Discover 3 Hidden Finds In Cuppage - The Little Japan In Singapore
In my point of view, Tanjong Pagar seems like Little Korea, where most streets in Tanjong Pagar are lined with Korean barbecue restaurants, fried chicken joints, or a Korean bar. Chinatown seems like Little China, with tons of Chinese restaurants from Sichuan to Cantonese Cuisine decked in every corner of Chinatown. I took some time to mull over about Little Japan - which part of Singapore will we concur that this is Little Japan?
Little Japan in Singapore
Source: Rice Media
To find that out, the best and most apt way is to tag along with the Japanese expatriates’ common hideout.
I discovered Somerset, or more explicitly, Cuppage and Orchard Plaza.
A seat in the Cuppage area is next to impossible to come by. You would often see many Japanese businessmen hanging out there during weekday nights. This area attracts Japanese entrepreneurs and patrons because of its lower rentals compared to other areas in the heart of Singapore, and the off-the-wall location that makes opening late-night ramen shops or izakayas with Japanese-only menus even more befitting.
Over the years, cramped and no-frills Japanese eateries have also popped up around the Orchard Plaza. Japanese KTV lounges also occupy most spots in Orchard and Cuppage Plaza. The Japanese expatriates hence call this area closest to Yokocho, a Japanese term for alleyways, or Kabukichō, a famous entertainment district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, best known for adult-oriented nightlife.
A Yokocho in Japan. Source: byFood
Yokochos are highly raved, less polished, and bustling narrow alleys in Japan, packed with izakayas, bars, and eateries - and where you can truly get an authentic experience of Japan, and for the chance to say Kanpai with the locals.
What to eat in Little Japan
If you are keen to live a life like a Japanese expatriate for a day or two, here are three authentic Japanese restaurants you should not miss in this gastronomic haven!
A Yakiniku restaurant is a go-to place for typical Japanese working men after a long day at work. It is where their day is only complete with a round of booze and some affordable grilled meats - a wonderful match. Yakiniku Oh is a popular Yakiniku restaurant among Japanese expatriates, and you will only find noisy Japanese banter surrounding your table here. My favorites and must-orders are their Beef Platter Set (250g for $36) and their Beef Tongue ($18)!
Address: Cuppage Plaza #01-07/12,13, Singapore 228796
Opening Hours: Every day from 12 pm to 10.30 pm
Contact Number: 6733 1248
Source: Daniel Food Diary
At Tamaya Dining, you would mostly see large groups gathering (pre-covid) because of the different promotions they always run for their patrons. There was a previous promotion of choosing 4 dishes from 30 different kinds for only $30! Here, you will find a wide range of Izakaya menu items, from charcoal-grilled food to seasonal dishes. What’s even better is that there is also a wide array of Japanese sake, shochu, and alcoholic beverages, which makes business or after-work gatherings with your colleagues so much more ideal.
Source: Tamaya Dining Facebook
Address: Cuppage Terrace, 45 Cuppage Rd, Singapore 229464
Opening Hours: Every day from 5 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: 9101 3407
Dosukoi is a hidden izakaya bar tucked in the basement of Cuppage Plaza and is an off-radar eatery concealed from the crowd. This izakaya bar features an intimate seating arrangement with a Sake bar table area where customers have a choice to enjoy their drinks at the counter bar.
Dosukoi is famous for housing an extensive collection of Japanese sake in Singapore, and which is why this place is well-known for its specialty in Sake. Many Japanese expatriates love this secret hideout because of this, and the unique izakaya dishes they can find here such as the Tsubukai Whelk Shell or the Masu Sushi. Read our full experience at Dosukoi here.
DOSUKOI X DONPACHI SAKE BAR
Address: Cuppage Plaza, B1-23/24/25, Singapore 228796
Opening Hours: Every day from 4 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: 6733 6847
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