Awesome Modern Izakaya @ Taan Iza Bar, Singapore
Having recently visited Taan Asian Grill Bar, I found myself again in Bugis (Liang Seah Street) visiting Taan Asian Grill Bar’s sister establishment, Taan Iza Bar.
Taan Iza Bar captures the essence of the traditional izakaya spirit found in Japan. While its décor is more western and modern than a typical izakaya, it embraces an artistic interpretation curated by a local artist. The venue’s atmosphere is thoughtfully divided into two distinct themes: the Japanese aesthetic, featuring a captivating mural portraying the ‘yokocho’ (small alley) in Tokyo, and modern art pieces meticulously crafted with copper.
The menu is a tailored selection of enticing izakaya dishes designed to complement a diverse range of beverages. There are also popular dishes perfect for sharing with friends and family. Chill beats and string lights create a soft, modern and relaxed environment to kick back with the exceptional highballs.
Jasmine Paloma $15
Tequila, yuzu, grapefruit, jasmine tea, soda water
This concoction is a well-crafted blend. The first sip revealed a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes, with the floral essence of jasmine tea adding a unique and sophisticated touch. The tequila provides a subtle kick, while the yuzu and grapefruit contribute a refreshing citrusy twist that lingers on the palate.
Long Island $15
Tequila, vodka, run, gin, triple sec, coke
The first thing that struck me about the Long Island was its bold and balanced combination of spirits. The tequila and vodka provided a strong kick, while the rum and gin added depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The touch of triple sec contributed a hint of citrusy sweetness, perfectly complementing the overall taste. It’s worth sipping slowly to savor the flavors without being overwhelmed by the alcohol content
Umeshu $15
Golden ume, sherry, soda water, yuzu-lemon sherbet
Venturing into the world of unique and sophisticated cocktails, this exquisite libation combines the richness of golden ume with the depth of sherry, topped with soda water and a hint of yuzu-lemon sherbet, creating a drink that is both refreshing and indulgent.
The Umeshu immediately caught my attention with its enchanting aroma of golden ume, setting the stage for a drink that promises a journey of distinct and harmonious flavors. The inclusion of sherry added a nuanced complexity, elevating the overall taste profile to something truly special.
One of the standout features of this cocktail is the use of yuzu-lemon sherbet, which introduces a delightful citrusy note that dances on the palate. The soda water provides a light effervescence, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality without overshadowing the unique combination of ingredients.
Suntory The Premium Malt Premium Pilsner
Brewed only in Japan
White —– half pint 370 ml $10; full pint 550 ml $15
Crafted by the renowned Suntory brewery, this premium pilsner offers a drinking experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
Poured into a glass, the beer revealed a beautiful golden hue with a perfect, frothy head that lingered, promising a crisp and refreshing experience.
The first sip was a revelation. The Premium Pilsner from Suntory strikes a flawless balance between a rich malt backbone and a crisp, clean finish. The maltiness provides a depth of flavor that is both satisfying and sophisticated, while the pilsner style ensures a refreshing and easy-drinking quality.
What sets this beer apart is its remarkable smoothness. The Premium Malt Premium Pilsner goes down effortlessly, making it a perfect choice for both casual sipping and pairing with a variety of dishes. Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanying a meal, this beer enhances the overall dining experience.
The carbonation is just right, contributing to a lively mouthfeel without overshadowing the nuanced flavors. It’s evident that Suntory has paid meticulous attention to detail in the brewing process, resulting in a beer that is a true delight for the senses.
Taan Iza Bar offers a complete menu consisting of appetizers, sashimi, deep fried, grill, don & pasta, stir-fried and dessert.
Truffle Edamame $6
Edamame, shoot kombu, truffle oil, salt
The edamame, perfectly cooked and seasoned, offered a satisfying crunch that gave way to the rich umami flavor of the truffle oil. The addition of shoot kombu provided a subtle depth that complemented the earthiness of the truffle, creating a symphony of tastes with each mouthful.
What impressed me most about the Truffle Edamame was the balance of flavors. The truffle oil wasn’t overpowering, allowing the natural freshness of the edamame to shine through. The salt added just the right amount of seasoning, enhancing the overall savory experience without being too salty.
Fresh Salmon Sashimi $15
Fresh raw salmon with wasabi
The fish was impeccably fresh, with a buttery texture that melted in the mouth.
The simplicity of the dish allowed the natural flavors of the salmon to shine. The wasabi, served on the side, provided a pungent contrast that enhanced the overall tasting experience without overpowering the delicate taste of the sashimi.
At $15, the Fresh Salmon Sashimi offers excellent value for those seeking a refined and authentic sashimi experience. The portion size was generous, making it a satisfying option for both solo indulgence and sharing with fellow seafood enthusiasts.
Skewers Set of 12 $38.80
Lady’s finger $1.80
Shitake $1.80
Bacon with asparagus
Chicken meatball $4.90
Unagi $3.80
Chicken Mid Wing $2.50
Chicken Thigh $3.90
Quail egg $2.90
Pork with tomato $2.90
Bacon enoki $2.50
Grilled Scallop $3.8
Grilled Tiger Prawn $7.90
I had the pleasure of indulging in the Skewers Set of 12 and it was a culinary adventure that left my taste buds dancing with delight.
The presentation of the skewers was a visual feast – a colorful array of tantalizing treats, each skewer showcasing a unique combination of ingredients. From the Lady’s Finger to the Grilled Tiger Prawn, every skewer was a work of culinary art, promising a diverse and mouthwatering experience.
The Lady’s Finger and Shitake skewers were a delightful start, offering a vegetarian-friendly option that was both flavorful and satisfying. The skewers were perfectly grilled, with a subtle smokiness that enhanced the natural goodness of the ingredients.
Moving on to the meat options, the Bacon with asparagus and Chicken Meatball skewers were a carnivore’s dream. The bacon was savory and succulent, while the asparagus added snap. The Pork with Tomato skewer brought a burst of sweetness that complemented the savory goodness of the meat.
The Unagi and Chicken Mid Wing skewers introduced a medley of seafood and poultry flavors, each skewer perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The Chicken Thigh skewer continued the poultry journey with a juicy and well-marinated offering.
The Quail Egg skewer was a delightful surprise, adding a creamy texture to the mix, while the Bacon Enoki skewer brought a smoky and savory combination that was irresistible.
The Grilled Scallop and Grilled Tiger Prawn skewers were the crowning jewels, offering a luxurious and indulgent finale to the skewer symphony.
Mentaiko Scallops $16
Scallops, mentaiko, mozzarella cheese
From the moment the Mentaiko Scallops arrived at the table, the aroma was irresistible. The perfectly seared scallops were nestled under a tantalizing layer of mentaiko and melted mozzarella, creating an anticipation that was met with the first glorious bite.
The scallops were cooked to perfection – succulent and tender, with a delightful sear that added a hint of smokiness. The mentaiko brought a burst of umami flavor, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the scallops. The addition of mozzarella cheese elevated the dish to a new level of richness, creating a harmonious trio of textures and tastes.
One of the highlights of this dish was the balance achieved between the savory mentaiko and the creamy cheese. The combination was decadent without being overwhelming, allowing the delicate flavor of the scallops to shine through. Each bite was a journey through layers of flavor, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Saikoro Beef Cubes $22
Wagyu beef cubes, shimeiji mushroom, homemade sauce
The Wagyu beef cubes themselves were a revelation – each bite a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Cooked to perfection, the beef exuded richness and tenderness that showcased the quality of the ingredients. The interplay of textures was further enhanced by the inclusion of shimeji mushrooms, providing a delightful contrast that added depth to every mouthful.
What truly elevated this dish was the homemade sauce. A symphony of flavors in its own right, the sauce complemented the Wagyu beef cubes and shimeji mushrooms with a perfect balance of savory and umami notes. It was clear that every element on the plate had been carefully considered, resulting in a cohesive and delicious ensemble.
This is a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly marries the elegance of Wagyu beef with the earthy goodness of shimeji mushrooms, all brought together by a sauce that elevates this dish to a realm of pure culinary bliss. Cheers to a dining experience that transcends the ordinary!
Tiramisu $8
How about ending the fantastic meal with a simple but effective dessert?
Taan Iza Bar
1 Liang Seah St, #01-03/04 Liang Seah Place, Singapore 189022
Tel: 6264 6177
