You’re probably thinking of the traditional Singaporean toast spread, but don’t be mistaken – this isn’t a mod-Sin establishment. Instead, Kaya is short for ‘izakaya’, so expect Japanese flavours with a bold modern twist. The restobar is located within The Standard, Singapore, a new boutique hotel in Orchard with Hollywood roots and art in every corner.
The vibe
Forget the typical gritty smoke-filled izakayas where patrons are crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Kaya at The Standard is roomy and elegant with botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and plants cascading from the ceiling – mid-century meets tropical, if you will. For a more casual vibe, opt to sip and dine at the chill outdoor patio that’s shrouded in greenery.
The food
Brace your palate for Japanese flavours like you’ve never experienced before. You can’t go wrong by starting with sharing a refreshing pakuchi salad ($14), a simple but addictive poached chicken and cabbage salad topped with cilantro, shiso and ume dressing. The ash karaage ($18), charcoal-grilled oyster-yaki ($32) and burrata no shoyu ($22) with honey shoyu jam and renkon chips are also good choices to split before digging into an indulgent kani meshi nabe ($68) – a stone pot rice dish brimming with snow crab, ikura and uni creme.
Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato mont blanc ($16), the perfect autumnal treat of three types of Japanese sweet potato, pistachio sponge and chestnuts.
The drink
Creative Japanese-inspired versions of classic cocktails, made using spirits like flavoured Roku Gin, shochu, and Suntory whisky. Standouts include Wagashi Harmony ($25), a concoction of milk oolong-infused whisky with matcha, hojicha, coconut milk and black sesame syrup; and Shizuka-tini ($24), a unique take on the martini with sakura tea-infused gin, chrysanthemum vermouth and earl grey. Prefer to go easy on the booze? Some of the cocktails also come in low or zero ABV alternatives.
Time Out tip
Make a note for the last Saturday of each month if you’re up for an all-you-can-eat feast – that’s when Kaya hosts a massive weekend brunch buffet featuring seafood bowls, sashimi, sandos, charcoal grilled oysters, an assortment of sweets and plenty more.