Review: Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar Opens at Capitol Kempinski — Offering Authentic Japanese Grills, Fresh Sushi, and More

If you miss dining in Japan and not planning to travel there anytime soon, head down to this newly opened casual Japanese restaurant, Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar, by the EN Group, located at the Arcade of Capitol Kempinski Singapore. They serve a good classic selection of sashimi and sushi, grilled meats, and of course, not forgetting the sakes.

As we were finding our way to the restaurant, the large signage of Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar resembling a Japanese Shoji screen caught our attention.

This place makes us feel like we were in Japan- decked out in teakwood furniture and traditional Japanese wall divider with beautiful cutouts.

This restaurant also has a cosy alfresco area- perfect for drinks and dinner after work and a 12-seater loft that allows you to host private events!

First, we went for the 3 Kinds of Grilled Fish Appetiser ($26)- featuring charcoal-grilled Japanese Seasoned Stingray (Ei Hire), Mirin Seasoned Dried Puffer Fish (Fugu Mirin), and Thread-sail Filefish (Kawahagi). Our favourite was the second one- it has a similar flavour and texture to the Chinese barbecued pork jerky, Bak Kwa. The other two were also savoury, and it has a crunchy and chewy texture.

The second dish we tried was the DIY Premium Wagyu Sumi Yaki Set ($29), served with premium wagyu beef slices, rice balls, seaweed, and homemade special sauce. We started by grilling the meat, then dipping it in the sauce, and enjoying it with the rice ball and seaweed. The Wagyu is so soft and tender- it literally melts in our mouth, and it is a must to dip it in the homemade special sauce for full enjoyment. The sauce boasts a truffle taste which complemented well with the Wagyu. Definitely a must-try item!

Next, we had the Shiro Ebi Bukkake Inaniwa Udon ($22), a delicious bowl of seafood goodness. Served with chewy udon cooked in dashi broth, Okinawa egg yolk, and topped with deep-fried Japanese glass shrimps and salmon roe that burst with a satisfying pop packed with umami flavour. But we have to say, this dish is surprisingly light and refreshing- definitely one of our favourites!

Moving on to this beautiful plate of sushi, 10 Kinds Nigiri Sushi ($50), comes Salmon Roe, Sea Urchin Gunkan, Sea Eel with Foie Gras, Maguro with Snapper, Japanese Scallop, and more. The sashimi slices were so fresh and thickly sliced- so indulging!

Then, we tried the Ika Surume ($19), charcoal-grilled squid glazed with teriyaki sauce. The squid is tender and chewy, with a subtle hint of smoky flavour that goes perfectly well with the savoury teriyaki sauce.

Lastly, we finish off with the Ka-EN Otsumami Trio with Sake Flight ($39), served with 3 varieties of seasonal sake (Komochi Yariika, Matsumae Zuke, and Lemon Kurage) and 3 light bites- including the spear squid with eggs, lemon-marinated jellyfish, and simmered herring roe with kelp and squid. Each sake pairs incredibly well with the dishes- a perfect way to end the meal!

At Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar, you can also find an extensive list of sakes from different gradings and prefectures, housepour sakes, bottled sakes, wines, and beers. Look forward to November as they are serving sake on tap. Last but not least, enjoy its Suntory Kakubin Highball at only $10!

Final Thoughts

All the dishes were amazing, and we particularly enjoyed the DIY Premium Wagyu Sumi Yaki Set and Shiro Ebi Bukkake Inaniwa Udon. We would highly recommend you to drop by with your friends and loved ones if you are looking for a place to catch up, especially with some drinks and good food!

More about Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar

“Ka” means flower and “EN” means gathering, celebration of life and harmony. The Managing Director of EN Group, Raymond Ng, has named the place Ka-EN, representing a flower garden and as a place for gatherings and sharing of good food, drinks, and moments.

Ka-EN Grill & Sushi Bar

Location: 15 Stamford Road, #01-82, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178906

Opening Hours: Sundays to Thursdays, 11am to 10 pm | Fridays, Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays, 11 am to 12am

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*This is an invited media tasting event.