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With its vibrant neon signs and groovy music, it may surprise you that this 55-seat space on Neil Road offers Japanese cuisine. Well, not exactly the typical ones we are used to, with minimalistic furnishing, wooden tones, quiet ambience, and dishes such as ramen and sushi. IKO Restaurant & Bar, which opened its doors on 22 April 2021, specialises in modern Japanese fare, appealing to Japanese cuisine lovers with contemporary tastes.
Iko is a moniker for ‘let’s go’, and a visual palindrome, for when read backwards, oki illustrates the offshore waves. With unparalleled energy in their culinary craft, they are up and running, presenting six categories of food—Raw, Cold, Small, Robata, Rice and Noodles, and Sweet. Relish in robata chargrilled grub, savoury bites and an exclusive selection of liquor and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Its Angus Short Ribs (S$38) is a product of 14 hours of cooking. Tenderised in kurozu black vinegar and then served with garlic confit and port wine jus, it is a delicacy that will satiate meat lovers. On the other hand, the vegan Mushroom Donabe (S$30) features rich, yet clean layers of taste, with Japanese rice cooked in shiitake mushroom broth, topped with shimeji, king oyster mushroom, and added black truffle paste.
Their Somen (S$29) is a feast for the eyes as well, an aesthetic and taste-pleasing crustacean dish made with pink ume-infused noodles, including caramelised prawns, dried Japanese scallops, anchovies, and Botan shrimps served in housemade bisque, peppered with botan ebi and ikura.
A riveting cold dish, Burnt Aubergine (S$12) serves an erratic-sounding but delicious mix of charred eggplant painted with a sauce of sesame yoghurt, together with wild rice and chilli oil. Dinner and drinks are always a good idea, especially when it’s with Iko’s tipple. They have a wide selection, including intriguing drinks like vegan sake.
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