Transcendent and transformative. Let it be known the sumo is now a geisha. Read on to find out more about this unconventional Japanese Restaurant + Bar.
Kinki Restaurant + Bar tells the story of Kinki-chan, the little-respected sumo who turned his shortcomings into cred by transforming himself into Chef Kinki, the man whose mad skills in the kitchen and bar had top sumos eating out of his hand.
Kinki brought to Japanese dining an urban cool and an ethos of being brave enough to change the game. Its stunning waterfront views, graffiti-clad decor, funky cuisine, East-West drinks list, and tradition-twisting seating choices all defied the conventions of Japanese eating.
Kinki starts a new chapter with an audacious revamp. The new Kinki is a reimagined experience, lifestyle, and attitude. Edgy, countercultural, urban-sophisticate with a punk-chic aesthetic, it is a place of vibes and flavours that sizzle the senses; a place to see and be seen; of living in the moment and being removed from the every day – a floating world for the present.
And such a place calls for a new muse. From one Japanese icon to another, the beloved sumo passes on his legacy to the Geisha who’s set on blazing the trail. The Geisha is the epitome of Japanese femininity and hospitality. But this lady is slightly different. Observing the F&B scene for the past 10 years, she is now ready to take over and rule the world. She is a mix of tradition meets modernity. She flouts the rules and does things her own way – the Kinki way.
Image: Tempura-fried ACDC Dynamite and Cowabunga mixed seafood roll
Reinvented while rooted in the fundamentals of traditional Japanese cuisine, Kinki pushes the boundaries, serving up classics in a new light with Instagram-worthy dishes in creative flavour combinations and presentations. Always popular is the signature ‘Rock and Roll’ maki; with special mention for the AC/DC Dynamite (S$22), a tempura-fried mixed seafood roll capped by a slice of Japanese cucumber with fresh raw seafood and avocado.
Add homemade Sriracha sweet soy and this dish is an explosion of flavours. The Cowabunga (S$36) is one for fans of beef. Think Japanese rice rolled with cream cheese, cucumber, homemade spicy mayo, and melt-in-the mouth seared A4 Wagyu beef slices.
When more is more, the bite-sized maki also has tobiko, potato floss and a soy reduction. Main dining area on level two Left to right: AC/DC Dynamite, Unagi Claypot Previously served only on occasion as a Chef’s special, the Unagi Claypot (S$35) proved such a hit that it’s now a permanent choice.
Image: Kinki Restaurant + Bar Unagi Claypot
With its addictive charred flavour, this must-eat is full-on umami with a touch of sweetness as fried rice with chopped unagi is finished in a claypot. For good measure, more unagi doused in a homemade unagi sauce crowns the rice. New bedfellows on the menu are the Corn Duo (S$16) and Grilled Squid Chimichurri (S$32).
Get your fix of this a-maizing appetiser where baby corn is mixed with corn puree and tossed with furikake bits, and on the side, there’s a sriracha mayo sauce for a mild spicy kick. The charcoal-grilled squid is one to go with drinks. Smokey and tender, dip the squid into a perfectly balanced sweet and sour sauce of coriander, lime juice, green and red chilli – THE combination in our opinion. Step away from the grind to lunch with a view on Saturdays.
The Bottomless Brunch (S$68) will fill you with unlimited a la carte servings of sushi, sashimi, maki, hot and cold Japanese favourites, and desserts. Top it up with free flow beer, sake, prosecco or shochu at an easy-going S$35.
The party doesn’t stop there. Feast on liquids from East and West as well as cocktails made using foundational techniques but woven with Asian influences in surprising and unexpected ways. Besides a selection of Japanese sake, umeshu, shochu, spirits, and handcrafted classic cocktails with a twist, Kinki continues to rock the stage with its ‘Kinki Rockstar’ cocktail line-up, unapologetically bold and arresting in colour and flavour.
Image: Kinki Restaurant + Bar Buta Kakuni Claypot
Joining these bad boys is a new collection of sophisticated cocktails inspired by the new lady in the house. Part feminine, part edgy; these cocktails are dangerously alluring. Go with the Geisha-Rita (S$22), Kinki’s take on the margarita with Ocho Blanco tequila, Nigori umeshu, Cointreau, lime juice, and freshly cracked pepper instead of salt making all the difference. The Gin Assam Boi (S$20) is a nod to the local ‘drinking’ culture of having a sugarcane juice with street food.
It’s thirst-quenching with Kyro gin, Malibu rum, Gori umeshu and pineapple juice that fuse into an olive-green tint, garnished with Assam powder and a pickled ume. A different type of pick-me-up, the Naughty Kopi (S$22) will jolt you with a strong martini-style concoction of Bailey's Irish cream, Matusalem Platino rum, Kahlua coffee liqueur and a shot of espresso, with a piece of dark chocolate alongside.
Kinki always brings more than meets the eye. The nondescript facade and entry leaves you wondering what’s behind the door. Turn the corner and some view, space or artwork tickles the fancy, lights up the day. Food and drinks burst with creativity to surprise and intrigue the senses. You feel the vibe and keep coming back for more.
Expect the unexpected; Kinki is not your cookie-cutter Japanese joint. Kinki is a way of life. Rebellious, individual, unique, and the Kinki DNA infects everybody – staff and guest alike. Escape to Kinki to unwind after a hard day’s work. To be free. To be Kink.
Make your reservation today!
