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Sorry Easties! The Westies have taken the W this time with Kokoro Izakaya, a comfy eatery that serves Japanese fare like rice bowls, sushi and skewers.
The traditional Japanese-style restaurant on Level 1 of Fairprice Hub in Joo Koon functions as a popular lunch spot for hungry office workers during the day, serving lunch sets from S$10.90++. At night, it’s a vibrant eatery where diners can enjoy a wholesome dinner accompanied by alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
There’s even a beautiful and spacious dining room with sliding doors featuring a mural of Mount Fuji for a more private setting. Have your meal on a tatami mat floor while you sing your hearts out to your favourite songs. Yes, the room has a karaoke system, making it perfect for group gatherings!
From late April onwards, Kokoro Izakaya will be serving two special new dishes that are available only for a limited time.
The Spicy Miso Fried Rice (S$8.90) tastes spicier than it looks. Try not to put your guard down before taking a bite because the mala heat is intense, yet it blends so well with the rich and umami miso.
The Ebi Una Maki (S$18.90) was my favourite and also the highlight of my meal. The soft and tender grilled eel was the perfect topping for the deep-fried black tiger prawn sushi rolls. I loved the slight crispiness of the tempura and the sweet kabayaki sauce, which went harmoniously together.
Kokoro Izakaya’s usual mains are just as hearty as the limited-time dishes. Beef lovers are sure to love the Wagyu Steak Don (S$19.90). It’s a mouth-watering rice bowl topped with medium rare wagyu slices, garlic and a raw egg yolk.
A noodle option would be the Seafood Ramen (S$19.90), which has a rich and flavourful seafood broth and bouncy noodles topped with tiger prawns and Asari clams.
The Aburi Mentai Salmon & Cheese Maki (S$14.90 for 8 pcs) is another of Kokoro Izakaya’s unique creations. This sushi roll contains cream cheese with fresh cucumber to offset the heavy thickness and is topped with torched salmon and ikura. It’s worth a try if you don’t mind something decadent, cheesy and creamy.
Dinner-exclusive grilled dishes are also available for sharing. That includes the meaty Hamachi Kama Shioyaki (S$17.90) (grilled yellowtail collar) and smoky assorted skewers from S$2.90. Some of these skewers include Negi Buta (S$4.90) (pork-wrapped leek), Wagyu with Cherry Tomatoes (S$7.90) and Shiitake Mushroom (S$2.90).
Kokoro Izakaya’s beverages like the Suntory Kakubin Whisky (S$9.90 per glass) are affordable alcoholic options great for your drinking session. During the daily Happy Hour Promotion from 3pm to 7pm, you can enjoy the Suntory Highball at just S$7.90 (U.P. S$9.90) and Kirin Draft Beer at S$10 per pint (U.P. S$12).
Besides that, there are other weekly drinking promotions. These include 5 free grilled skewers of your choice with every bottle of sake purchased on Mon & Tue, 1-for-1 cocktails for ladies on Wed & Fri and more!
So, will you be considering Kokoro Izakaya for your next group gathering or lunch date? Make your reservations here.
Hanami Matsuri – Japanese food fair with takoyaki, dango, cherry blossom gelato & more
