Although there is no shortage of quaint little izakayas in the Orchard area (I’m looking at you, Orchard Plaza and Cuppage Plaza), the same cannot be said for the heartlands.
But things are changing, and Little Tokio, a newly opened Japanese izakaya in Tampines is leading by example.
This humble establishment, which brands itself as a “teppanyaki x izakaya”, is tucked away in the Tampines West area — it’s not the most accessible location around but I can foresee it being a hidden haunt for residents staying nearby.
Don’t underestimate Little Tokio and its cosy interior — start off with Fresh Salmon Sashimi (S$5.90) or Fresh Sanriku Oysters (from S$7.90), and slowly make your way through the very impressive menu, which boasts an extensive range of starters, yakimono (grilled food), sashimi, agemono (deep fried), cold and hot small plates, and even wallet-friendly teppanyaki.
You can also find a rather unique selection of skewers (kushiyaki) priced from S$1.90, including plenty of options for beef lovers.
Go for must-haves like Tsukune (chicken ball), Aspara Bekon (asparagus wrap with bacon), Enoki Gyuniku Maki (golden mushroom wrap with beef), and Ebi (prawn). Make it a lil’ more value-for-money by ordering the Yakimono Set (S$25.90), which comprises 10 skewers of your choice.
Highlights include the Gyu Shabu Salad (from S$6.90), Camembert Cheese Mentaiko (from S$6.90), and Saba Shioyaki (S$10.90), but there’s really so much to choose from.
You also have the option of topping up an additional S$3 for Japanese rice or udon, miso soup, seaweed salad, pickles, tamagoyaki, and cabbage salad for every order of yakimono, be it grilled miso salmon, pork tonkatsu or wagyu beef steak. It makes for an extremely well-balanced meal, I must say.
Load up on the Sapporo if you want, but you’re definitely in for a happy ending if you treat yourself to the Signature Tokio Sweet Ending (S$6), a dessert consisting of cream biscuit, azuki bean, shiratama dango, matcha crumble, and a scoop of ice cream.
Tasty Japanese eats and ice cold beverages in a cosy lil’ izakaya straight out of a slice-of-life Japanese drama — what’s not to like?
Little Tokio
Instagram
???? 824 Tampines St 81 #01-22, Singapore 520824
????️ 11.30am–11pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
For more lifestyle updates like this, subscribe to our Telegram channel at @confirmgood.
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨