- Vincent Lim
Kushikatsu Tanaka, Clarke Quay
Kushikatsu Tanaka is a well celebrated kushikatsu chain and one of the biggest in Japan that boasts over 165 outlets. Their golden kushikatsu has won the hearts (and stomachs!) of many diners in Japan and they are sure to win yours to as they open their first outlet in Singapore.
Let us start with the main stars of the show, their crispy kushikatsu. Each kushikatsu is priced between $1 to $2.50, which is incredibly affordable. Their special batter and cooking method makes sure each stick never taste too oily, while retaining maximum crunch.
With over 30 variations from the usual meat and assorted vegetables, to interesting choices like lotus root, asparagus and kushikatsu cookies and cream, which is basically a deep fried Oreo! However, this sweet crunchy goodness might not be for everyone, but I personally loved the combination.
Make sure to also try their famous signature dipping sauce, just don’t double-dip, following the tradition in Japan, double-dipping into the sauce bowl is prohibited, it’ll also make you super uncool.
But that’s not all Kushikatsu Tanaka has to offer, their menu has a wide range of dishes, just like their Chiritori Hotpan ($16 for pork, $18 for beef), a sizzling mix of spicy and savoury. This hearty dish is perfect with a pint of beer!
I know our parents said not to play with our food, but I had a lot of fun with their DIY Potato Salad ($8) and DIY Onigiri ($5).
While the Potato Salad was creamy and tasty, the Onigiri was a personal favourite. The rice was still warm while it was served, and mixing the ingredients and shaping them with your hands was lots of fun. A simple and comforting dish, I somehow enjoyed the onigiri more when I made it myself.
They even have a fun Japanese drinking game called Chinchirorin, where you throw two dice into a bowl while saying ‘Chin Chiro Ri----n”. If you roll an even number, you get a Jim Beam Highball at half-priced. If it's an odd number, you get "penalised" with a Highball double the price, but double the size! And If you roll doubles, well jackpot, you just got yourself a free Jim Beam Highball.
On top of an incredibly affordable menu, Kushikatsu Tanaka is a well rounded izakaya that serves fun and delicious bar bites with refreshing highballs and beers. Make sure to drop by if you're looking for somewhere different for a night out with friends.
Kushikatsu Tanaka
3A River Valley Road,
Merchants' Court
Clarke Quay Block A
#01-01B
Singapore 179020
Opening hours:
Mondays - Thursdays: 12pm-2.30pm, 5pm-12am
Fridays & Eve of PH: 12pm-2.30pm, 5pm-2am
Saturdays: 11am - 2am
Sundays and PHs: 11am -12am