Cuppage Plaza has long been a spot where diners can discover a different side of Singapore’s Japanese food scene, Kazu Sumiyaki Restaurant stands out for its authentic Japanese approach to yakitori, with skewers prepared over charcoal.
The restaurant’s style comes from cooking over intense heat, creating smoky flavours while allowing the ingredients to remain the focus. For those exploring the many Japanese restaurants tucked away in Cuppage Plaza, Kazu Sumiyaki offers a more traditional izakaya experience with dishes that balance savoury, smoky, and sweet notes.
In Cuppage Plaza, Kazu Sumiyaki Remains A Corner Of Japan Since 1993
Opening in 1993, Kazu Sumiyaki has spent decades building its reputation around traditional yakitori, with the charcoal grill remaining at the centre of the experience.
For many yakitori lovers, Chef Kazu represents a style of Japanese dining that values patience and craft. The influence feels close to what you might find in a small Tokyo izakaya. It’s also why the restaurant has become a recognizable place for many Japanese expats in Singapore looking for flavours that remind them of home.
Inside The Dim Dining Room Of Kazu Sumiyaki
The setting immediately feels different from the brighter, more polished Japanese restaurants around Orchard. The dining room at Cuppage Plaza is dim and compact, with the kind of atmosphere you expect from a traditional izakaya.
The open kitchen gives diners a view of the chefs preparing each order, from arranging skewers to watching the charcoal cooking process up close. Sitting near the counter makes the experience more engaging because you’re not just waiting for the food, you can see the work behind it.
The Dishes That Defined My Evening
Foie Gras Skewer
From the first bite of the foie gras, a deep rich taste came through immediately, but the heat gave it a deeper layer, leaving behind a gentle smoky note instead of a heavy finish. The outside carried that slight char from the grill, while the inside remained soft and almost melting.
Tontoro Ringo
The Tontoro Ringo was a surprise. The fatty pork belly-style cut brought a juicy bite and plenty of flavour, but the addition of apple gave the dish a sweetness that balanced the richness.
What stayed with me was the texture. The pork had that satisfying contrast between the lightly charred exterior and the tender meat underneath, while the fruit added a small refreshing touch that kept each bite from feeling too intense.
Age Dashi Dofu
Not everything at Kazu Sumiyaki comes from the charcoal grill. The Age Dashi Dofu offers a different side of the menu, with fried tofu served alongside a savoury tempura-style sauce that brings out its soft texture.
It is a more understated dish compared to the skewers, but that is where its appeal lies. This sophisticated tofu dish topped with simple Japanese flavours adds a lighter contrast to the richer grilled items on the table.
An Extensive Menu Returning With More Friends
Walking through the menu at Kazu Sumiyaki feels like being invited into a Japanese izakaya where the grill quietly takes centre stage. The menu offers plenty of charcoal-grilled skewers, but there is more to explore if you take your time:
- Yakitori and charcoal-grilled skewers featuring favourites like chicken skin, fatty pork belly, and other grilled meat cuts cooked over charcoal for that familiar smoky aroma.
- Chicken sashimi and fresh sashimi selections, for diners looking beyond the skewers. The chicken sashimi is traditionally served with seasonings such as soya sauce or ponzu sauce, although availability may vary.
- Seasonal menu items that change depending on ingredients available, including dishes such as bamboo shoots and other Japanese favourites.
- Other dishes beyond the grill, including comforting options prepared with flavours like miso, alongside rice and noodle selections.
- Desserts, like their Chocolate ice cream, a simple way to finish the meal after a table filled with smoky skewers and savoury bites.
Next time, I’d bring a few more people along. Kazu Sumiyaki’s menu feels better suited for sharing, where everyone can order something different and discover more of what the kitchen has to offer.
The Practical Details For Your Journey To The Fourth Floor
- Address: 5 Koek Road, #04-05, Cuppage Plaza, Singapore 228796
- Nearest MRT: Somerset MRT Station, within walking distance
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 10pm. Closed on Monday and Sunday
- Average spend: Around S$50 per person
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner service, as seating is limited and the restaurant is popular during peak dining hours. It is best to book ahead before visiting.
A Yakitori Tradition That Has Stayed The Same
Walking into Kazu Sumiyaki, Singapore really shows the staying power of restaurants that know their identity.
I do believe excellent food isn’t about chasing new trends, but about knowing what you want to be and staying true to it. Kazu Sumiyaki has remained in the same unit at Cuppage Plaza since 1993, and perhaps that consistency is why some diners have continued returning to the restaurant over the years.
