Loca Niru, a restaurant by Gaia Lifestyle Group, is set on the second level of the storied 140-year-old House of Tan Yeok Nee. Opening on 6th November 2025, it will be the inaugural fine-dining concept to welcome guests within this national treasure. Helmed by the young and talented Chef Shusuke Kubota ‘Chef Shu’, the restaurant fittingly bestrides past and present.
Built in 1885, the House of Tan Yeok Nee remains as the last of the ‘Four Grand Mansions’ of Teochew architecture in Singapore of the period, and with its multiple occupants, holds historical significance through diverse roles in service of the broader society. Gazetted as a national monument and now owned by the Karim Family, the once-residence of its namesake – the Teochew magnate Tan Yeok Nee – has been conserved and restored as a premier cultural, commercial and lifestyle destination. Marking a historic moment, the House of Tan Yeok Nee will open to the public for the first time in 140 years.
The name ‘Loca Niru’ is a Romanised derivative from the Zen idioms, ‘Hakuba Roka ni Iru’ and ‘Hakucho Roka ni Iru’, with the former depicting a white horse stepping into a field of white reeds and blending seamlessly with it, representing perfect balance and coexistence in a beautiful space. Just like the House, which is emblematic of the harmony between past and present, heritage and craft; Loca Niru is the embodiment of the serene, quiet values that inspired its name. And being the proud host of the ‘dining room’ of the ‘house’, Chef Shu resonates with its narrative and wishes every guest to take away not just a meal, but a journey of discovery.
At the heart of Loca Niru is ‘Kotan’ こ たん, a Japanese way of living and creating that honours quiet simplicity, contemplative peace, and refined subtlety. Kotan flows and breathes throughout Loca Niru. It is sensed in the most tangible details – the preserved wooden truss ceilings; the balance of natural wood with elegant brass; and the artworks that echo Japanese craftsmanship alongside the Teochew carvings and heritage details of the House of Tan Yeok Nee.
A Cuisine of Harmony and Refinement
The cuisine of Loca Niru is Contemporary Innovative, in which inspiration from tradition, together with the marriage of Japanese sensibilities and French technique, create forms that are new and novel. It is a manifestation of Chef Shu’s personal belief that ‘one must learn from the past to create the future’. Also a cornerstone is the profound respect for produce and the people behind it. Livestock farmers, fishermen, growers and artisans are seen as collaborators – and their work is honoured through a ‘less is more’ approach. The team cooks and presents in a way that lets the magnificent, seasonal ingredients shine. Carefully calibrated applications of French and Japanese technique subtly distil and layer flavours in a further ode to the beauty of produce.
At Loca Niru, Chef Shusuke Kubota channels his diverse culinary influences into a refined expression of Contemporary Innovative cuisine. Born in Nagano, Japan, and trained across Japanese, French, and Southeast Asian kitchens, Chef Shu brings a global sensibility shaped by deep respect for heritage and produce.
Shaped by these experiences, Chef Shu thoughtfully combines premium Japanese and international ingredients with Southeast Asian produce to create new and exciting experiences for diners. This interplay of influences reflects the melting pot of flavours that defines Singapore and marks a distinct evolution in Chef Shu’s culinary journey.
The Tasting Menu (8-course at $298++ per person) is designed to engage diners emotionally and sensorially, with courses unfolding in graceful progression. This philosophy comes to life through dishes such as Oyasai — a delicate steamed dumpling filled with stir-fried Malaysian vegetables — and Isaki, a pan-seared Japanese grunt fish paired with a Nyonya beurre blanc, reflecting Chef Shu’s nuanced balance of Japanese precision, French technique, and Southeast Asian sensibilities.
A Beverage Menu of Balance and Discovery
The beverage programme at Loca Niru offers two curated alcohol pairings — six glasses of sake or wine (both at $188++/per person), each thoughtfully selected to complement the dining experience. The sake selection features premium labels from across Japan, including Daishinshu Chokarakuchi Junmai Ginjo from Chef Shu’s hometown of Nagano, Available by the glass (from $32++) and by the bottle (from $128++). An extensive wine and champagne list spans classic and emerging regions, available by the glass or bottle.
A Meeting of Rich History and Subtle Style
Rooted in the philosophy of Kotan, Loca Niru’s design mirrors the same quiet refinement and thoughtful balance that define its cuisine. Kotan informs the space as well. Much of the original architecture of the House remains untouched. Patinas contrast with sleek modern interventions; telling a story of heritage integrating with contemporary design resulting in richness and new purpose. Loca Niru is a place that instils calm; inspires respect for nature; and celebrates storytelling. It beckons guests to be fully present; and to savour each fleeting moment. The 36-seat restaurant offers a sense of intimacy and quiet exclusivity, complemented by two private dining rooms that invite deeper connection and conversation.
The layout of the kitchen and the dining area encourages diners and chefs to interact and appreciate the culinary art on display. The service – warmly solicitous, anticipatory in the most minute detail yet discreet – is enriched tableside with anecdotes of the House of Tan Yeok Nee and back stories of the epicurean compositions on the table.
At Loca Niru, past and present, East and West, heritage and innovation, are woven into a seamless tapestry. The personal and the universal converge. A single man’s journey – Chef Shu’s – now delights the many. One sits in a private universe savouring a moment of culinary bliss, in a hall that has seen the passage of generations. Alone in a world of imagination, one is connected to things older and greater than oneself.
An invitation to taste, feel, and remember. Discover Loca Niru as Singapore’s unique destination for history, culture, and extraordinary dining.
