Izakaya Nijumaru

Discover the authentic charm of 1980s Japan in the heart of Singapore’s Cuppage Plaza

Introduction

Nestled in the bustling corridors of Cuppage Plaza, Izakaya Nijumaru stands as a time capsule of Japanese dining culture. Since 1987, this family restaurant has been serving Japanese bentos and yakitori, earning its place as one of Singapore’s most enduring Japanese establishments. With its weathered charm and authentic atmosphere, this izakaya transports diners back to the golden era of Japanese expatriate culture in Singapore.

The Ambience: A Journey Back in Time

Retro Aesthetic That Tells a Story

Walking into Izakaya Nijumaru feels like stepping through a portal to 1980s Japan. The restaurant occupies an impressive frontage along the second-floor corridor of Cuppage Plaza, immediately catching the eye with its extensive glass windows and traditional Japanese signage. The interior design is a masterclass in authentic retro aesthetics—not artificially crafted nostalgia, but genuine vintage elements that have aged gracefully over decades.

The most striking feature of the restaurant is its collection of ancient air conditioning units. These bulky, thoroughly yellowed machines serve as unwitting monuments to the passage of time, yet they continue to function efficiently, adding to the restaurant’s charm rather than detracting from it. The furniture appears to have been in place since the restaurant’s early days, with wooden tables and chairs that bear the patina of countless meals and conversations.

Atmospheric Details

The lighting is deliberately subdued, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for both business lunches and casual dinners. Traditional Japanese elements are scattered throughout the space—from authentic ceramic serving dishes to vintage posters and decorations that speak to Japan’s post-war economic boom era. The long corridor-facing windows provide natural light during the day while offering diners views of the bustling activity in Cuppage Plaza.

The restaurant serves as a great place to pop by for lunch or after-work drinks, with its cozy atmosphere making it equally suitable for solo diners, couples, and groups of friends or colleagues seeking authentic Japanese comfort food.

Comprehensive Menu Analysis

Signature Dishes and Set Meals

The Celebrated Nijumaru Bento ($23)

The restaurant’s namesake bento represents the epitome of Japanese set meal tradition. This comprehensive offering includes multiple components arranged in traditional compartments:

Components:

• Grilled mackerel (saba shioyaki)
• Mixed tempura selection
• Fresh sashimi
• Braised pork (the standout element)
• Steamed rice
• Miso soup

The braised pork deserves special mention—it’s prepared in a style reminiscent of Teochew ‘loh bak,’ cooked until extremely tender with a rich, flavorful gravy that elevates the entire meal experience.

Unajyu Set

This traditional grilled eel set focuses on simplicity and the natural flavors of unagi. While less variety-packed than the Nijumaru bento, it offers a more focused dining experience centered around the delicate art of eel preparation.

Specialty Items and Side Dishes

Tempura Selection ($14.50 for tempura soba)

The restaurant offers various tempura preparations, from standalone mixed tempura platters to tempura served with soba noodles. The tempura technique focuses on traditional Japanese batter and frying methods.

Yakitori and Grilled Items

• Chicken teriyaki ($10.80 each)
• Various skewered items
• Shishamo (grilled smelt fish)

Noodle Dishes

The menu includes sushi, sashimi, ramen, udon, and yakitori skewers, catering to different preferences and appetites.

Menu Pricing Philosophy

The pricing at Izakaya Nijumaru reflects a commitment to accessibility while maintaining quality. Set meals range from approximately $14-25, positioning the restaurant as an affordable option in Singapore’s competitive Japanese dining scene.

Featured Recipe: Teochew-Style Braised Pork (Loh Bak)

Inspired by Izakaya Nijumaru’s standout braised pork dish

Ingredients

For the Pork:

• 1.5 kg pork belly, cut into large chunks
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp brown sugar

Braising Liquid:

• 1/2 cup dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine)
• 1 tsp five-spice powder
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 slices ginger
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp white pepper
• 500ml water (approximately)

Optional Additions:

• 6 hard-boiled eggs
• Tau pok (bean curd puffs)
• Daikon radish, chunked

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

1. Cut pork belly into 2-inch chunks, keeping skin on for richness
2. Pat dry with paper towels
3. Prepare all aromatics (garlic, ginger, spices)

Step 2: Creating the Base

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat
2. Add brown sugar and let it dissolve slowly
3. Stir gently until sugar turns golden brown (caramelization adds depth)
4. Immediately add pork pieces, searing all sides until lightly browned

Step 3: Building the Braising Liquid

1. Add garlic, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves
2. Stir-fry aromatics for 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Pour in both soy sauces and rice wine
4. Add five-spice powder and white pepper
5. Add water until pork is just covered

Step 4: The Braising Process

1. Bring mixture to a boil
2. Reduce heat to lowest setting, cover partially
3. Simmer for 1.5-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes
4. Turn pork pieces occasionally for even cooking
5. Add hard-boiled eggs in the last 30 minutes if using

Step 5: Final Touches

1. The pork should be fork-tender when done
2. If gravy is too thin, remove lid and simmer uncovered to reduce
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar as needed
4. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving

Cooking Tips for Authentic Results

• Low and slow: The key to tender loh bak is patience. High heat will toughen the meat.
• Fat balance: Don’t trim all the fat—it renders during cooking, adding richness to the gravy.
• Color depth: The caramelized sugar creates the characteristic dark color and complex sweetness.
• Make-ahead friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.

Comprehensive Dish Analysis: Signature Specialties and Character Profiles

The Celebrated Nijumaru Bento: A Masterclass in Balance

Dish Character: The Harmonious Symphony

The Nijumaru bento embodies the Japanese principle of “ichijuu sansai” (one soup, three dishes), but expands it into a complete culinary narrative. This isn’t merely a meal—it’s a carefully orchestrated experience that tells the story of Japanese culinary philosophy through multiple cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

Visual Presentation:

• Compartmentalized beauty: Each element occupies its designated space, creating visual harmony
• Color palette: Deep amber braised pork contrasts with silvery mackerel, golden tempura, and vibrant sashimi
• Textural landscape: Multiple surface textures from glossy to matte, smooth to crispy
• Portion proportions: Expertly balanced to ensure no single element dominates

Individual Component Analysis

1. Braised Pork – The Soul of the Bento

• Character: The emotional anchor of the meal
• Specialty aspect: Teochew-Japanese fusion technique
• Flavor journey: Begins with sweet caramelized notes, develops into rich umami depth, finishes with warming spice complexity
• Textural evolution: Initial firmness gives way to melting tenderness, with skin providing gelatinous richness
• Cultural bridge: Represents the successful marriage of Chinese braising techniques with Japanese presentation aesthetics

2. Grilled Mackerel (Saba Shioyaki) – The Maritime Classic

• Character: Clean, oceanic purity with subtle smokiness
• Specialty aspect: Traditional salt-grilling technique that enhances natural fish oils
• Flavor profile: Briny ocean essence balanced by char notes, finished with a hint of natural sweetness
• Texture characteristics: Flaky exterior with moist, tender interior
• Nutritional value: High in omega-3 fatty acids, providing healthy fats essential for brain function

3. Mixed Tempura – The Textural Contrast

• Character: Light, airy counterpoint to heavier elements
• Specialty aspect: Traditional batter technique creating delicate, crispy coating
• Flavor complexity: Each vegetable maintains its distinct character while unified by the golden batter
• Textural play: Satisfying crunch followed by tender vegetable interiors
• Temperature contrast: Served warm to provide thermal variety within the meal

4. Fresh Sashimi – The Pure Expression

• Character: Raw elegance showcasing ingredient quality
• Specialty aspect: Knife skills and freshness paramount
• Flavor purity: Clean, oceanic taste with subtle sweetness
• Textural precision: Firm yet yielding, with perfect mouthfeel
• Cultural significance: Represents the Japanese reverence for pristine ingredients

Unajyu Set: The Focused Artistry

Dish Character: Minimalist Perfection

The Unajyu represents Japanese culinary philosophy at its most refined—the belief that perfection lies in simplicity and the elevation of a single ingredient to its highest expression.

Specialty Aspects:

• Eel preparation: Traditional kabayaki technique involving multiple grilling and glazing stages
• Rice foundation: Perfectly seasoned sushi rice providing neutral base
• Glaze mastery: Sweet-savory tare applied in layers during cooking process
• Temperature harmony: Warm eel over room-temperature rice creates perfect thermal balance

Character Profile:

• Primary personality: Elegant restraint with hidden complexity
• Flavor development: Sweet entrance evolving into savory depth with lingering caramelized finish
• Textural narrative: Tender, flaky eel contrasting with firm, individual rice grains
• Visual appeal: Glossy lacquered appearance of the eel against pristine white rice

Tempura Soba: The Comfort Classic

Dish Character: Warming Embrace

This dish represents the comforting side of Japanese cuisine, where crispy textures meet warming broths in perfect harmony.

Specialty Elements:

• Broth foundation: Carefully balanced dashi providing umami base without overwhelming delicacy
• Noodle texture: Buckwheat soba offering nutty flavor and firm bite
• Tempura integration: Strategic placement allowing gradual flavor and texture melding
• Thermal dynamics: Hot broth gradually softening tempura edges while maintaining core crispness

Character Depth:

• Comfort factor: Soul-warming properties enhanced by aromatic steam
• Textural journey: Multiple stages of crunchiness as tempura interacts with broth
• Flavor evolution: Light beginning intensifying as ingredients meld over time
• Cultural resonance: Represents the Japanese art of finding sophistication in simplicity

Chicken Teriyaki: The Gateway Classic

Dish Character: Approachable Excellence

Often underestimated, the restaurant’s teriyaki represents masterful execution of familiar flavors.

Specialty Techniques:

• Glaze development: Multi-stage reduction creating complex sweet-savory coating
• Grilling precision: Achieving proper caramelization without burning
• Marinade penetration: Ensuring flavor throughout, not just surface-level
• Sauce consistency: Perfect viscosity for coating without overwhelming

Character Analysis:

• Universal appeal: Familiar flavors executed with professional technique
• Textural contrast: Caramelized exterior yielding to juicy interior
• Flavor balance: Sweet mirin and sake balanced by salty soy and umami depth
• Aromatic presence: Distinctive grilled aroma enhancing anticipation

Shishamo: The Delicate Expression

Dish Character: Subtle Sophistication

These grilled smelt represent the Japanese appreciation for small, perfect things and the art of cooking whole fish.

Specialty Aspects:

• Whole-fish cooking: Maintaining structural integrity while achieving even cooking
• Seasonal consideration: Best during roe-bearing season for added richness
• Grilling technique: High heat for skin crispness, careful timing for interior doneness
• Minimal intervention: Salt and heat only, respecting the fish’s natural character

Character Profile:

• Delicate nature: Requires careful handling and precise timing
• Flavor subtlety: Clean fish taste with slight brininess and smoky notes
• Textural complexity: Crispy skin, tender flesh, and potentially creamy roe
• Cultural significance: Represents Japanese seasonality awareness and respect for small pleasures

Mixed Tempura: The Vegetable Celebration

Dish Character: Garden Diversity

Each vegetable maintains its individual character while participating in the unified tempura experience.

Component Specialties:

Eggplant (Nasu):

• Character: Creamy, almost custard-like interior with subtle earthiness
• Specialty aspect: Absorbs oil perfectly for rich mouthfeel
• Preparation key: Proper scoring to ensure even cooking

Sweet Potato (Satsumaimo):

• Character: Natural sweetness intensified by high-heat cooking
• Specialty aspect: Caramelization creating complex sugar development
• Textural contribution: Fluffy interior contrasting with crispy exterior

Green Beans (Ingen):

• Character: Bright, vegetal freshness with slight crunch retention
• Specialty aspect: Brief cooking time preserving color and texture
• Flavor profile: Clean, green notes cutting through richer elements

Shrimp (Ebi):

• Character: Sweet, oceanic essence with firm bite
• Specialty aspect: Proper preparation preventing curling during cooking
• Technique focus: Achieving perfect bounce texture

The Art of Dish Harmony: How Elements Work Together

Meal Progression Philosophy

Izakaya Nijumaru’s dishes are designed not as isolated experiences but as components of a larger culinary conversation. Each dish possesses distinct character while contributing to overall meal satisfaction.

Temperature Choreography

• Hot elements: Tempura, grilled items provide warmth and comfort
• Room temperature: Rice, some pickles offer neutral palate cleansing
• Cool elements: Sashimi provides refreshing contrast and textural variety

Flavor Wave Management

• Opening notes: Light, clean flavors prepare the palate
• Building complexity: Richer, more complex flavors develop meal depth
• Satisfying finish: Comforting, familiar flavors provide meal closure

Textural Architecture

Each meal incorporates multiple textural elements:

• Crispy: Tempura, grilled fish skin
• Tender: Braised pork, cooked fish flesh
• Firm: Sashimi, properly cooked rice
• Creamy: Fish roe, certain vegetable preparations
• Chewy: Properly prepared proteins

This comprehensive approach to dish character and specialty aspects demonstrates why Izakaya Nijumaru has maintained its reputation for nearly four decades. Each dish serves not only as individual expression but as part of a larger culinary philosophy that honors both Japanese traditions and Singapore’s multicultural palate.

Service and Dining Experience

Operating Hours and Peak Times

Current Operating Schedule:

• Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Afternoons are usually better if you want to avoid the crowd and have better service, with the optimal time being between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. It’s worth noting that last orders may be taken earlier than the official closing time, so arriving well before closing is recommended.

Service Style and Standards

The service at Izakaya Nijumaru follows traditional Japanese hospitality principles while adapting to local expectations. Staff members are knowledgeable about the menu and can provide recommendations based on dietary preferences or spice tolerance levels.

Accessibility and Location

Address: 5 Koek Road, Cuppage Plaza #02-10/12, Singapore 228796 Nearest MRT: Somerset Station (North-South and Circle Lines) Accessibility: Located on the second floor with elevator access available

Delivery and Takeaway Options

Current Delivery Status

The restaurant offers delivery services with excellent timing standards, often delivering food right on time. This service has been particularly appreciated by customers who value both the food quality and reliable delivery timing.

Recommended Dishes for Delivery

Not all izakaya dishes travel well, but certain items from Nijumaru’s menu are particularly suited for delivery:

Excellent for Delivery:

• Bento sets (maintain temperature and presentation well)
• Grilled items (retain flavor and texture)
• Rice dishes (hearty and satisfying)

Best Enjoyed Fresh:

• Tempura (may lose crispness during transport)
• Sashimi (requires careful temperature control)
• Soup-based items (risk of spillage)

Ordering Platforms

Based on customer reviews and restaurant operations, delivery appears to be available through multiple channels, though specific platforms weren’t detailed in available information.

Comparative Analysis: Cuppage Plaza’s Japanese Scene

Market Position

Cuppage Plaza is best known for its many Japanese restaurants serving delicious sushi, ramen, and other dishes, making it a competitive environment for Japanese dining establishments. Among the top izakaya establishments in the area, Nijumaru holds a notable position alongside ShuKuu Izakaya, Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya, and others.

Unique Selling Propositions

1. Historical authenticity: Few restaurants can claim nearly four decades of continuous operation
2. Atmospheric integrity: Genuine vintage elements rather than manufactured nostalgia
3. Fusion approach: Thoughtful integration of Chinese and Japanese culinary traditions
4. Value positioning: Competitive pricing for generous portions

Recommendations for Different Dining Occasions

First-Time Visitors

• Must-order: Nijumaru Bento ($23) for the complete experience
• Timing: Weekday lunch between 1:00-1:30 PM for optimal service
• Seating preference: Window seats for people-watching and natural light

Business Lunches

• Advantages: Quick service, substantial portions, quiet atmosphere during off-peak hours
• Recommended dishes: Set meals for efficiency and value
• Timing: Early lunch (12:00 PM) or late lunch (1:30 PM) to avoid crowds

Casual Dinners

• Approach: Order multiple small dishes to share
• Beverages: Explore their sake and beer selection
• Atmosphere: Evening ambiance is more intimate and relaxed

Delivery Orders

• Optimal choices: Bento sets, rice dishes, grilled items
• Family sizing: Multiple bento sets provide variety for group meals
• Timing: Order during off-peak hours for faster delivery

Final Verdict: A Living Piece of Singapore’s Japanese Heritage

Izakaya Nijumaru represents more than just a dining establishment—it’s a cultural artifact that has evolved alongside Singapore’s relationship with Japanese cuisine and culture. While the food may not always achieve culinary excellence in every dish, the restaurant’s value lies in its authentic representation of a specific time and place in Singapore’s gastronomic history.

Strengths

• Unmatched atmospheric authenticity
• Historical significance and continuity
• Excellent value for money
• Standout signature dishes (particularly the braised pork)
• Reliable service and delivery options

Areas for Consideration

• Inconsistent food quality across different dishes
• Limited innovation in menu offerings
• Aging infrastructure (though this adds to the charm)

Overall Assessment

For diners seeking a genuine taste of Singapore’s Japanese dining heritage, Izakaya Nijumaru offers an experience that cannot be replicated by newer establishments. It’s a place where the passage of time has added value rather than detracted from it, making it essential for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of Japanese cuisine in Singapore.

The restaurant serves as a bridge between past and present, offering contemporary diners a window into the dining culture that shaped Singapore’s Japanese food scene. While not every dish may be memorable, the overall experience—the atmosphere, the history, and the standout items like the braised pork—creates a dining experience that resonates long after the meal is finished.

Rating Summary:

• Atmosphere: 5/5 (Authentic and irreplaceable)
• Value: 4/5 (Excellent pricing for portions)
• Food Quality: 3/5 (Variable, with standout dishes)
• Service: 4/5 (Reliable and accommodating)
• Overall Experience: 4/5 (Essential for Japanese food enthusiasts)

Izakaya Nijumaru continues to serve as a testament to the enduring appeal of authentic, unpretentious Japanese dining in Singapore’s ever-evolving culinary landscape.

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