In the heart of Singapore's vibrant Arab Street district, Maison Ikkoku 2.0 has emerged as a beacon of sophistication and ingenuity, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation. Recently, my girlfriend and I had the pleasure of immersing ourselves in the revamped experience at Maison Ikkoku and were thoroughly impressed - so much so she returned a few weeks later with other friends.
The first thing that caught our eye was the new, fresh decor, a harmonious fusion of modern aesthetics and classic shophouse charm. The pièce de résistance is the cage-style wall design inspired by the iconic lock bridge in Paris. Hanging from the lattice were an array of premium bottles, creating an ambience that was both chic and reminiscent of the City of Lights.
Our visit centred around the bespoke gin experience, a journey masterfully guided by the owner himself, Ethan Leslie Leong, affectionately known as the Gin Composer. As we embarked on this sensorial adventure, we were treated to a curated collection of handcrafted gins that showcased Ethan's expertise and passion.
The tasting session unfolded like a carefully orchestrated melody, each note revealing a unique flavour profile. Amongst the standout compositions were the Milk & Honey Gin, a velvety concoction that danced on the palate and the Bergamot Gin, an aromatic masterpiece that quickly became my personal favourite. The Holy Gin, infused with Thai basil and lemongrass, added a refreshing twist, while the Mint Gin delivered a burst of cool, invigorating notes. The Lavender Gin and Jon Loken Gin, named after a Norwegian friend who gifted Ethan rare botanicals, further elevated the experience.
Complementing the exquisite libations was Maison Ikkoku's Japanese-inspired cuisine, a culinary journey that mirrored the creativity of the gin offerings. The M.I. Tartare, featuring signature spicy tuna tartare and brioche toasts, was a divine explosion of flavours. The Wagyu carpaccio, adorned with samurai thin sliced Wagyu and truffle ponzu, was a testament to the kitchen's commitment to quality and innovation.
Tantalising our taste buds further were the Tacos Ebi, a delectable combination of kimchi slaw, crispy tiger prawn, cabbage, mayo and seaweed, For our main dish, we tried the Tako Tako, a char-grilled wild caught Spanish octopus leg seasoned with Japanese 7 Spices and burned sour onion.
As if the culinary experience wasn't enough, Maison Ikkoku 2.0 beckoned us to its stunning rooftop. From this vantage point, we were treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Arab Street district, with the golden Sultan Mosque standing as a majestic backdrop. The rooftop proved to be the perfect conclusion to an evening filled with sensory delights.
In the spirit of my personal exploration to uncover the finest establishments in Singapore, Maison Ikkoku 2.0 stands out as one of the truly must-visit hidden gems. Under Ethan Leslie Leong's guidance, this establishment has not just evolved; it has metamorphosed into a symphony of taste, ambience and culture that resonates with both locals and visitors alike. Maison Ikkoku 2.0 is not just a venue; it is an experience, an ode to the art of craftsmanship and the celebration of life's finer things.
About the Writer
Expat writer and reporter Rebecca Assice (picture right in main Image) is a passionate foodie, wine lover and traveller originally from New Zealand who has been in Singapore since 2011. Rebecca is a lover of all things luxury whether it be hotel stays, fine dining restaurants, day spas or beach clubs. Rebecca is a busy mum of three and an entrepreneur with a portfolio of entertainment experiences across Singapore and Australia.
In Singapore, she runs Virtual Room (https://singapore.virtual-room.com), a unique and mind-blowing VR escape game experience. Rebecca is a frequent traveller and has enjoyed some of the world's best restaurants and resorts all across Asia, Europe and the US. Rebecca and her French husband are always looking out for the hottest new tables and experiences in Singapore. You can join Rebecca on her food and travel journey through her descriptive reports and articles published and distributed on www.expatchoice.asia
If you would like Rebecca or any of the Expat Choice reporting team to visit your establishment as a guest to report on your unique experience and have this report published on our network, you can contact Expat Choice HQ by email with details about your offering at [email protected]
For reservations and more information, please visit www.ethanleslieleong.com.
a. 20 Kandahar St, Singapore 198885
fb. www.facebook.com/maison.ikkoku.sg
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