This Neon-Lit Japanese Bar Has Yakitori From $2++ In Little India

Ikigai Yakitori Bar in Jalan Besar has cheap yakitori

Image credit: Ikigai Yakitori Bar

If you’re looking for a place to chill and unwind with friends until late at night, make sure to add Ikigai Yakitori Bar to your list! This budget-friendly and laid-back bar is bathed in neon light, and stays open until midnight━ideal for your long catch-up sessions.

Image credit: Ikigai Yakitori Bar

Ikigai Yakitori Bar is housed in a conservation shophouse that stands in stark contrast to their vibrant, neon-lit interior. It’s located an eight-minute walk away from Jalan Besar MRT Station, and you can opt for a cosy al fresco dining experience or enjoy the well-air-conditioned indoor seating area.

Headed by a chef with over 35 years of experience who trained in Kyoto, and boasts previous stints at The Fullerton Hotel, Ikigai Yakitori Bar promises a legit Japanese experience. Indulge in offerings including skewers, sashimi, ramen, deep-fried sides, and the less common kamameshi, AKA kettle rice, alongside a selection of alcoholic beverages.

Image credit: Joyce T

Start with their skewers, which you can choose from over 25 varieties, priced at $1.99++, $2.99++, or $3.99++. Notable highlights include Bacon Asparagus ($2.99++), King Oyster Mushroom ($1.99++), Tebasaki Japanese Chicken Wings ($1.99++), and Unagi Kushiyaki ($3.99++), among many other options.

Image credit: @tri_eyez

Alternatively, go for their main dishes instead. A standout is the kamameshi series, featuring two choices: Kyo Iberico Char Siew Kamameshi ($17.90++) and Kyo Salmon Kamameshi ($17.90++). For the unacquainted, kamameshi is a comforting and hearty traditional Japanese rice dish prepared in an iron pot, usually with an assortment of meats and vegetables. Both dishes are topped with edamame and infused with a moreish house-made dashi. The former boasts a sweet-savoury char siew, while the latter features salmon with briny pops of ikura.

Image credit: Zozo

For something to share, consider their Maguro Katsu ($20.90++), featuring a crispy and savoury tuna cutlet that’s breaded and deep-fried. Drop by on Thursdays to get this dish at just $6.99++, or less than half its original price! Another crowd favourite is the Half Shell Scallop ($14.90++), which comes with two scallops on half-shells, grilled with cheese.

Image credit: CP

Pair your meal with their extensive menu of beverages including alcoholic drinks and regular soft drinks. Choose from the well-loved Gekkeikan Kasen sake that costs $19.90++ a 250ml bottle, to the more premium Hyogo-produced sake, Mikadomatsu Daiginjyo, which will set you back at $106++ for 720ml. Visit them on Fridays and Saturdays to enjoy a 15% discount on all sake bottles! Besides that, Ikigai Yakitori Bar has promotions every other day of the week, so check out their Instagram page to find out more.

If you’re looking for more great bars to grab a drink at, check out our guide to the best bars in Singapore. Otherwise, for more Japanese eats that won’t break the bank, take a look at our guide to cheap Japanese food in Singapore priced under $15. 

Address: 74 Desker Road, Singapore 209597
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 4pm to 12am
Tel: 9772 7400
Website
Ikigai Yakitori Bar is not a halal-certified eatery.

Feature image adapted from Wei Ming Lim, Ikigai Yakitori Bar, and Zozo.