It was by pure luck that I chanced upon photographs (posted by others) on Instagram that I learnt of Kinki. With a pretty interesting name… You know, Kinki sounds like Kinky. Ha! I thought “Why not?” Especially since I am open to try new semi-casual joints which could curb my huge craving for Japanese with minimal damage to the purse. Keke.

Together with the fact that a catch-up outing with my ex-colleagues was due, I called to make reservation for 3. And over the phone, I was informed of the 2 seating timings. 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Knowing that 6.30pm would be very tight since they mentioned we have to leave by 8.30pm, we settled for the later slot.

Not being a CBD person, trying to find my way to the restaurant through the maze-like underpass from Raffles Place MRT was no easy feat. Oops. Find the exit that leads to OUB Tower. The building (Custom House) which houses Kinki is just round the corner.

And from the menu (pages 1, 2, 3, 4), we ordered:-

1) Foie gras & scallop sushi, $24 (above) – Pan seared foie gras, Hokkaido scallop. This was highly raved by many, but somehow, it failed to impress me. It was like a soft-textured foie gras against a soft-textured scallop. I did not like this. I would preferred to have the foie gras and scallop separately.

2) Prawn & spicy tuna maki, $25 (above) – Prawn tempura, spicy tuna. And as I picked up a piece with my chopsticks, I first noticed how these were sliced unevenly (some pieces were thick, while some were too thin) before I further observed what looked like to be the shell of the prawn still intact. Thus, I was looking forward to the ‘crunch’. Unfortunately, there wasn’t. Just an average maki roll.

3) Akagai sushi, $14 (above) – Written on a board (and hung on a column) as ‘special’, we decided to try and ordered 3 pieces. And we were pleasantly surprised to see it served in 2 ways. However, this failed, especially the one with cucumber. The cucumber was sliced so thick (and hard) that when we picked it up with our chopsticks, the rice within the cucumber just fell out.

4) Chikodai sashimi, $52 (above) – Asking for recommendation, the staff proposed this. And indeed, this was fresh and crunchy.

5) Pomegranate miso black cod, $34 (above) – Grilled black cod marinated in Kinki pomegranate-honey miso, fried ginger, leek, rock chives. This was okie, although I felt it was kinda miserable that the ‘slab’ of cod was a little thin for proper enjoyment.

6) Beef teriyaki, $32 (above) – Grilled U.S. prime ribeye, homemade soy reduction.

7) Kinki style okonomiyaki, $28 (above) – Pizza of Hokkaido scallops, prawns, streaky bacon, sweet onions, buffalo mozzarella. This was good. And it being a ‘pizza’, our stomachs were quickly filled up.

8) Kitsune udon, $15 (above) – Flat udon noodles, dashi broth, fried bean curd.

9) Double scoop ice-cream, $12 (above) – And we chose green tea and black sesame.

Although we were told patrons from the first seating have to return the table by 8.30pm, I noticed they were not too strict with it. I guess they were being flexible since the tables were not required.

Would I think of coming over if I am having craving for Japanese cuisine or if I am even in the area? No. Food wise, Kinki seemed to be serving non-traditional dishes from the many creations on their menu. But from the few we had, their creations did not impress. Thus, I rather bring my business elsewhere.

Heard there’s an open-air bar on the 3rd storey (since my ex-colleagues went up for a smoke). Thus, one may be interested to head to their bar and order some of their dishes as finger food instead.

Related posts:

Dinner @ DSTLLRY // CLOSED Dinner @ Shunjuu Izakaya Dinner @ Izy Dining & Bar Dinner @ G-ONE // CLOSED Dinner @ Nobu-ya