Themed bars are an up-and-coming trend in Singapore and Kabuke is no exception. Combining the art of Kabuki, sake, and good food, this gastrobar is established by a group of friends with a common love for the Japanese spirit.
Located on the second floor of a heritage shophouse in Telok Ayer, the dive designed by local creative studio Hjgher is an intimate space to enjoy a meal. Lift up the curtains at the entrance, and you will be greeted by hanging red neon lamps, evoking a contrasting sense of mystery coupled with a hint of fun.
The art is impeccable: what you initially imagined to be curtains turns out to be an actual rendition of the traditional printed paper fans, opened up to reveal customary Japanese paintings. Inspired by the fan dance in the sensuous and classical style of the celebratory kabuki performance – Kabuke brings out the both the intimacy of Japanese art and its heritage to create a cosy and relaxed ambience.
Strolling in, rows of elegant bar tables and chairs are lined up to accommodate a limited number of guests. This is so that each and every patron is exposed to a wholly ineffaceable experience that aims to tantalise the senses.
The best part of this pad lies in its delicacies. To start off, sake sommelier Keiji Heng holds an intuitive understanding and affinity with the quintessential Japanese spirit. He focuses largely on sake pairings, and each item on the menu is matched with a recommended tipple to enhance the umami flavours of the dish.
But perhaps the most underrated part of Kabuke is its refined food menu. Be it the Jamon Tamago Bomb ($9) – which consists of Iberico Jamon, onsen egg, marinated salmon roe, truffle shoyu and fresh grated wasabi; the Wagyu tataki ($28) – which sees a seared Australian Wagyu striploin paired with garlic shoyu and raspberry reduction; the Miso Eggplant Itame ($12) or the Snow Crab & Uni Bomb ($48), they are made by crossing traditional Japanese flavours with modern flavours of our time. The team at Kabuke strives to bring you the trendiest fusion food, so you can expect different contemporary creations each time you visit.
If you are thinking to refashion your dining and drinking experience, or to just have an memorable night out, Kabuke will deliver just that.
Kabuke
200A Telok Ayer Street
tel: 8822 5525
www.kabuke.sg
