Kabuke is a new Japanese sake bar and restaurant hidden on the second level of a shophouse in Telok Ayer.

The name ‘Kabuke’ is a combination of two words—kabuki and sake. ‘Kabuki’ is a Japanese word which refers to classical Japanese theatre and this is reflected in the cartoon performers that are painted on the walls.

Sake connoisseurs will be pleased to know that Kabuke has a well-stocked bar with a collection of Sake from over 20 prefectures! As for those who are looking for some grub, they also offer contemporary Japanese dishes.

For the beginners, Kabuke has sorted out their sake into three main categories, which are mainly A (90ml – S$8/300ml – S$24), B (90ml – S$12/ 300ml – S$36) and C (90ml – S$18/ 300ml – S$54). Besides that, they are also offering sake flight (S$24) for those who are keen to sample on three different sake varieties.

Some of the sake options they have now include Mukansa Honjozo Super Dry that comes with a pleasant bitterness, Junmai Ginjo with its fruity accents and Junmai Daiginjo 50 which has a light and clean taste on your palate.

Lunch is an excellent time to visit; their beef bowls start from S$15 and you can choose from Gyudon, Wagyu Suki or Wagyu Striploin Bowls. Alternatively, they also have daily rice bowl specials such as the Salted Egg Chicken Katsu Don (S$15).

It is worth mentioning that Kabuke’s food menu is seasonal to keep things exciting.

Photos Credit: Kabuke

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Kabuke
200A Telok Ayer Street
Singapore 068638
Tel: +65 8822 5525
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm
Fri: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sat: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Telok Ayer

Sumo Bar Happy is the latest project from the team behind Standing Sushi Bar, Tanuki Raw, Shinkansen and The Secret Mermaid. Helmed by the team behind a handful of successful dining establishments, we naturally have very high expectations for this place.

The one-day-old ramen, tapas and sake bar is a delightful addition to Waterloo Street, which is just a stone’s throw away from Bras Basah MRT Station. Eat your way through a selection of Japanese ramen bowls, donburis or have some homemade tapas accompanied with their signature one cup sake.

If you are looking for a casual dining place which does not compromise on service or quality of food, Sumo Bar Happy is the place to check out.

Taking up half the floor space, you will definitely notice the sake bar when you first walk into the restaurant. That is where you can watch the bartender in action as he whips up your drink for you. As Sumo Bar Happy is a small restaurant, we would recommend you to head there early to beat the crowd.

What makes the ramen bowls there better than average is its collagen-rich tonkotsu ramen broth which can only be achieved through 48 hours of simmer. Every bowl of ramen comes with bean sprouts, toasted seaweed, black fungus and free-flow soft-boiled eggs.

The Sumo Ramen (S$23++) is a beef lover’s idea of perfection—featuring slow-roast oxtail, braised beef tendon, 8-hour-slow-roasted red wine boneless short rib and sauteed sliced US beef. Hearty eaters will enjoy its generous portions of meat.

We particularly liked how the sliced beef was tender and extremely flavourful.

Another more affordable ramen option is the Char Siew Ramen (S$17++). While it was also good and came with thick slices of roasted slow-braised Nagano pork char siew, we felt that it pales in comparison against the Sumo Ramen.

Not in the mood for ramen? There is also donburi on the menu as well. We really enjoyed their Mini Loco Moco Don (S$18) which was well executed. On top of warm Koshihikari rice is pan-seared foie gras, succulent house-made luncheon from Nagano pork and fried quail egg.

Guests also have alternatives such as Oxtail Ramen (S$21++), Mini Chirashi Don (S$18++) and a range of sides including Beef Tayaki Sliders (S$15++) and Pork Trotter Korokke (S$12++).

Sumo Bar Happy
261 Waterloo Street
01-24 Waterloo Centre
Singapore 180261
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bras Basah

Served hot or cold, this ancient Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented rice boasts of complex flavors no other spirit can achieve. We’ve scored the five of the best spots in Singapore with a sake list worth perusing. Kampai!

AOKI RESTAURANT

Partake in Japan’s national beverage of choice at this swanky restaurant bar with sakes hand-sourced by Kunio Aoki himself. Focusing on premium seasonal sakes in limited quantities (and prices to match), the list here changes regularly—flavors and tastes vary according to the season.

Service standards here are impeccable—product knowledge is highly appreciated. One good reason to pop by the bar is award-winning Isojiman 2011 Nakatori Junmai Daiginjo 35% ($1,000 per bottle) with an SMV (sake meter value) of +5 and a seimai-buai (rice polishing ratio; the lower the better) of 32%.

#02-17 Shaw Centre
1 Scotts Road
Tel: +65 6333 8015
Mon to Sat: 12pm to 3pm, 6:30pm to 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

BAM! TAPAS-SAKE BAR

The emergence of new sake player Bam! is one to be thankful for. A brand new concept that pairs Japanese sake with Spanish dishes (by former Santi chef de cuisine Pepe Moncayo) brings an element of surprise that tantalizes tastebuds. Yopparai means “drunkard” in Japanese—seemingly the mission here with a specially curated list of over 80 sakes by sake professional Derrick Lim, and food in a supporting role.

Exclusively available at Bam! is MAR ($110-$120 for 720ml); a highly limited collection of sake from the Ehime prefecture—specially chosen by a panel of sake experts to pair specifically with Spanish food. An example is the red range that enhances flavors of umami when paired together, or the yellow range that not only brings out flavors of ham, but tenderizes it as well.

If you’ve well-mastered the art of sake appreciation, opt for one of the top sakes—only 300 bottles are produced annually, Katsuyama Diamond Lei ($1,120) that uses a state of the art centrifuge extraction method, resulting in incredibly pure aromas and clearly defined tastes.

38 Tras Street
Tel: +65 6226 0500
Mon to Sat: 6pm to 12am
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

MIKUNI

While most venues import their sakes, Mikuni sets themselves apart from the competition with an in-house sake sommelier, and better yet, brewing and bottling their own sake.

Also available are yamahai sakes—made from the “yamahai” method only used in specialty brews for the earthy flavors it produces. Seasoned sake drinkers will appreciate the Kariho ($47 per carafe)—a full-flavored yamahai junmai with an SMV of +12, that’s fruity, crisp and refreshing, or Chiyomusubi ($135 per carafe).

Level 3, Fairmont Singapore
80 Bras Basah Road
Tel: +65 6431 6156
Mon to Sun: 12pm to 2:30pm, 6:30pm to 10:30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

ORIHARA SHOTEN

With an extensive list of premium boutique sakes that’s constantly proliferating—the current list stands at 400, it’s no wonder this cozy bar is abuzz with Japanese locals. If you’re looking to try your hand at sake-drinking, you’ve hit the gold mine.

Ranges of sake sampler sets ($30 for three) are available here, classified into four flavor categories: refreshing, rich, sweet, and dry. House original private label Fukagawa Dragon ($98 for 720ml) is another easy-drinking sake that’s smooth on the palate. It’s rare to find bar service that’s top notch so we appreciate how the staff here are well equipped on their product knowledge, gladly describing the origin and characteristics of each type of sake when asked.

Sake veterans, let the staff know of your preferred tastes and seek recommendations for their off-the-menu seasonal sakes (the list only showcases 150 mainstays)—you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

#01-01/02 Robertson Walk
11 Unity Street
Tel: +65 6836 5710
Mon to Wed: 7pm to 12am
Thu to Sat: 7pm to 1:30am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

SAN-SUI SUMIYAKI & BAR

Specialising in rare and exclusive sakes, San-Sui stocks sakes that are limited to 10 bottles islandwide, as well as seasonal sakes that change regularly. For beginners, opt for the Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjyo ($198 for 720ml) from the Yamaguchi prefecture with a fruity and deep flavor profile, or the Haikassan Junmai Ginjyo ($128 for 720ml) if you prefer something more crisp and clean.

Available only at San-Sui is Tedorikawa Daiginjo Mangekyo ($360 for 720ml), brewed in the Ishikawa prefecture; an aromatic sake with an SMV of -10 (hence its sweeter flavor). A rarity is its mellowness, which can only be experienced when made with the highest daiginjo. Also delicious is smooth-drinking sake Haikassan Junmai Ginjyo ($360 for 800ml) with rich and full flavors that balanced and deep—especially great when paired with yakitori.

#01-05, 1 Fullerton Road
Tel: +65 6423 1555
Mon to Thu: 3pm to 11pm
Fri to Sun: 3pm to 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

About the writer:
Mandy Lynn is a former I-S Magazine writer and current editor of Nookmag; her dining and nightlife features are published in Food & Travel, Appetite Asia and Singapore Tatler Dining. For bite-sized food recommendations, follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or join her on a Gourmet Adventure to keep up with the latest openings in the dining scene.