The Place Located at along Smith Street in Chinatown, Kakurega (The Lair) is a causal Japanese restaurant that occupies the 3-storey shophouse. With a seating capacity of 50, there are four private rooms.

The Food The food here leans towards the Izakaya style with varied options from skewers, fried dishes and charcoal-grilled items. From the Zensai (Starter) section, I started with the Eihire (Sun-Dried Stingray Fin, S$7.80), Kawahagi (Dried Leather Jacket, S$6.80) and Shime Saba Aburi (Flame-Seared Cured Mackerel, S$10.80).

Moving on to the Age-Mono (Deep-Fried Item), the Kawaebi Karaage (Deep-Fried Kawa Shrimp, S$7.80) and Niwatori Karaage (Deep-Fried Chicken with Sesame Dressing, S$6.80) are addictive bites to go along with some sake or beer.

The Sumi-Yaki (Chargoal Grill) dishes are probably what I enjoyed more. Take the Gyu Tataki (230g Meltique Beef with Garlic Chips, S$18.80) for example, a good value beef dish which is not too bad.

Alternatively, the Hotate Mentai (Scallop with Mentai Sauce, S$6.80) delights me with the Mentaiko sauce.

For Kushi-Yaki (Skewer), go for the Apsara Bacon (Asparagus wrapped in Bacon, S$$3.80), Chashu Ringo Sauce (Pork Belly with Apple Sauce, S$6.80), Tori Momo (Chicken Thigh, S$3.80), Mozzarella Chizu Maki (Creamy Mozzarella wrapped in Beef Short Plate, S$6.80), or the Buta Enoki (Enoki Mushroom wrapped in Pork, S$3.80).

Rants It took some time for the dishes to be served and I’m concerned if this could be worse should the restaurant be fully packed. I visited on a weekday night and it was approximately 50-70% full.

Will I Return Again? Fairly reasonable prices for a causal Japanese meal in Chinatown even though the location doesn’t remind me of Japanese food in the first instance.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5

Kakurega (The Lair)
12 Smith Street
Singapore 058926
Tel: +65 6223 0102

Opening Hours
Mondays to Saturdays: 5pm to 10:30pm
Closed on Sundays

Ranted by The Ranter