[Review] Popular Japanese restaurant Hokkaido Izakaya opens in Singapore

Posted on February 28, 2016

Nestled in one of the shophouses along Tanjong Pagar Street, HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA serves quality and reasonably-priced Hokkaido food within a friendly and casual atmosphere.

Hokkaido is a city renowned for brimming with the freshest seafood and prime cuts of beef, fresh vegetables and dairy produce. HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA promises to create an authentic dining experience, and so the ingredients are specially imported from 4 cities in Hokkaido: Yakumo town, Akkeshi town, Furano town, and Kamishihoro town.

Thanks to Food News PR, I was invited to HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA’s Grand Opening Party. There, I was given the chance to sample a variety of dishes from their dinner menu.

The meal started with Shirako. For those wondering, Shirako, otherwise known as milt (fish sperm), is a Japanese delicacy. Here is a steamed version of milt in a light dashi broth. It had a buttery, custard-like texture and a mild sweetness. Who’s up for some adventurous eating? Assorted sashimi, five kinds (S$35++). Always a crowd pleaser, the sashimi, sea urchin, and ikura were all freshly prepared. No stinge-cutting of the sashimi – just look at those thick and gelatinous slices of heaven. I could lap up plates of these at one go.Marinated saury (S$8++). This fish was perfectly grilled and nicely seasoned, served with a lemon wedge and some grated daikon. The flesh, encased by the blistered skin, bore a nice sweetness from the marinade and remained moist after grilling.

Hokkaido Wagyu Roast beef (S$25++). Generously portioned for the price, this tender and almost melt-in-your-mouth cold dish won the hearts of many.

Fish tempura. Like how the batter is light and the entire fish is used, but feel like it could use more seasoning.
Maze Niku soba (S$15++), available for lunch. For those working around the CBD and looking for lunch options, HOKKAIDO IZAKAYA’s lunch menu is worth considering. The lunch menu includes their signature sobas that is made using 100% Hokkaido soba powder. Priced below $10, their small donburis, such as negitoro and ikura don, won’t burn a hole in your pocket.