Transport back to Traditional 80s Japan

We uncover more hidden izakayas in Singapore, featuring this chanced upon interesting izakaya, tucked in the corner of the basement of Cuppage Plaza, otherwise known as “Little Japan”. Later, we found out from the owners that they have been operating for a decade in Singapore. Definitely one of the under the radar establishments hidden away in Cuppage Plaza.

Upon entering the izakaya you’ll be greeted with an intimate seating arrangement bathed in warm lighting! Featured is the Sake bar table area where customers have a choice to enjoy their drinks at the counter bar or if they’d like an intimate experience, they can proceed to the extended area within.

Walking in feels like one of the protagonist of an old Japanese drama.

Well-known for a speciality in Sake, the owner, Rina, shared that she drew all these sake brewery processes and facts to educate customers who have an interest in the sake brewery process. When travelling was allowed - she used to travel around Japan to attend different workshops discover new Sakes, facts from different breweries! True connoisseurs of all kinds of booze, especially the unique and strong Japanese sake, you’ll be happy to visit this place!

As you walk further in, you’ll be greeted with the below neon paintings - Rina shared that this was a gift from a customer from Japan! For a further cosy intimate experience, you may opt for the hidden room at the back.

Intimate hidden space with the interior which reminded me of the traditional izakayas I’ve been to in Japan.

It also houses one of the most extensive collections of Japanese sake in Singapore, all made out of pure rice. They also have shochu and beer, if that’s what you prefer!

Unique Dishes We Enjoyed Thoroughly

Tsubukai Whelk Shell — $33 I never had anything like this before! Well presented together with it’s the shell, every bite was fresh and chewy. Extremely interesting dish if you want something different from your usual appetizers.

Sashimi Platter (Seasonal) Blue Fin Tina, Maguro (Tuna Belly) — $42

The sashimi here completely blew our mind. It’s no wonder that they’re known for fresh quality sashimi. The top highlight was Maguro. I’ve heard about the costs in Tokyo where whole bluefin tunas can go for up to as high as 155.4 million yen (about S$1,936,625).

Keeping it really affordable for its patrons, you can enjoy high-quality Maguro at Dosukoi. I’m not even exaggerating but this completely melts in our mouth. And it’s that good that our eyes lit. You have to try! Just look at the marbling of the Tuna.

Assorted Tempura — 6 different Kinds ($28)

Rina, who was from Fukuoka herself, shared that you can get affordable and good quality tempura in Fukuoka. Compared to other cities like Tokyo, where quality tempura set can go up to $200. Tempura is often considered an appealing dish among Japanese foods, and the chef's skill and technique are exactly reflected in the taste, although the cooking process is simple.

Masu Sushi 枡寿司

Featuring: Masu Sushi Half & Half - (Uni, Kura & Maguro) — $25

Masu Cups are said to complement traditionally brewed sake since it's brewed in wooden casks. They also carry a woodsy, clean scent as a wonderful added touch, and can be used as a container for the shot glass or by itself as a cup! However, Have you heard about eating from a Masu Cup? You now can in Dusokoi.

A recent addition to their extensive menu, you can now enjoy freshly imported ingredients from Toyosu Market with a special twist!

Featured Masu Cups Menu

When asked what’s the inspiration behind this dish, Rina shared that they wanted to introduce something unique which resonates with their izakaya — sake. This was the main inspiration to serve fresh chirashi in masu cups. Customers also have a choice to choose 1 to 3 different kinds of their favourite ingredients from the above menu, together with sushi rice, which complements their masu cups with that “wooden” scent.

We tried all three and it’s so good. If I had to pick one, my top pick (Uni, Kura and Maguro) was the above, especially the uni! Enjoy this together with the warm bed of Japanese rice, I will definitely recommend this together with a pint of beer!

The Man Behind These Creations

You’ll be surprised to know that the head chef behind all these authentic creations is not by a Japanese but a Hongkonger — Chef Zhou. With a rich 45 years experience in Japanese Culinary, Chef Zhou first started his culinary journey mainly specialising in Japanese Cuisine back in 1991, he has then work in renowned establishments like Raffles Club, Shinma Restaurant in Singapore.

Want to experience an authentic taste of Japan right in the heart of Singapore? You got to visit Dosukoi! Be sure to approach Rina if you’d like to learn more about Sake, she’ll be happy to share with you her knowledge!

Thank you, Rina and Chef Zhou for the kind hospitality!

*Note that there’s a mandatory charge of $3/person for otoshi.

Dusokoi x Donpachi Sake Bar

Address: B1-23/24/25 Cuppage Plaza, 5 Koek Rd, 228796

Contact Number: 6733 6847

Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays 16: 00-23: 00

Socials: Instagram, Facebook, Website

Reservations: https://reserve.toreta.in/donpachi/#

This article is brought to you with a collaboration with DOSUKOI X DONPACHI SAKE BAR. However, all reviews are independent.