Japan’s renowned Kushikatsu chain with over 160 outlets, Kushikatsu Tanaka, is now in Singapore. Located right smack in the middle of bustling Clarke Quay, this less-than-a-year-old eatery is famous for its Kushikatsu (fried cutlet skewers) and signature dipping sauce.

Kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy comprising an assortment of lightly breaded and deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. In Japanese, kushi translates to skewers while katsu refers to a deep-fried meat cutlet.

A step into Kushikatsu Tanaka will transport you to a traditional izakaya in Japan, with its dim-hued interior and a rustic decor that sets does well to mimic a similar mood. Offering a range of wallet-friendly Japanese bar grub and alcohol, this is definitely the go-to spot for some after-work drinks and gathering.

First up on our table was the lightly steamed and perfectly salted appetiser, Edamame (S$5++). These protein-rich soybeans are fresh and sweet, making for a good pre-meal snack.

Moving on to something that required a little elbow grease, was the DIY Potato Salad Mentaiko ($10++)!

It came with a generous portion of potatoes, an ajitsuke tamago (Japanese marinated soft-boiled egg) and crunchy bacon bits seasoned with black pepper and mayonnaise, topped with a decent portion of savoury mentaiko chunks—all of which required grinding and mixing using a pastel. 

By grinding everything together yourself, you can adjust the texture of the salad to suit your taste. We liked ours to be slightly chunky so that we can taste a bit of everything.

The star of the night was definitely the legendary Kushikatsu (Assorted Skewers). We got ourselves the Recommended 5 (S$8.20++), which came with Asparagus, Lotus Root, Beef, Pork and Onion.

Coated in Panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried till golden brown, the skewers were insanely crispy without being greasy at all. What made this dish even better was the special dipping sauce that was tangy and extremely addictive.

Kushikatsu Tanaka
3A River Valley Road, Merchant Court
Clarke Quay Block A #01-01B
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6258 3789
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 5pm – 12am
Sat: 12pm – 1am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

Located at 4 Haji Lane, Panko is a new Japanese Kushikatsu restaurant by the Unlisted Collection who is behind other popular dining establishments including Burnt Ends, Cheek by Jowl, Salted & Hung and The Market Grill.

Panko officially opened to the public on 07 July 2017 and it bills itself as “Singapore’s sleekest Japanese kushikatsu restaurant”. Which in all honestly, is not difficult as few restaurants in Singapore serve kushikatsu.

Kushikatsu, for the uninitiated, is famous in Osaka and is known to be one of the identities of that city’s food scene. Also known as kushiage, kushikatsu is essentially deep-fried meat/vegetable skewers.

The prices of Panko’s kushikatsu range from S$2 to S$8 per stick. Enjoy the kushikatsu with ponzu dip, Japanese salt or homemade sauce. If you miss having kushikatsu in Osaka, Panko at Haji Lane is your alternative.

Panko
4 Haji Lane
Tel: +65 6291 3323
Daily: 5.30pm – 12pm
Nearest Station: Bugis

Photo source: Panko