Hop-in to Ippin
If you’ve ever wondered to yourself “Gee, I wish there was a place where I could get some really good Japanese food and shop for some Japanese artisanal products too!”, then have no fear – Ippin is the answer to your problem. 
Ippin is a home style bar and restaurant and also a store stocking some unique Japanese goods ranging from quality material clothes to gourmet tea leaves grown by Japanese tea masters.
The shelves are filled with various knick-knacks while the dining area is lined with chairs, tables, and even a sofa area that would not look out of place in a living room at home. There is also a collection of rare sakes up for sale here so the curious and enthusiasts might want to come by and get drunk sometime.The Smart Local was invited to dig into their newly launched oyster themed menu.
The Food At Ippin Cafe
Miso Udon Noodle with Oyster Set ($15)
Sample portion
The soup base of this udon is made from aged red miso, resulting in an intense savoury flavour. The soup is thicker than most are used to. It’s closer to a Lor Mee consistency than a regular miso soup base.
While the oysters and the noodles were great, the brininess of the oysters didn’t really add much to the salty soup base, and the dish could have used a bit more seasoning. 
Grilled Oyster & Veggies in Ponzu Butter Sauce Set ($20)
Sample portion
These oysters are grilled on a bed of sweet vegetables with miso and ponzu sauce. Unwrapping the package invites a mist of a sweet aroma into your senses. Eating it is a joy, the touch of citrus from the ponzu sauce brings the oysters alive, and the vegetables provide a soft sweetness to the dish. 
Deep Fried Oyster Set ($24)
Sample portion
This was my favourite dish of the three mains, the fried exterior providing the oysters with a crunch on the outside, and the soft inside bursts in your mouth, unleashing the briny flavour within. The flavour of the oysters was pretty strong, and the batter did nothing to hold it back. We couldn’t resist asking for more! 
Nikujaga Pork and Potato Stew
Sample portion
This comes complimentary with every deep fried and grilled oyster set. Nikujaga is a traditional Japanese stew that was first served in the Imperial navy. Those guys must have been pretty happy to sail off into the sunset because this was pretty delicious!
The pork was sweet and tender and the stew was flavoured well. Drizzling it over your rice would make you a very happy diner indeed.
Homely Japanese food for the masses
I wouldn’t compare this to high-end Japanese restaurants, in fact a closer comparison might be Ichiban Boshi. For what it’s striving to be, Ippin does it well.
I have to say that I didn’t expect much before I ate here. It seemed pretty regular on the outside, and the myriad of other items in the store from clothes to random pre-packed garnishes didn’t inspire much confidence in the food.
However, the dishes certainly felt authentic and delivered on taste and flavour really well. The food is also very decently priced and I’d definitely recommend it if you happen to be in the area.
Address: 18 Mohamed Sultan Road
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat 11am – 11pm
Score: 8/10
This post is brought to you by Ippin Bar and Cafe.