Torikizoku is finally here in Singapore and if you haven’t read about it yet, it is one of the most exciting news in restaurant launches this year! I had the privilege of visiting it recently just before it opened and I honestly walked away already planning when to go back.
Yakitori is one of my favourite types of Japanese cuisine and I love visiting those little neighbourhood Yakitori spots whenever I am in Japan (at least those who don’t mind foreigners who cannot speak Japanese anyway).
Torikizoku’s Lively Izakaya Atmosphere
Torikizoku transported the lively izakaya atmosphere, the value-for-money pricing and their signature skewers right into their new Vivocity outlet. We were warmly welcomed by the staff and they went on to provide very polite and attentive service throughout the meal.
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The restaurant was bigger than expected, not so cosy but comfortably spacious and it was full of people enjoying food, drinks and having spirited conversations.
Torikizoku Yakitori: $3.90 Plates means you can keep ordering!
With every item priced at $3.90++ per plate, we started ordering and never looked back. Also, do not miss their Alcohol drinks menu, with $9.90++ Highballs, beer and other drinks. Their non-alcoholic drinks go for $3.90++.
Starting Strong: Cold Dishes, Sides and Izakaya Classics
We started with the Tako Wasabi, Hanjuku Tamago, Potato Salad, Fried Squid and Grilled Fully Grated Yam. The Tako Wasabi was a surprisingly good take with fresh octopus sashimi marinated in just enough wasabi.
The Fried Squid was one of the better ones I’ve had in some time. The Grilled (Chinese) Yam was an intriguing dish that some liked a lot better than others.
The Main Event: Yakitori Done Right
Moving on to the skewers, what impressed me most was how despite this being their first full service and the restaurant was full, every skewer was cooked very well. There were no overcooked, dry meats. The skewers were seasoned just right. The char, smoke and balance were done so well.
Signature Skewers Worth Returning For
Our first round of skewers included their signature Kizokuyaki Thigh skewers with leek, flavoured with rock salt, Chicken Heart, Pork Belly and Shiitake Mushrooms. The chicken thigh and leek skewers were beautifully grilled. Each bite had a perfect balance of savoury chicken fat, muscle meat spaced out with crunchy, sweet leeks that have been flavoured with the smoke and chicken oil.
Wings, Gizzards and Chicken Skin Perfection
My favourite Yakitori dish to order has to be chicken wings. Chicken wings have the best ratio of skin to fat to meat and when grilled well and seasoned simply, they are just such a treat.
We ordered another set of the Kizokuyaki Chicken Thigh skewers but with sauce this time and the sweet-salty tare sauce gave it a different but equally delicious quality. We also gave the Gizzard a try, it being my wife’s favourite chicken innard – it did not disappoint! Crunchy but not hard and it tasted clean and flavourful.
Chicken Skin Is a must order. Grilled slowly so that the fat is rendered to the point where the skin is so crispy, the skin nearly shatters like a potato chip when you bite into it. As I stuffed myself with it, I console myself that most of the fat has dripped off and I am getting a good dose of collagen.
Next, I compensate by having a Chicken Breast skewer (surprisingly moist, tender and tasty) to get my diet back on track. Finally I completely abandoned my diet as I enjoyed the Chicken Tail skewers.
A Brief Intermission: Chicken Kamameshi
At this point in time, the Chicken Kamameshi (Japanese Claypot Rice) that had been finishing up its cook (about 20 minutes) right on our table was ready. It was an interesting version of claypot chicken rice and it was certainly enjoyable, though not particularly memorable.
Finishing the Feast
We finished our yakitori journey with the juicy and delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers and some crunchy, moreish Fried Chicken Cartilage.
There were four desserts to choose from: Caramel Pudding, Baked Cheesecake, Yuzu and Matcha Ice Cream. We tried the first two and they were pretty decent but I would suggest to just fill up on the skewers!
Already Planning My Return Visit
We waved goodbye to the very friendly kitchen staff (including a few Japanese trainers who specially flew in to train the local staff) and left temporarily, knowing we needed to come back again and soon!
Promotion: The 3.9 Seconds Challenge
There will be a promotion for patrons who visit Torikizoku from 15 to 30 June. They can take part in the “3.9 Seconds Challenge” upon check-out. Diners who stop the clock at exactly 3.90 seconds will enjoy a complimentary meal with their entire bill waived.
Those who narrowly miss the timing within 3.7 to 4.1 seconds will receive an exclusive Toriki plushie! I have a photo of my 3.90 seconds on the clock so it is definitely possible!
Torikizoku (VivoCity)
Where: 1 Habourfront Walk #01-104/105 (Lobby, F VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Open Everyday 11am to 10pm (Last order at 9.30pm)
