Hey folks, are you looking for a new place to dine and chill with friends?
I've got news for you - there's a new izakaya in Serangoon Gardens, located in the northeast of Singapore.
It's called Juu Ichi Izakaya - when I asked what it means, I was told it's the address - 11.
What is an Izakaya, anyway?
Izakayas are essentially Japanese pubs, but they provide much more than just alcoholic beverages. The Japanese gather in these inviting spaces to unwind, mingle, and savour a variety of delicious small plates. Consider it a combination of a bar, eatery and lounge all in one.
The Izakaya's interior decor makes me feel like I'm in Japan.
The Ordered Dishes
Agedashi Tofu ( 8.00 SGD)
I will start with some appetisers, the deep-fried outer layer of the skin isn't oily and crunchy. When you took a taste, the tofu was smooth and fresh. But the sauces they provide are too little and lack flavouring, making the dishes quite bland.
Tori Karage (Japanese Style Fried Chicken, 10 SGD)
The portions are large and big enough to share for two people. It came with mayonnaise and lemon.
Large, juicy chucks that have been perfectly golden-fried. a fantastic beer companion.
Grilled pork belly (3.80 SGD per stick) and Grilled quail egg ( 2.80 SGD per stick)
The grills are pretty good. Grilled pork is tender and not overcooked. I regret not ordering more grills when leaving the Izakaya.
Ebi Tempura ( 16 SGD)
5 pieces of prawns on this plate. The prawns are fresh and tender covered in a lovely, golden coating batter.
The batter doesn't feel greasy and gives a light, crispy texture to enhance the prawn's flavour.
Seafood Yaki Udon ( Seafood fried udon, 12SGD)
The udon is stir-fried with soy sauce and mirin along with cabbage, squid and prawns.
The yaki udon was actually not bad, but the sauce I feel it's a bit salty. I eventually feel full and overpowered by it.
Thoughts
I have to say this is a pretty decent izakaya worth a visit. The staffs were helpful and attentive, and the setting was cosy.
The food was good but not mind-blowing. To be fair, I didn't order many of their signature dishes, such as garlic fried rice. Juu Ichi has a bunch of vegetarian options on their menu too.
Izakaya in Singapore are mostly in central areas. So if you're staying in the north/north-east areas, save the hassle of travelling to central areas.
Overall, it's a good place to hang out with friends, have a few sakes, and eat some Japanese food.
Ratings for Juu Ichi izakaya in Singapore: 3.5 out of 5 forks
Location:
Juu Ichi Izakaya
11 Kensington Park Rd, Singapore 557263
Bus 315 and 317 from Serangoon MRT Station will reach the destination
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