Joining the variety of Japanese dining concepts in Singapore is Kushikatsu, an Osaka-originated dish of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. The restaurant to thank is Unlisted Collection’s Panko, fittingly located along a hip alleyway on Haji Lane.
While Yakitori, a distant cousin in the skewer family, refers mainly to Japanese grilled meats on skewers, Kushikatsu skewers are breaded and deep-fried, and include anything from pork to cheese to eggplant. At Panko, meat, seafood and vegetables are skewered on bamboo sticks, coated in egg batter and dipped in fine panko (breadcrumbs). Once out of the fryer, the hot skewers can be eaten alone or with the restaurant’s specialty sauce.
Led by Bincho’s Chef Asai, together with head Chef Ishikawa, Panko promises quality snacking at even greater prices; Kushikatsu sticks start at $2. The menu also includes sushi, sashimi, don buri, and noodles for those hankering after more standard Japanese fare; plus an extensive selection of cocktails, shochu, sake, Japanese whisky and craft beers to wash it all down.
