the melting cheese sandwiched in between the tortilla wrap, it is rather stomach filling. 

Quesadilla

The Smoked Duck Rolls were cut into 6 uniform pieces, each tortilla wrapped with smoked duck, pork bacon, tomatoes and greens.

Smoked Duck Roll - $6.80

These portobello mushrooms were served on a rock. They were baked with cheese and sea salt. The fluffy light mushroom cradling the cheese was just too tempting.

Portobello Mushrooms - $10.80

After drinking glasses of the beer, we were introduced to this Bourbon coke drink.

Bourbon Coke - $10++ (Promo 1 for 1)

Overall, I like this place pretty much. If there are chances for gathering and chilling out again. I do not mind returning back here. 

Rating: 3.25 / 5

Tocha Bistro | Alfresco Dining, Bar & Grill
Location: Hotel Boss, 500 Jln Sultan, #01-20  Singapore 199020
Nearest Station: Lavender
Website

Birdfolks

A recent visit to NEWest had make me realise about the increase number of eateries there and that is part of the reason why we were back here again. We decided to settle for Birdfolks for some America inspired-fried chicken with a twist of Asian.

Birdfolks

The interior was nicely decorated which provides a comfortable environment.

Interior

One part of the wall was decorated nicely with a romantic feel. 

LOVE

The chicken thigh was flavourful with the use of oriental black pepper sauce and for the main plates like this, 2 sides can be chosen. The thigh was charred and succulent and while the 2 sides, corn and twisted fries were pretty ordinary. 

Black Pepper Chicken Chop - $14.50

While we have the popular Fried Chicken Bowl under their Rice Bowl and Salad Menu, we are allowed to choose 1 base which I have chosen garlic butter rice over sushi rice and mesclun salad. If you are choosing Mesclun salad, an additional $2 is needed.

The bowl comes with a few pieces of signature fried chicken, onsen egg, greens, corn, pickles and tobiko. Pairing these ingredients with the garlic rice, the meal was stomach filling.

Fried Chicken Bowl - $11

Overall, both the black pepper and the fried chicken were not too bad. A returning trip for other items in the menu can be done too. 

Rating: 3 / 5 

Birdfolks
Location: NEWest, 1 West Coast Dr, #01-75  Singapore 128020
Website

Hong Kee Porridge 鸿记粥

The location of Hong Kee porridge stall is special as it is quite spacious and has side access. If you are looking for traditional Porridge as comfort food, Hong Kee Porridge could be the one that you are looking for.

Unique Location

Besides Pork Porridge, they have Sliced Fish, Century Egg, Fish Head and cuttlefish porridge.

Stall of Hong Kee Porridge

Look at the articles and certificates that were plastered onto the fridge. They have gained attention from the media over the years 

Side Door

Every porridge serving was cooked individually. I opted for the pork porridge and no doubt that the porridge was rather watery, the taste still remain flavourful. 

Pork Porridge - $4

The ingredients were fresh, especially the pig livers were still bloody in the porridge. The texture of the pig livers was perfect too.

Pig's Liver

The lean meat was quite generous in its size, however, I will prefer that the meat can be cut into smaller pieces.

Lean Meat

Besides the lean meat and liver, the pork porridge comprises handmade minced meatballs.

Meatball

Hong Kee Porridge is a good reminiscent of home-cooked porridge that brings back the old taste.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

Hong Kee Porridge
Location: Commonwealth Crescent Market and Food Centre, 31 Commonwealth Cres, #02-89, Singapore 149644

Orange & Teal

I heard a fair bit about Orange & Teal with Politician Dr Chee Soon Juan and his Wife behind the opening of this homely cafe.  The Interior was well decorated and with a bookshelf and piano on the side. I find that the dining environment is dim with a cosy ambience. The vibe is good and it gives a comfortable feeling of dining in such a place.

Orange & Teal

While waiting for the food, we have a glass of Mocha Frapp.

Mocha Frapp

Also, a glass of Vanilla Shake.

Vanilla Shake 

The Hawaiian Pizza was a normal fare, served with 6 slices. It was thin-crusted, topped with sweetened pineapples, ham with tomato and cheese-based. 

Hawaiian Pizza - $16.90

Honey Mustard Grilled chicken was sweet and tasty with some charred edges. It was paired with some sides like peas, tomato, potatoes and carrots. However, the portion may be inadequate for some.

Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken - $17.80

This is a vegan-friendly dish. It was made with plant-based ingredients and served with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes and truffle-infused portobello mushrooms.

Truffle Linguine Aglio e Olio with Salad - $15.90

Unfortunately, the air ventilation was not good enough and our clothing reeked of the kitchen smoke as we left the place. The food was decent but the menu was very limited when it comes to mealtime. Perhaps the environment is good for some cakes and coffee during tea time.

Rating: 3 / 5

Orange & Teal
Location: Rochester Mall, #02-12, 35 Rochester Dr, Singapore 138639
Nearest Station: Buona Vista (EW21 / CC22)

Cheng Ji Steamed Fish Head in Hot Sauce

This is the longest time waited ever revisited this place in the evening for Cantonese Style Steamed Fish Head. I was torn between two stalls as in the row where Cheng Ji stall is there is another competitor stall selling the steamed fish. At a glance on the area, most of them were supporters of Cheng Ji as the plate colors were majority pink and that gave us some deciding factor. Nonetheless, if we were to check online about the media rating, Cheng Ji is not on the favourable list.

Stall Cheng Ji Steamed Fish Head in Hot Sauce

With many competitors around, steamed Song Fish here is rather competitive. The thickened sauce over the fish was both savoury and sweet with fermented soy sauce. The meat texture of Song Fish was naturally soft with a springy bite. At the same time, taste of Song Fish was clearly earthy and meat was bland. With the fragrant pork lard, spring onions and the savoury sauce coupled with the freshness of the fish, that makes the dish a perfect one. 

Steamed Fish Head in Hot Sauce - $18

Steamed Fish Head

Tender Meat

The Egg Oyster Omelete was fluffy with tasty chilli. Although it's one of their few recommended dishes on the limited menu, I do not prefer the taste as it was bland and quite starchy for me.

Egg Oyster Omelete  - $8

Looking at the Steamed Fish Head Sauce, it's worth the money paid but if you are someone who do not enjoy lots of fish bones, Song Fish Fish Head will be the last of your choice for their bones are aplenty.

Rating: 3 / 5

Cheng Ji Steamed Fish Head in Hot Sauce
Location: Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, 335 Smith Street #02-190/191 Singapore 050335