For months, west-siders have kept a secret: Kokoro Izakaya, a “heart”-warming Japanese escape. Tucked away in Joo Koon’s industrial heart, this cozy haven offers a delicious break from the city’s chaos. And thanks to its location within FairPrice Hub and direct MRT access, even those from the east can easily join the fun, rain or shine.
By day, Kokoro Izakaya buzzes with office workers craving hearty, budget-friendly Japanese lunches, starting at just $10.90++. As twilight falls, the izakaya transforms into a lively gathering spot. Gather your friends and family for a fun and relaxing evening sharing drinks, savouring fresh sushi and grilled skewers, and enjoying comforting mains — all at prices that won’t break the bank.
Step into its sleek, dark woody interior, accentuating pops of colour from the red accents, window noren, Japanese motifs and vibrant sake casks, the perfect backdrop for your foodie adventure. There is even a private room fitted out with a karaoke system, complete with traditional sliding doors, tatami floor and a breathtaking Mount Fuji mural.
The secret’s out: Kokoro Izakaya will soon be everyone’s favourite find.
Kick off your meal with Kokoro Izakaya’s two limited-time creations that put a fun spin on familiar Japanese fare. Available from late April onwards, order the Spicy Miso Fried Rice ($8.90), a fiery twist on a comforting classic with a hit of the numbing and hot mala that melds well with the umami from the miso; or try the Ebi Una Maki ($18.90), a richly layered sushi roll featuring the freshwater eel wrapped around crispy breaded black tiger prawn for a textural indulgence.
Special lunch-only dishes include Katsu Curry, fried crispy cutlets doused in Kokoro Izakaya’s house-made curry gravy made richer with a beef stock and served with rice, miso soup and pickles. These come in two variations, pork or chicken: Kurobuta Katsu Kare ($16.90) and Tori Katsu Kare ($12). For the former, Japanese juicy black pork takes the stage, while the latter features succulent chicken cutlet. Pair these with ala carte staples such as Gyoza, Chawanmushi (steamed egg), and Edamame from $3.90 onwards.
For dinner, Kokoro Izakaya fires up its grill to offer a selection of smoky meat skewers cooked a-la-minute and delectable bar bites to go along with your drink of choice. Even non-fish fans will fall in love with the Hamachi Kama Shioyaki ($17.90), grilled yellowtail collar with sea salt. A fantastic and healthier accompaniment with tipples, this fleshy part of the fish is especially tasty when grilled, blistering and crisping its skin, while rendering all the unctuous omega-3 goodness in the succulent meat. Or go for the Shima Hokke ($23.90), a grilled and lightly salted Atka mackerel. This is a mild-tasting yet rich and oily fish, fantastic with alcohol or beer.
From the Bar Bites section, we single out Buta Kimchi ($9.90), stir-fried thinly-sliced pork belly with flavourful kimchi. Or how about a platter of Kawa Ebi Karaage ($7.90), river shrimps deep-fried with the shell on till crisp so you can easily enjoy all of the prawny goodness in one bite. Don’t forget a round of skewers (from $2.90 to $7.90 per stick), or Kushimono, meticulously prepared and slow-cooked on the grill for maximum flavour and tenderness. These include Negi Buta (pork and leek), Wagyu with Cherry Tomatoes, Tebasaki (chicken wings), Sake Shishito Pepper (salmon with Japanese peppers) and more.
Available all-day on Kokoro Izakaya’s menu are a variety of affordable dishes from the Noodles, Donburi (rice bowls), Sashimi, Sushi & Maki Sushi, and Desserts categories. Slurp up Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen ($10.90), melt-in-the-mouth braised pork belly and al dente wheat noodles in a rich pork collagen broth. Go for the swimmingly sumptuous Seafood Ramen ($19.90), brimming with tiger prawns and Asari clams in an umami seafood broth that’s been brewed for hours. Savour refreshing favourite Bara Chirashi Don ($17.90), a rice bowl featuring assorted diced sashimi, or get meaty with the Wagyu Steak Don ($19.90), tender slices of quality Wagyu beef with just the right amount of fattiness, crowned with a pasteurised raw egg yolk over steamed rice for full flavour.
Catering to popular demand from our vegetarian regulars, vegetarian alterations have been added to selected dishes. Now our fellow vegetarian friends can indulge in these delicacies as well! These include the Hiyashi Chuka ($11.90) which features cold Sapporo ramen with shoyu sesame sauce, Kake Udon ($9.90) comprising seaweed and vegetable udon in clear vegetable dashi stock, and Ten Don ($13.90) with crunchy vegetables tempura over steamed rice.
Other highlights include salmon or Sake Sashimi ($7.90 for 3pcs, $10.90 for 5pcs), Aburi Mentai Salmon and Cheese Maki ($14.90 for 8pcs), where the torched pollack roe is wrapped with salmon and cream cheese, and dessert Daifuku Mochi ($4.90 per pc) with your choice of green tea, yuzu and black sesame chewy glutinous rice cake parcels.
Note: There are some variations to the lunch and dinner menus, in terms of item availability.
What’s a meal at an izakaya without some glass clinking and liberating libations? Even if there’s nothing to celebrate, how about a toast to your friendship at Kokoro Izakaya? It’s indeed the heart that counts! Choose from an extensive array of drinks with its own dedicated menu, ranging from beer, wines, cocktails, Japanese spirits, sakes and umeshu. For teetotallers (or the designated driver), non-alcoholic drinks are available too.
No matter the occasion, be it an impromptu after-work dinner or day-drinking to destress, Kokoro Izakaya will fill any figurative cup with affordable alcohol and more. Price conscious drinkers will be happy with the $9.90 Suntory Highballs, and $12 Kirin Draft Beer with that fresh, fizzy foam. Sip on Japanese spirits like Suntory Kakubin Whisky ($9.90/glass) with its light honey and spice notes, or the Yamazaki Distillers Reserve Single Malt ($16/glass) with its vanilla taste and smooth finish. That’s not all, stretch your dollar with the Happy Hour promotion; enjoy Suntory Highball at just $7.90 and Kirin Draft Beer at $10 per pint from 3pm to 7pm daily.
If sake is your jam, open a bottle from $88 such as the well-balanced and creamy Fukuda Yamadanishiki Junmai, as well as premium ones from internationally popular Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo ($368 per bottle), known for its unmistakable floral and delicate quality that everyone loves. For Japanese shochu and umeshu lovers, prices begin at $38/bottle: You will find the sweet yet robust Tamano Hikari Umeshu, citrusy Ozeki Yuzu Umeshu ($55/bottle), and the luxurious Gyokuro Asia Premium Aged ($168/bottle) from Nakamura distillery.
