Looking for a new izakaya to try? Try Menya Kokoro Ramen Izakaya, a new dual-concept space in 100 AM mall in Tanjong Pagar that serves up Japanese alcohol alongside a slew of savoury bar snacks.
Mazesoba By Day, Ramen Izakaya By Night
True to its name, Menya Kokoro Ramen Izakaya serves maze soba during the day. But after 5 pm, the space transforms into a trendy izakaya concept serving up Choinomi, a part of Japanese quick drink culture.
With dim lights and Japanese-inspired paper lanterns adorning the ceiling, the space becomes more intimate and great for a fun drink with friends.
The space is relatively cosy with recognisable Japanese decor, plus an open ramen bar where you can see the chefs cooking. There’s also more seating outside if you prefer more lights.
Menya Kokoro Menu
Menya Kokoro encompasses the choinomi culture with a unique menu of 24 tasty bar snacks starting at only $2.90!
Here, you can enjoy the following:
- Cold Tofu with Menya Kokoro’s Signature Minced Meat ($2.90)
- Butter Shoyu Fries ($4.80)
- A5 Hokkaido Wagyu Mini Don ($8.90)
- Aburi A5 Hokkaido Wagyu ($13.90)
There is also a selection of Japanese alcohol to go with your food.
Sobatea Highball
The first alcoholic drink we got to try is the Sobatea Highball ($11). It had a pretty unique taste! The drink is a mix of buckwheat and a light whiskey topped with soda water, creating a smoky and slightly savoury flavour.
It might be an acquired taste, but the Sobatea Highball is surprisingly refreshing and good for those who dislike the strong alcoholic aftertaste.
5 Sake Sampler Set
A highlight is their 5 Sake Sampler Set ($54.90) which came with five varieties of sake in 100ml bottles! It’s a good experience for sake beginners or those looking for a variety in their drinks. You even get to pick the sake glass you drink in!
The restaurant provides an information card with all the details about each sake, including flavour notes, alcohol percentage and region it comes from.
We especially enjoyed the Masumi Junmai Ginjokuro from Nagano, which was sweet and easy to drink. Another noteworthy one is the Nanbu Bijin Junmai Daiginjo Sake Mirai from Iwate with a stronger but unique aftertaste!
Taramo Salad With Fried Gyoza Skin
This was a highlight of the meal! The Taramo Salad With Fried Gyoza Skin ($6.90) comes with a mentai potato salad and fried gyoza skins to dip in.
The gyoza skins were crunchy and addictive on their own, making for the perfect vessel to enjoy the creamy potato salad. The interactive element of the dish made it quite fun to eat with friends!
Tako Karaage
The Tako Karaage ($8.90) was best eaten immediately. With a crisp outer batter and tender pieces of octopus, this went perfectly with the side of Japanese kewpie mayo.
Mini Sukiyaki Bowl
The Mini Sukiyaki Bowl ($7.90) came with slices of soft tofu and pieces of fatty beef in a sweet sukiyaki sauce. Tender, salty and flavourful, this dish went well with the Sobatea Highball.
Okonomiyaki
The Okonomiyaki ($4.90) was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the side with a sweet-savoury sauce. It’s served with a side of pickled ginger to cut through the grease.
Mentai Tamagoyaki
Mentai lovers will appreciate the Mentai Tamagoyaki ($5.90)! It features a thick slice of tamagoyaki topped with a mentai mayo sauce. The sweetness from the tamagoyaki paired well with the savouriness of the mentai!
Burdock Chips
This side dish took us by surprise! The Burdock Chips ($6.90) were crispy but not greasy and seasoned with an addictive seaweed seasoning, perfect with drinks.
Kaki Fry
The Kaki Fry ($2.90) was plump and fresh, coated with a crunchy and non-greasy coating. It was topped with a creamy tartar sauce that tied the dish together.
Tebasaki
This dish featured two fried chicken wings in a Tebasaki ($5.90) sauce that’s sweet and savoury. With a slightly crisp exterior and tender chicken, this was one of our favourite dishes of the night.
Wasabi Potato Salad
The savoury bar bites kicked off with the Wasabi Potato Salad ($3.90). It was creamy and had a subtle hint of wasabi that didn’t ‘punch’ you in the face. Non-wasabi eaters can enjoy this too!
Special Promotions
Menya Kokoro Raman Izakaya is offering some attractive promotions on their drinks!
- 5 Sake Sampler Set: Enjoy this set for only $48 plus a complimentary side worth at least $4.90
- Sapporo Draft Beer: Enjoy a Sapporo Draft Beer at only $5 (the usual price is $11) from now till 31 December 2022
The promotions are super attractive and maximises the value for money – great for a gathering!
Trendy Izakaya In Tanjong Pagar
With good alcohol and good food, Menya Kokoro Ramen Izakaya is a great place to hang out with friends after a day’s work at reasonable prices! Spend an evening with them or continue to explore the Tanjong Pagar stretch for more good eats.
Menya Kokoro Ramen Izakaya @ 100AM
#02-10, 100 Tras Street, Singapore 079027
Open daily, Mon–Thu: 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9pm
Fri: 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 9.30pm
Sat: 11am to 9.30pm, Sun: 11am to 9pm
*Follow MiddleClass.sg on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram for more food, travel, and trending stories
