Kemuri
This hidden yakitori bar seems to be one of Singapore's best kept secrets.
We recently visited a hidden gem named Kemuri, tucked away on the 4th level of Cuppage Plaza. Cuppage Plaza and its neighbor Orchard Plaza are known for housing some of the best low-key Japanese restaurants in Singapore, and Kemuri certainly lives up to this reputation.
Ambience
Walking into Kemuri, we were immediately struck by its sleek and modern vibe. Definitely not what you would expect at your standard yakitori..
The counter seats accommodate about 15 people, with two additional tables at the back. The back wall is impressively lined with bottles of champagne and sake, creating an elegant backdrop. Soft jazz music plays in the background.
It's worth noting that "Kemuri" (煙) means "smoke" in Japanese, which is quite fitting for a yakitori restaurant.
Interestingly, Kemuri's ambiance is a departure from the typical yakitori experience, which often involves the craziness of shouted orders, wafts of smoke, and general chaos. Instead, Kemuri offers a more refined and tranquil setting which is a really nice change.
The Chef and Menu
The restaurant is helmed by Chef Michio Murakami, a yakitori master who honed his skills for many years at one of Tokyo's leading yakitori establishments. We opted for the yakitori omakase, priced at $99, which features 12 yakitori skewers, 3 appetizers, and several other hot dishes. It's worth noting that they've recently introduced a more extensive à la carte menu as well.
Our Course
The omakase experience began immediately with yakitori, diving straight into tsukune (chicken meatballs) and chicken heart. After a brief interlude, we were served a ponzu jelly, chicken, and corn appetizer that acted as a unique, chicken-based palate cleanser.
We then moved on to chicken neck and okra skewers. We paired our meal with a beautiful, deep French red wine, Cos D'Estournel 2016, which a friend had brought. While yakitori can be paired with various alcohols, my very deep and extensive research on the matter has concluded that red wine complements the flavors exceptionally well.
The journey continued with grated daikon topped with light soy and ikura, providing a refreshing interlude. This was followed by a series of other skewers, including gizzard, thigh, and mushroom.
After savoring chawanmushi (savory egg custard) and a rich chicken soup, we decided to explore the à la carte menu. We added yaki onigiri (grilled rice balls), Japanese cherry tomatoes, and grilled cheese. The yaki onigiri, though simple, was cooked to perfection - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The grilled cheese, while an unusual choice, proved to be amazing particularly paired with the last few drops of red.
Just when we thought we couldn't eat another bite, we were surprised with a birthday dessert (it was indeed my birthday!). A small slice of chocolate and fruit cake, accompanied by warabi mochi and mandarin, was a thoughtful addition arranged by my friend.
Gaijin's Rating
- Food Quality: ★★★★☆
- Ambience: ★★★★★
- Value: ★★★★☆
- Overall Rating: 90/100
There aren't many pure yakitori restaurants in Singapore; most are izakayas that offer a bit of everything. Kemuri stands out as an exceptional venue for those seeking an affordable omakase experience. From what I gathered, the vegetables are primarily sourced from Japan, while the chicken comes from both local and international suppliers, excluding Japan.
The vibe is great for an omakase and outside of the food there are two other points that really set this restaurant apart:
- The ventilation is great. Too many yakitoris have bad ventilation so when you leave, you spend the night smelling like a bbq chicken. At Kemuri you don't have that problem.
- Kemuri might be the only restaurant in the whole building that has its own dedicated toilet for customers. Most of the other establishments will direct you to the shopping centre restrooms.
Chef Murakami does an outstanding job of pacing the meal, ensuring you leave feeling fully satisfied. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients truly shine through in every dish.
There are a few restaurants I hesitate to recommend because I'm worried that once the secret is out, securing a booking will become challenging. Kemuri is definitely one of them. This wasn't our first visit, and it certainly won't be our last.
At $99 for the omakase, Kemuri offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of the food and the overall experience. While it may not be an everyday dining option, it's certainly worth the splurge for yakitori lovers or anyone looking to explore the depths of Japanese cuisine beyond sushi and ramen.
Kemuri is a hidden treasure in Singapore's vibrant culinary scene, offering an authentic but refined yakitori experience that's hard to match. Its combination of a great vibe, quality ingredients, and excellent service makes it one of the top venues for yakitori in Singapore.
**One thing to note: Kemuri is very old-school Japanese and they would generally expect all diners to have a alcoholic drink or two so make sure you go thirsty.
Kemuri
A: 〒228796 Singapore, Koek Rd, 5号 Cuppage Plaza #04-02
