“Peng Gang” in the Park

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park now has a brand new Izakaya! Nestled in the lush greenery contrasted by the bustling of the popular public park, visitors to ToriYard can experience a dining experience where good friends, delectable grilled meats and wind-down drinks go hand-in-hand.

Curated by Chef Hasegawa Isao, a Tokyo native with decades of experience in Japan, France and Malaysia, patrons can relish the sight of their grilled meat cooked to perfection, with Japanese-imported charcoal grills at the open-concept grill station (separated by a glass window for your comfort).

Chef Hasegawa Isao. Courtesy of ToriYard

ToriYard

Apart from the namesake Tori (chicken) skewers available on the menu, there are also a long list of grilled beef, pork, seafood and vegetable Kushiyaki skewers. So there will be something for everyone at this abobe-in-a-park. Some ToriYard specials include the Tsukune Ohba Tsutsumi Age (deep fried chicken ball with perilla leaf) and Onsen Tamago Cocktail (a luxurious combo of onsen egg, foie gras, salmon roe and uni), and for me the latter was quite rather much intriguing! My favourite was actually the Tebasaki (chicken wing) Gyoza, where instead of a usual gyoza, the chicken wing IS the gyoza. They even have a cool sauce station for you to find the perfect dip for your skewers!

ToriYard also serves a good selection of sake and Japanese draft beer, like any good Izakaya would. So enjoy a night of liquor and perfectly-grilled skewers in the cool comfort of the night!

More Information

ToriYard
1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
Singapore 569930
(It’s within the bunch of restaurants/cafes near McDonald’s)
Tel: 9296 5988
Operating Hours
Weekday lunch – 11.30am to 2.30pm
Weekday dinner – 6.00pm to 10.30pm
Weekend lunch – 11.00am to 2.30pm
Weekend dinner – 6.00pm to 11.00pm
Closed on Tuesdays

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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