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| IPPIN Cafe Bar |
Ippin
Cafe Bar ('Ippin') is a one stop shop, where people can enjoy classic
Japanese home-style dishes with Japanese beverages and even purchase
directly imported Japanese products. Ippin Cafe Bar was set up in
October 2014 by Miss Ayumi Fujishiro, with the mission to help out
her father in setting up the Singapore outpost. If you have a chat
with this lady, you will not notice she is from Japan as she speaks
perfect Singlish.
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| The Bar |
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| Display Area 1 |
As
mentioned, Ippin is very focus on their 'classic Japanese home-style
dishes'. Therefore don't expect your normal sushi, sashimi, katsu,
and other restaurant fare. However, look forward to enjoy Oysters
from Hiroshima Prefecture, Rice with Barley, Red Miso Udon and
Oyakodon.
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| Deep Fried Oyster Set |
What I
like about Japanese meal is that it always in a well balance set.
For Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce Set ($20
nett) and Deep Fried Oyster Set ($24 nett), it come with similar
sides such as Hatcho Miso Soup; Nikujaga pork and potato stew; salad;
rice with barley and dessert.
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| Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce Set |
The
Nikujaga pork and potato stew was simply delicious and definitely a
good comfort dish during the winter months. The sliced pork is
tender, while the combination of potatoes and carrots provide a more
earthy flavour and starchy texture to the dish. The Japanese glass
noodle inside soak up the gravy from the stew that the taste is
well-balanced. While on the set menu, the stew is a side dish, I
personally feel this dish can be sold on its own.
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| Nikujaga pork and potato stew |
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| Rice with Barley |
Salad for
the night is a combination of cabbage, carrot, cucumber and cherry
tomatoes. You actually need to add your own dressings. My personal
pick is the one with wasabi flavour. It has the right balance of
sweetness and tanginess, while the wasabi kick at the end was just
addictive. This is coming from someone that does not dip his sashimi
with wasabi. Of course the rice with barley is a notable mention.
Although you notice the different in colour, I personally can't taste
the difference between the rice and barley in this bowl. Well I just
feel healthier after this meal.
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| Salad |
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| Dressing Selections |
Now to
the main dish, the Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce
has nice tangy taste to it. Not overly creamy and rich, but I find
the oysters shrink too much as might be over grilled. Instead of
being the main star of the dish, the oysters become a garnish, making
the dish not value for money.
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| Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce |
Deep
Fried Oyster, this is just delicious. The oyster look huge, plum,
creamy and velvety is just a feast to the eyes and palate. The light
batter helps to maintain the juiciness in the oyster. There is a mayo
dip to accompany the fried oyster, but on its own the oyster is tasty
enough. Although the oyster come frozen, you will not notice the
frozen taste in this dish.
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| Deep Fried Oyster - Tasting Portion |
Miso Udon
Noodle with Oyster Set ($15 nett). Using the red miso, the udon come
in at thick broth. The texture of the udon is slightly overcooked,
making it soggy instead of springy. The red miso was too overpowering
for my liking. This dish come with the salad and dessert.
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| Miso Udon Noodle with Oyster Set |
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| Miso Udon Noodle with Oyster - Tasting Portion |
Oyakodon
Set ($15 nett). My inaugural trip to Tokyo with LD landed us in Ueno,
where we had the best Oyakodon in our life to date. So I was curious
how does it taste in classic Japanese home-style dish and ask the
host if we can have a try. The Oyakodon is tasty, the meat is tender
and I noticed the use of robust dashi. The eggs were cooked to medium
and still gooey. It is an 'Oishi' Oyakodon by Singapore standard.
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| Oyakodon |
We also
sample their Yakisoba (Fried Noodle) Set ($12 nett). Served with side
dish and dessert. It looks like Indian Mee Goreng without the chilli.
Tasty but a little too mushy for my liking.
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| Yakisoba (Fried Noodle) |
For
desserts, we have yuzu jelly. It was quite refreshing with a hint of
citrus tanginess. The Rattsu ($8 per big cup), is a flavoured coated
peanuts. Comes in strawberry, green tea and coffee. It is crunchy,
not overly sweet and addictive. For my taste buds the strawberry is
sweet, green tea is neutral while coffee is bitter. It is good with
your drinks or even on its own.
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| Yuzu Jelly |
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| Rattsu - Tasting Portion |
While
others enjoying their beer and sake, I have to content with my
non-alcoholic drink. My meal are accompanied with refreshing yuzu
drink (non-alcoholic) and a very good Hojicha (roasted green tea).
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| Yuzu Drink |
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| Hojicha (roasted green tea) |
The décor
of Ippin Cafe Bar is very friendly and casual. Once you enter the
shop, you can see their display for Japanese Products from beer,
sake, tea, condiments, rice, snacks, accessories, clothing and lots
of either items from Japan. The dining area are in the middle, with a
few seating facing the windows and outdoor. It is very casual, homely
and you'll be comfortable spending your leisure time here.
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| Ippin Dining Area |
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| Display Area 2 |
Overall,
my favourite dishes at Ippin is the Deep Fried Oyster, Oyakodon
followed by their Rattsu. It is a good place to meet up with your
friends for drinks and enjoy the Japanese home-style food. Kanpai!!
Cheers!!!
Thank you
very much to Ippin Cafe Bar team for the tasting invitation and your
hospitality.
Food
& Drink: 6.5/10
Value:
7/10
Service:
n/a
Ambiance:
7/10
Budget
per Person: $11 - $25; $26 - $50
Ippin
Cafe Bar – Japanese Makan & Drinks Place
18
Mohamed Sultan Road
#01-01.
Singapore
238967
T: +65
6733 4794
IG:
Ippincafebar
OH:
Mon –
Sat: 11.00 – 23.00
Closed on
Sunday
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