(Note: Kai Yakitori had since moved out of its Orchard Plaza shop unit at #03-16, and have moved into its new premises within Orchard Plaza at #04-23/024. Whilst our visit to Kai Yakitori was made during the period of time that the establishment was located at #03-16, we have updated the address of the establishment to its current location at the end of the post to avoid confusion.)
Tucked away in a slightly less beaten path within the famed shopping belt is Kai Yakitori, which had since taken over the former premises of Otowa.
Orchard Plaza is known to be a spot for hidden gems; the last time we had made our visit to the mall, we tried Il Den, which had since morphed into an intimate spot that serves contemporary cuisine with vibes akin to that of a private dining experience, moving away from the casual, wallet-friendly spot that it was when we had made our visit. Being a Japanese Yakitori bar, Kai Yakitori’s location is fairly hidden within the mall, being draped with Japanese cloth that hides the dining establishment from the aisle — pretty easy to miss for those who do not expect its existence in the mall. Decked in a rather dark, Japanese izakaya style interior, most of the seats at Kai Yakitori are counter seats by the bar — almost all patrons would get to watch all that grilling behind the scenes with its open concept kitchen in full view to the diners. Offering a menu that carries quite a bit of variety, Kai Yakitori serves up appetisers, Japanese Vegetables, Special Limited Chicken Yakitori sticks, Chicken Yakitori sticks, Beef & Pork, as well as rice and noodles; the menu even features a Chef Omakase at S$78++, which would include the chef’s choice of appetiser, yakitori, and seasonal vegetables. Beverages served at Kai Yakitori would include green tea, Japanese beer, Whiskey Highball, and sake.
(Complimentary starter)
After our order was being made with the staff, our meal kick-started with the serving of a complimentary starter. On the day of our visit, they were serving broccolini with a Goma dressing. Served in a similar fashion as creamed greens often seen in Western cuisine, the complimentary starter was no doubt a crowd pleaser which sets the expectations right from the start; the Goma dressing no doubt creamy, yet roasty with its distinct aroma, matching well with the crunchy greens which provided much texture to the dish.
(Hiyashi Tomato)
Moving on from the complimentary starter, we tried one of the appetisers on their menu. While the Toriwasa Shoyu (Sashimi Chicken with Shoyu Wasabi) is the star of the menu here, we found ourselves ordering something less adventurous instead. Japanese produce is often known for its quality, and having tried their tomatoes at other establishments before, the Hiyashi Tomato was something we found hard to miss. Simple as it is, the Hiyashi Tomato is a showcase of the freshness and quality of the produce served here; the Hiyashi Tomato is meaty despite its size. Almost plum-like on the first bite, the Hiyashi Tomato finishes off with a refreshing burst of sweetness thereafter; exceptionally refreshing and absolutely delicious, though some may mock about having to pay a massive premium for an item that is barely processed.
(Top: Kawa, Bottom: Tsukune)
Going for the Special Limited Chicken Yakitori, we went for the Kawa (chicken skin) and the Tsukune (minced chicken ball); both being pretty conventional choices despite the variety of slightly more exotic parts available here under both the “Special Limited Chicken” and “Chicken Yakitori” section of the menu. The former was crisp, well-salted and immensely flavourful, while the latter came with much bite despite being loosely packed. The Tsukune was pretty on point, considering how the minced chicken ball does not require too much effort to chew through, whilst drenched in a sticky, savoury-sweet sauce that provides much of its flavour. We also liked how the Tsukune came mixed with chicken cartilage for more texture; somewhat enhances the overall feel of the dish. Both sticks also came with a distinct smokiness from the grilling that was alluring; something which makes the Yakitori all that tasty and flavoursome that left us wanting more.
(Kurobuta Kushi)
Also giving their Pork items a go, we ordered the Kurobuta Kushi, which features Kurobuta imported from Japan. Plated in a form without a skewer, the presentation was almost identical to the Kawa; the Kurobuta being sliced thinly yet providing sufficient bite and flavour being savoury yet not overly salty nor greasy, whilst being tender and smoky without needing much effort to chew through. Again, another item which simply impressed us over the course of the entire meal.
(Oyako Don)
We finished our meal off with the Oyako Don here; the last item to have reached our table as it requires a bit of waiting time according to one of the staff. We have had many Oyako Dons before, but the variant served at Kai Yakitori was truly stunning. Featuring a sous-vide egg beside the runny egg that had been simmered with chunks of chicken in dashi broth, the Oyako Don is almost life-changing here; the runny egg so silken, yet so savoury whilst the chunks of chicken are absolutely tender and succulent. The short-grained rice was pearly; distinguishable by grain, whilst being soft and fluffy, while the sous-vide egg carried a yolk that is incredibly runny and so fresh that it even tastes the part. While the Oyako Don does come at a smaller size than usual at S$10++, Kai Yakitori’s version is one which we would gladly have again and again; something which we would most certainly crave for considering its stellar execution and quality, and definitely should not be missed. It is hard to put it into words, but it did certainly pain us a little when we realised the entire bowl was wiped clean even despite us trying to finish the Oyako Don slowly to savour every bit of it.
Ending our meal at Kai Yakitori, it was nothing short of impressive; from the complimentary starter to the Yakitori and the Oyako Don that we have tried, the dishes were truly amazing. Not only had they nailed it in when it comes to the execution of the various dishes, but we could feel the quality of the produce, as well as the pride behind the craft happening within that small area behind the counter. It is no easy feat to be behind the Yakitori grill; all that smoke and heat involved is insane, but it is all endured for the patrons who leave with happy faces trying to recount the fantastic meal that they have had. It may be early days for this young establishment, but Kai Yakitori is certainly on the right track; a great spot for drinks after-work with Yakitori, or even perhaps as a location to surprise the date especially given its hidden location along Orchard Road. Whilst being a secret location for those in the know currently, Kai Yakitori would probably be a spot with its own following in time to come; we wish the folks behind Kai Yakitori all the best in what has to come, and we would most certainly be back again for more Oyako Dons in the future as well!
Kai Yakitori 150 Orchard Road #03-16 #04-23/24 Orchard Plaza Singapore 238841
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