Update: Taira Izakaya is now closed

Izakaya is a casual Japanese bar where you can enjoy food with drinks. It reminds me of Spanish Tapas Bars, and one of the best things about such dining concepts is that you get to try so many different food.

Located at Holiday inn Singapore Orchard City Centre in Cavenagh Road, Taira Izakaya is the perfect place to go after a long day of work for some light snacks and drinks.

The Japanese drinking bar has a pretty comprehensive menu and the items are reasonably priced. You can find sashimi ($15-20 for 5 pcs), sushi ($3-12/pc), maki ($5-12 for 6 sushi roll), grill items ($5-25), skewers ($$2.5-5/stick), and tempura ($5-12).

Izakaya food is slightly more substantial than tapas, and they are meant to be shared. It is probably a good idea to go with a group of friends so that you can try more food.

We started with the California Roll ($10). The gorgeous sushi roll was utterly delicious, and we finished it very quickly. Needless to say, we were tempted to order a second helping, but we decided to try the Spicy Tuna Maki ($12) instead.

While waiting for the Maki to come, we had the Salted Grilled Unagi ($16), Yakitori ($2.5) and Enoki Bacon ($2.5). My dining companion is a big unagi fan and she thought that the one that we had was nothing special. Given that there are so many yummy choices like teriyaki grill cod, grill kurobuta and miso grill king prawn amongst the Yakimono selection, we probably wouldn’t order the Unagi again.

I thoroughly enjoyed Taira Izakaya’s bacon wrapped mushroom – it was extremely juicy and tender. The Chicken Skewer, on the other hand, was run-of-the-mill.

And of course, the must-have Salmon Sashimi ($15 for 5 pcs). What can I say? 5 pieces are definitely not enough. The Karashi Tuna Roll came last, and it had a spicy kick. Both of us agreed that the California roll was better (or at least we liked it more), and I definitely want to try the Chopped fatty tuna roll ($12) next time.

All in all, Taira Izakaya offers simple and delicious Japanese food. It is worth mentioning that we were the only locals there that night. If you have been to Taira Izakaya before, do check out Izakaya Nijumaru at Cuppage Plaza, Orchard Road.

Tell me, which is your favourite Izakaya in Singapore?

Singapore Food Blog Review
Taira Izakaya
11 Cavenagh Road #01-16
Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
Tel: +65 6836 5298

For more recommendations, read my list of Japanese Restaurants in Singapore