Oysters, Highballs, and Beyond: A Gastronomic Wonderland @ Kura Oyster & Highball Bar, Singapore

For enthusiasts of oysters, a must-visit destination in Singapore is the latest addition to the scene: Kura Oyster & Highball. This concealed oyster bar specializes in distinctive seafood, particularly creative oyster dishes.

Nestled discreetly within one of Telok Ayer’s charming shophouses, Kura boasts a moody and intimate ambiance. The space features a limited number of counter seats around the bar, with no tables available. With just 19 counter seats, the atmosphere is delightfully intimate, especially during peak times. The exciting news is that they plan to introduce approximately 10 additional separate table seats in the near future, expanding their capacity to welcome more diners.

Kura Oyster & Highball’s ambiance played a significant role in enhancing the overall enjoyment of the drink. The establishment’s intimate and moody setting, coupled with a limited yet cozy seating arrangement, set the stage for a sophisticated and relaxing evening.

Throughout my visit, the staff’s attentiveness and knowledge of the menu were noteworthy. Their dedication to ensuring a memorable dining experience was evident.

Single Year Ume Highball $14

The first sip instantly transported me to a world where tradition meets innovation. The balance of flavors in this highball is nothing short of remarkable. The subtle sweetness of the ume (Japanese plum) intertwines harmoniously with the effervescence of the highball, creating a refreshing and delightful experience for the palate.

Yuzu Jim Beam Highball $14

The infusion of yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit, into the classic Jim Beam Highball brought a burst of freshness and a unique twist to the traditional bourbon-based drink.

The Yuzu Jim Beam Highball delighted my taste buds with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. The citrus notes from the yuzu added a zesty layer, complementing the depth of flavor from the Jim Beam bourbon. The effervescence of the highball provided a refreshing element, making it an ideal choice for those looking to savor a well-crafted, palate-pleasing beverage.

Classic Lemon Japanese Highball $14

the classic combination of quality Japanese whiskey and the invigorating essence of fresh lemon became an instant favorite.

The Classic Lemon Japanese Highball at Kura strikes a perfect harmony between the robust character of the whiskey and the citrusy brightness of the lemon. The effervescence of the highball added a delightful fizz, creating a refreshing experience that unfolded with every sip.

Ponzu Jelly Oyster/ Tosa Sherbet Oyster/ Truffle Oysters

Ponzu citrus jelly, salmon roe, spring onion/ vinegar sherbet, flying fish roe/ truffle caviar, white truffle oil

I was captivated by a trio of oyster creations that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary: Ponzu Jelly Oyster, Tosa Sherbet Oyster, and Truffle Oysters.

The Ponzu Jelly Oyster emerged as a palate-pleasing revelation. Each bite showcased a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the Ponzu citrus jelly imparting a subtle sweetness that harmonized seamlessly with the briny essence of the oyster. The addition of salmon roe and spring onion elevated the dish, creating a symphony of tastes that danced on the taste buds.

The Tosa Sherbet Oyster, with its intriguing combination of vinegar sherbet and flying fish roe, was a delightful play of tanginess and umami. The sherbet provided a refreshing burst of acidity, complemented by the pop of flying fish roe, resulting in a dish that was both inventive and satisfying.

For truffle enthusiasts, the Truffle Oysters were an indulgent treat. The marriage of truffle caviar and white truffle oil elevated the oyster to a sublime level of decadence. Each bite was a luxurious experience, with the earthy aroma of truffles enhancing the natural richness of the oyster.

Kura Oyster & Highball’s commitment to culinary innovation was evident in every detail. The presentation of each dish was a work of art, mirroring the sophisticated yet intimate ambiance of the establishment.

Vinegar Tomatoes $9

Cherry tomatoes, pickled plum brine

Presented with an elegant simplicity, the dish featured cherry tomatoes bathed in a pickled plum brine, creating a harmonious marriage of flavors. The first bite was a burst of freshness, with the tangy notes from the vinegar complementing the natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes.

What stood out in this seemingly straightforward dish was the meticulous attention to detail. The pickled plum brine added a subtle complexity, infusing each tomato with a hint of umami that elevated the overall experience.

The dish was a testament to Kura Oyster & Highball’s commitment to quality ingredients and creative combinations. The vibrant red of the tomatoes, coupled with the tantalizing aroma of pickled plum, made for a visually appealing and appetizing presentation.

The Vinegar Tomatoes, priced modestly at $9, offer a palate-cleansing interlude or a delightful prelude to a more extensive dining experience at Kura. The simplicity of the dish was its strength, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine.

Wagyu Beef Tartare $33

Minced A3 wagyu, egg yolk, spring chicken, rice crackers

Presented with an artistic flair, the Wagyu Beef Tartare is a visual delight, showcasing the meticulous preparation of minced A3 wagyu. The dish not only tantalizes the eyes but also the palate, with the velvety texture of the beef delivering a luxurious melt-in-the-mouth experience.

The addition of a perfectly placed egg yolk adds a creamy richness, creating a luscious binding element that enhances the overall indulgence of the tartare. The subtle interplay of flavors is further heightened by the inclusion of spring chicken, introducing a delicate hint of poultry essence that complements the robustness of the wagyu.

Accompanied by crisp rice crackers, the textural contrast provides a delightful crunch, adding an additional layer of complexity to each bite. The thoughtful combination of textures and flavors showcases the chef’s expertise in crafting a harmonious dish that goes beyond the ordinary.

Kanitana Mentaiko Gratin $19

Hokkaido snow crab, cream, macaroni gratin, blow torched Pollack roe

I discovered a symphony of flavors in the Kanitana Mentaiko Gratin—a sublime creation that marries the decadence of Hokkaido snow crab with the exquisite touch of macaroni gratin, all elegantly crowned with blow-torched Pollack roe.

The Hokkaido snow crab, a jewel of the sea, takes center stage, delivering a succulent and sweet essence that harmonizes with the creamy macaroni gratin. The combination of textures, from the tender crab to the comforting macaroni, creates a delightful interplay that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

What sets the Kanitana Mentaiko Gratin apart is the meticulous blow-torching of the Pollack roe, infusing the dish with a smoky complexity and an irresistible umami undertone. The careful balance of flavors and the visual drama of the blow-torching process add a touch of culinary theater to the dining experience.

The presentation is a work of art, showcasing Kura’s dedication to both visual and gastronomic excellence. The generous portion size and the strategic use of premium ingredients justify the $19 price tag, making it a reasonable indulgence for those seeking a taste of seafood luxury.

Pork Belly Yakiniku $14

Grilled pork belly, Japanese BBQ sauce

The pork belly, expertly grilled to achieve a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness, serves as the canvas for the star of the show—the tantalizing Japanese BBQ sauce.

The Japanese BBQ sauce is a symphony of flavors, enhancing the natural richness of the pork belly with its savory and slightly sweet notes. The expert grilling technique ensures that each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, creating a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Gyoza Wings $15

Chicken Wings, minced pork, cabbage

The dish showcases a creative twist, where succulent chicken wings are generously filled with a delightful mixture of minced pork and cabbage, capturing the essence of traditional gyoza dumplings.

The Gyoza Wings are a textural delight, boasting a perfect balance between the crispy exterior of the wings and the savory goodness within. The minced pork and cabbage filling provides a satisfying contrast, adding a burst of flavor with each bite.   The dish’s aroma is enticing, evoking the comforting familiarity of gyoza while introducing a novel twist through the medium of chicken wings.

The portion size is ample, making the Gyoza Wings suitable for sharing among friends or enjoying as a delightful appetizer.

Signature Oyster Somen $22

Cold Hiroshima noodles, dashi soy sauce, oyster tempura

The Signature Oyster Somen emerged as a masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together the delicate notes of Hiroshima noodles, dashi soy sauce, and the crowning glory of oyster tempura.

Presented with artful precision, the dish is a visual symphony that reflects Kura’s dedication to culinary craftsmanship. The cold Hiroshima noodles, with their smooth and slender elegance, provide the perfect canvas for the flavors that follow.

The dashi soy sauce elevates the dish to new heights, infusing each strand of somen with a umami-rich essence that dances on the palate. The temperature contrast between the chilled noodles and the warm, crisp oyster tempura adds a layer of complexity to the experience.

The oyster tempura, a highlight of the dish, delivers a perfect crunch that complements the silkiness of the noodles.

Kaki Chan $23

Japanese Garlic Fried Rice, grilled Hiroshima oyster

The Japanese Garlic Fried Rice boasts a delightful medley of flavors, with the garlic infusing the rice with a subtle warmth and depth. The grilled Hiroshima oyster, tender and brimming with maritime essence, adds a layer of sophistication to each forkful.

The presentation is a visual feast, with the golden hues of the fried rice complementing the plump, glistening oyster. The portion size is substantial, making Kaki Chan a satisfying choice for those seeking a fusion of Japanese and coastal culinary delights.

Oden

Japanese daikon, ebi shinjo (shrimp cake), chikuwa (bamboo Japanese fish cake), Konyakku (Konjac jelly)

Embracing the warmth of traditional Japanese comfort food, the Oden at Kura Oyster & Highball delivers a soul-soothing experience with its medley of Japanese daikon, ebi shinjo (shrimp cake), chikuwa (bamboo Japanese fish cake), and Konyakku (Konjac jelly).

Oden offers a comforting escape into the heart of Japanese culinary tradition. The daikon, simmered to tender perfection, serves as a hearty base that absorbs the rich flavors of the broth.

The ebi shinjo, a shrimp cake, adds a delightful seafood note to the ensemble, while the chikuwa, a bamboo Japanese fish cake, introduces a subtle smokiness that deepens the umami profile of the dish.

The inclusion of Konyakku, a Konjac jelly, provides a unique textural contrast, creating a playful dance of flavors and consistencies in each spoonful.

Presented with simplicity and authenticity, the Oden at Kura Oyster & Highball is a celebration of Japanese culinary artistry. The broth, infused with the essence of each ingredient, ties the ensemble together into a harmonious and comforting bowl.

This offering is not just a dish; it’s an invitation to experience the soulful warmth of Japanese winter comfort.

Kura Oyster & Highball Bar

84 Telok Ayer St, #01-01, Singapore 048468

Tel: 8886 2317

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