The Place The Standard, Singapore is one of the most anticipated new hotel openings this year and with its opening this month comes the debut of Kaya at The Standard, the signature restaurant at the World Of Hyatt property. The hotel and Kaya restaurant is located right beside Shangri-La Singapore, where Kaya is located on level two of the hotel.

Kaya is a contemporary Japanese izakaya concept and its name is a play on izakaya, as well as a play on ‘kaya’ in Singaporean term which refers to a custard spread for bread. Kaya is also a unique dining concept for The Standard, Singapore as it is not found in other Standard Hotels properties. 

The interior of Kaya is gorgeous and takes on a botanical and floral theme, with tastefully designed banquette seats and intimate corners in a dim and moody lighting in the evening. The restaurant also features glass to ceiling window panes, and I can imagine that the whole restaurant is filled with ample natural lighting in the day. 

The Food Lunch and dinner are served at Kaya, where the ala carte menu is the same for both services except that there is a set lunch menu as well. I visited Kaya for dinner and the ala carte main is inspired by bold Japanese-inspired flavors alongside playful dish names, sharing plates and cocktails crafted at KayaBar. 

Fancy some cocktails? Kayabar within the same space as Kaya has a good variety of signature cocktails which combine Japanese craftsmanship with innovative techniques, where the drinks take a focus on balance, creativity, and reducing ingredient waste. Using house made spiced liqueurs, infused spirits, and thoughtfully repurposed ingredients, the menu offers a unique approach to modern mixology. I managed to try the Niji Negroni (Ikigai) (S$25) which is a nice mix of Gin, Cascara Sweet Vermouth, Yuzu Umeshu, Barrel aged Campari & Yuzu Bitters. This negroni is not the usual smoky and bitter taste profile, but a much smoother and rounder flavour and relatively easy to drink. 

The other drink I had was the Shoshin Sochu Highball (Shoshin) (S$25), a concoction of Lapsang infused IMO Sochu, Plum Umeshu, Hinoki Bitters, Sonic water & Saline. Overall, an easy to drink and refreshing drink to go with the food. 

The first starter I tried was the Drowning Beef (S$20) with Burnt Tsuyu, Charcoal Oil, Crispy Leeks & Garlic Chips. 

The lIWIl (S$26) is a playful acronym of ‘it is what it is’ and it features Seasonal Fish, Wasabi Vinaigrette, Dashi Jelly & Olive Dust. For my seasonal fish, I had a trio of salmon, amberjack and tuna and it is overall very refreshing as the fishes are fresh. 

For mains, Finding Miso (S$24) is great if you want something not too heavy for the palate. The flavourful Char-Grilled Flounder is accompanied by Cauliflower Cream, Miso Tsuyu & Lotus Chips. The cauliflower cream complements the slightly fatty taste of the fish well, while the crispy lotus chips lend the dish that extra texture and dimension.

Alternately, Sweet Cheeks (S$24) is a take on 30-Hour Sous Vide Pork Jowl alongside Cabbage and Fermented Tare Sauce. Expect tender slices of pork here, where the cabbage helps to balance its richness. My only gripe is that the portion is quite small. 

For desserts, go for the Sweet Potato Mont Blanc (S$16) if you fancy something less sweet. It is a harmonious combination of a trio of Japanese Sweet Potato, Pistachio Spange & Chestnuts. 

Alternatively, there is also the Soy & Chocolate Pudding (S$14) which features 61% Dark Chocolate, Tofu, Miso Crumble, Cherries & Cocoa Nibs for the chocoholic souls. 

Rants Given the name Kaya, I thought it would be nice and thematic if there is a play on this local ingredient on either the cocktails or desserts. 

Will I Return Again? Gorgeous new addition to the Orchard Road enclave and Kaya is a more refined take on Japanese izakaya in a dining ambience which is comfortable and spacious. The dishes are straightforward and easy to understand with relatively accessible prices for a good night out. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Kaya 
2nd Floor, The Standard, Singapore 
12 Orange Grove Road 
Singapore 258353 
Tel: +65 6040 1888 

Opening Hours 
Sunday to Thursday: 6.30am to 10.30pm 
Friday to Saturday: 6.30am to 11pm 

Ranted by The Ranter