KiapTogether with Kiap

Kiap is the brainchild of The Slake Collective, who also run Slake located at Swan Lake Avenue (geddit?). On the menu are tacos and sammies (sandwiches) with an Asian twist. I’m not even going to call this FuSiOn FlAvOuRs because it’s straight-up a-to-the-z-n Asian!

So we went ahead to order their Taco Feast Bundle ($99) which came with 12 assorted tacos. While they don’t look big, they were pretty much as wide as your hand goes, so it fills you up pretty fast (most of us could only manage 2 at most).

The flavours themselves while familiar to all, had quite a delighful rendition. Kind of like your favourite National Day songs having a lofi-hiphop remix.

My personal favourites were the Filipino Pork Belly Sisig where you can get your babi goodness, Torikatsu Curry Chicken which packs some rich Japanese curry, and the Thai Basil Pork, which actually is really authentic!

Also paired with the set was some Har Cheong Kaarage and 2 packs of Mala Popcorn, which were quite the stars of their own right. Special stan to the popcorn as they were really the BOMB! They look to be only available to the Taco Feast Bundle so you know what you gotta do!

Order Together Amigo

You can order your fix of asian-flavoured tacos on their website here. Be sure to do it in advance to avoid disappointment.

Also don’t forget to look at their sandwiches. The last I saw, they even had a Roti John Sammie! Right now, they have the 55 NDP Taco Set ($55+) special. You Otter Kiap Together!

More Information

Kiap
Address: 15 Swan Lake Ave, Singapore 455711
Order URL: https://order.slake.sg/
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#kiaptogether

Iza – Your Local Izakaya Bar

In collaboration with the guys from The Skewer Bar (TSB), Iza is a new Izakaya located in the rustic neighbourhood of Siglap in December 2017. Nestled along a cosy row of shophouses, the restaurant provides a relaxed and laid-back industrial setting against a backdrop of concrete floors and walls, exposed light bulbs and wood finishes.

If you’re already familiar with TSB’s no nonsense, delicious grilled skewers at their first outlet in Geylang, you’ll be pleased to find that Iza similarly serves a good mix of traditional kushiyaki skewers grilled to perfection, alongside creations that marry Japanese-inspired classics with local flavours.

Grill? Grill!

We were first introduced to the first of many local-infused classical Japanese dishes; the Four Ton Chawanmushi. Instead of boring mock crab fishcakes and mushrooms, this spinoff includes a bled of four different eggs: the usual chicken egg, together with century, salted and quail eggs. Despite being an appetiser, the loaded savouriness will already make you go u-mamamia! Other equally intriguing Singaporean-styled dishes include the Otah Tamago, the Stuffed Taupok Special (a TSB special; please try this) and their two Hae Bee Hiam (Shrimp paste) specials: the Onigiri and Spaghetti.

Not to forget in true izakaya fashion, Iza presents a wide array of well-marinated skewers grilled-to-order. From yakitori to yakiton, fresh seafood and grilled vegetables, you can be sure you’re not sacrificing quality for them being decently-priced. My recommendation is that you go in parties of 4 and above to ensure that you have enough stomach space to share as many items as you can!

Of course what’s an izakaya without good Japanese booze? From Japanese craft beers to Dassai, Tengumai and Fudoh sakes, and Japanese whiskies, you can unleash your inner salaryman with a vengeance!

Verdict

hole-in-the-wall-ness: [star rating=”5″]
It’s pretty easy to miss if you’re just passing by, and you may not even pass by this quiet part of the neighbourhood despite being along a ‘main’ road. Not that it deters many savvy foodies from patronising the row of restaurants and bars.

Price: [star rating=”4″]
With skewers starting from just $1.90, you can be affirmed of their value for money.

Quality: [star rating=”4.5″]
No-nonsense, on point grilled skewers made in full view through the glass window of the kitchen.

Overall: [star rating=”4.5″]
Existing TSB fans would definitely recognise the quality of Iza’s food, with a more comfortable ambience. If you have never been one, no worries; you’ll have a grilling good time.

More Information

Iza – Your Local Izakaya Bar
695 East Coast Road
Singapore 459059
Phone: 6385 2883
Operating Hours: 4:00PM to 1:00AM Daily (Last Order 12:30AM)
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