[Tasting] Kakurega (The Lair ) 隠れ家 Japanese Sake Bar @ 12 Smith Street

"Ms, do you want to drop at Temple side or, which side? Smith Street, there's two sides." The Grab driver asked. My mind whirled for a few seconds before I answered, "I'm not sure. But I'd be going there to eat." He nodded knowingly.

Well, the street sign stated "Smith Street", so I was at the right drop-off. If walk towards my left, the unit numbers seemed to be getting bigger. Ok, let's turn on the Google map for directions. I was just one minute away from Kakurega. The restaurant is within the Food Street.

shopfront

yes, I'd be at Level 2

neighbouring shops

And so, Safe Entry and temperature checked, before guests were ushered to their table. There are tables at Level 1 to Level 3. The washrooms are at Level 1 and Level 2.

into the Lair

interior

online menu

As with any drinking places, let's start with some Zensai 前菜. There's Eihire (stingray fin), Kawahagi (dried leather jacket) and Kawaebi Karaage (deep fried shrimps).

(top to bottom) Kawahagi かわはぎ, Kawaebi かわえび and Eihire エイヒレ

かわえび @$7.80

かわはぎ @$6.80

エイヒレ @$7.80

My favourite snack was the Eihire as it had both savoury and sweet flavours. The Kawahagi came close at second place especially the tasty 'burnt' parts.

what would you like to drink today?

For our table, we tried the Issyou Koufuku Junmai Ginjo 一生幸福純米 sake @ $98/$168 for 720ml/1800ml. The sake is from Yamagata Prefecture and with polishing of 50%.

staff explaining more about the sake

let's choose a pretty cup

sake

The sake was nicely smooth and easy to drink. Sweet too. But be aware of its 15% ABV, so a few cups of it would already set one up for a good buzz. The Shime Saba Aburi (lightly torched cured mackerel), paired well with the sake.

Shime Saba Aburi (Flame-Seared Cured Mackerel) @ $10.80  

meaty

If you are in the mood for skewers (yakitori), here are some photos of what we had. Was surprised by the light tasting Tori Momo and was informed that this was intentional, due to past feedback from patrons. Healthier taste.

It was somewhat unfortunate that the Mozzarella Chizu Maki that I had, was overcooked (burnt) that night.

Aspara Bacon (Asparagus wrapped in Bacon) @ $3.80 - per skewer

Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh) and Buta Enoki (Enoki Mushroom wrapped in Pork) @ $3.80 per skewer

Mozzarella Chizu Maki (Creamy Mozzarella wrapped in Beef Short Plate) @$6.80 per skewer

Chashu Ringo Sauce (Pork Belly with Apple Sauce) - $6.80

I prefer the pork belly skewer with apple sauce as the flavours were stronger. However, the fats could be grilled a tad more.

Another popular item to order at Japanese Sake Bar, would be the tori karaage. True enough, the other tables on my day of visit, seemed to have ordered this as well.

Niwatori Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken with Sesame Dressing) @ $6.80

My favourite charcoal grilled item that night, was the Hotate Mentai. Served aplenty with umami mentaiko sauce.

Hotate Mentai (Scallop with Mentai Sauce) @ $6.80

yummy

If you prefer beef, there's the Gyu Tataki plate. If not wrong, there's an on-going promo with UOB credit card holders with offer of 1-for-1. Do enquire from the restaurant on the terms and conditions.

Gyu Tataki (230g Meltique Beef with Garlic Chips) @ $18.80

Staff are friendly and accommodating. Be careful when you are exiting from the Level 1 washroom, as the door swings outwards.

The ambiance at Kakurega is cosy and I have enjoyed the sake, the zensai and items from the charcoal grill such as the hotate mentai.

Thank you Jennifer for the invitation and Kakurega for hosting the tasting.

***PROMO ALERT***

All-You-Can-Drink Liquid Buffet @ $59

• 2 Hours Free Flow of Selected Japanese Sake & Asahi Beer
• Yamagata Issyou Koufuku Junmai
• Yamagata Issyou Koufuku Junmai Ginjo
• Hakkaisan Honjozo
• Asahi Draft Beer

Available Monday to Saturday, 5pm -10.30pm

Reserve now on http://bit.ly/3faL52v

**************************

Kakurega (The Lair ) 隠れ家

Address: 12 Smith St, Singapore 058926

Website: https://www.kakurega.com.sg/

Contact:  6223 0102

Business Hours:

Sun: Closed

Mon - Sat: 5pm–10:30pm

[Tasting] Eat Drink @ Yum Sing Clarke Quay

Was invited to Yum Sing recently, courtesy of Kris (@msginginly). New place with plenty to eat, plenty to drink and no reason not to party!

Located at Clarke Quay, the exterior of Block B is recognisable in pink.

Block B and a beautiful painted signage of Yum Sing

yup, arrived at Block B

Yum Sing

food menu

After the usual Safe-Entry and temperature scanning, guests are welcomed into the hip and happening space that's Yum Sing. Immediately, guests could see towards their left, a section dedicated to showcase local brands such as Old Seng Choon, Compendium, Prima and many more.

local goods corner

lovely merchandise

Go past that section, and you might recognise an old world amusement park ticket booth.

a piece of nostalgia

After which, one would see the modern bar and if you spend some time observing the space, one might find trinkets and decorations that reminds you of familiar items.

feeling the vibe

cheers

my table

carousel up on the ceiling? why not!

lovely wall art by Ceno2

stage is set, lights action and...

If you recognise the trinkets that adorns the furniture or even by staring at the table or at the ceiling, one could find a piece of nostalgia at Yum Sing. Those who are familiar with the 60's will feel right at home with the many upcycled items that now becomes part of the place.

drinks menu

The Kaya Toast Set and Kopi-O Gao stood out from the drinks menu. Yes, you read it correct. Signature cocktail in fact. How can I not order, I know right? Hahahaa. Most will start with Yum Sling, of gin based drink with fresh juices.

Yum Sling @$18++

Do allow some time for the Kaya Toast Set to be prepared. Mine arrived after 25 minutes as the bar was rather busy that day. When it arrived, was unable to tell what's inside the mug but can instantly recognise the kaya toast.

mysterious Kaya Toast Set @$18++

crispy toast with rum infused kaya cream

The drink has a strong aroma of pandan/kaya and is on the high sweet side. Heard that this is a whiskey based drink and boy, it sure is strong. Very likeable but prefer less sweet. The aroma is on-point as with the kaya cream. I want a bottle of those!

Let's get some food in da belly, shall we? With prices that ranges from $8 to $12 for majority of the plates, it is easy to share a variety of local food with friends/loved ones.

Oh, if you want to Lo Hei everyday all day, here you can!

Rainbow Yusheng @$6.80 per pax

huat ah~ (silently)

Okay, let's get some food for sharing shall we? Also, Yusheng: Am I a joke to you?

Prawn Paste Chicken Wings @$10++

Salted Egg Prawns @$12++

Started strong with fried food. Loved the piping hot prawn paste chicken and the tasty salted egg prawns. Prawn paste is not too strong and insides were well fried and juicy. But why no special sambal belachan to go with this?

Salted egg prawns or prawn paste chicken? I'd go for the salted egg prawns!

Next, we had the fruits Rojak, carrot cake and salted egg fish skin all priced at $8++ per plate. I'd go for Carrot Cake as recently been eating alot of Salted Egg Fish Skins and this version at Yum Sing feels even more sinful (aka fully loaded with salted egg!). If I'm having alcohol, I'd like the taste of salty caipo (菜脯). Loved the strong eggy fragrance of the carrot cake but the distribution of caipo was uneven and hence, my portion got the most. Oops!

Rojak @$8++

Carrot Cake @$8++

Salted Egg Fish Skin @$8++

If you prefer finger food, the Satay here was delicious. Well marinated chicken satay that was yums. But these babies were small. Not gonna fill up any space in the tummy, unless you're having an entire plate on your own. But then, still have room for more!

Chicken Satay @$10

yummy

Tried the oyster omelette here and they were good. Huge oysters that one can't resist.

Oyster Omelette @$10++

Next, I'd strongly recommend the Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes. For just $12++ per plate, I'd go for second round (but didn't, so next time!) So tender, so good. Meat lovers, rejoice! The sauce is a tad to the sweeter side and not spicy actually. Unless you happen to bite into those dried chilies, of course.

Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes @$12++

Still on the meaty trail, if you love dark and strong coffee, this one's for you. The Coffee Pork Ribs. Garnished with extra crunchy almond flakes. But, the coffee was a bit tooo strong for me.

Coffee Pork Ribs @$10++

If you like hotplate, there's Sambal Sotong served on a sizzling hot plate. Really tender squid and the sauce had a touch of spice which we all liked.

Sambal Sotong @$12++

closer view

If you prefer fried version, then there's the Calamari Fritters. One can smell it from afar! Strong garlicky aroma, and with a light batter. Deep fried to an attractive golden brown.

Calamari Fritters @$12++

Comparing sotong to sotong, my preference is to the Sambal Sotong as the taste of the 'zup' (sauce) was together with the seafood but the fried version, the flavour was on its batter. But hey, whichever version they were still good and complemented the drinks well.

If accidentally inbibed too much of those yummy signature cocktails, one could order up a comforting bowl of Bak Kut Teh. This is of the Singapore favourite peppery variant. The meat was really soft and I could portion it with just the metal spoon. 

Bak Kut Teh @$10++

If you need your carbs, and misses chicken rice, the version at Yum Sing has a darker coloured rice. My intuition tingled and something tells me that I must try the rice, even though by now, da belly was frantically signalling the hypothalamus.

Chicken Rice @$10++

True enough, the rice was cooked in a special broth and hence, was pretty flavourful. The chicken was tender and is said to be of the GG Poulet variant. Hmmm, am no connoiseur of fine chicken but it tasted mild and healthy. Loved the chicken rice chili with enough kick.

For fans of hor fun or kway teow, fret not as you can order up the Moonlight Hor Fun or the Char Kway Teow. If you don't like greasy food, it means you didn't have enough to drink. Just kidding. Drink responsibly and don't drive ya. 

Char kway teow was decent but nothing to shout about. Just basic comfort food.

Char Kway Teow @$10++

Moonlight Dried Beef Hor Fun @$10++

Hmm, not sure what is the hype about for moonlight hor fun (月光河粉). Maybe because it is photogenic with the raw egg in the center? I liked the beef in this version.

mix it all in

After some drinks, I do crave for hot food like Hokkien Mee and Laksa, and Yum Sing has it! Surprisingly, the Hokkien Mee had a touch of wok-hei. 

Hokkien Mee @$10++

My favourite noodles that night was Laksa. Not only for the fact that it had cockles, but the taste was flavourful and not overly rich. Just right and served hot.

Laksa @$10++

If you are in a group, can order up the Chili Crab to share. Lots of delicious sauce, and transparent gloves is provided to keep the fingers clean.

Chili Crab @$78++

ready to be conquered

Overall, Yum Sing has much to offer and it is heartening to know of their plans for the future. Looking forward to visiting again!

My must-order list:

• Kaya Toast Set (signature cocktail)
• Salted Egg Prawns
• Oyster Omelette
• Kung Pao Prime Beef Cubes
• Sambal Sotong
• Laksa

Thank you Kris for extending the invite and Shu-Yi and Yum Sing for feeding us.

Yum Sing

Address: 3 River Valley Road, #01-06/07 Clarke Quay, Block B, 179021

Website: https://www.yumsing.com.sg/

Contact: 6261 6463

Business Hours:

Daily:  4pm – 10:30pm