JIDAI: Where Neon Cats Rule the Grungy Boat Quay
Picture stepping onto the rugged streets of Boat Quay, the night air already humming with distant chatter and the clinking of glasses. As you creep past the dim, smoke‑laden corners, a burst of electric purple lights grabs your attention – JIDAI has just turned the whole place into a neon palace.
Cat‑Catastic Wall
Right at the entrance, a wall of maneki‑neko (those classic Japanese beckoning cats) greets you. But forget the usual silent, clueless white toys; these cats are a whole new breed of charm.
- Muscles & Lifts – feline bodybuilders flexing in tiny tank tops, as if they’re ready for the next bodybuilding contest.
- Geometric Leathery Hues – bold patterns map onto each kitty, giving them a cyber‑punk vibe.
- Shades & Smoke – some cats wear tiny sunglasses, lounging as if they’re waiting for the next low‑key coffee.
Why This Izakaya Is a Wildcard
It’s not just the cats that make JIDAI stand out. The whole atmosphere balances tradition with eccentricity – a fusion that feels like a modern jazz club meets a classic shrine.
- Intimate barroom vibe with a twist of neon.
- Atmospheric music that’s louder than the hiss of the grill.
- Menu that beckons for a taste adventure, with a dash of cheeky creativity.
In short, JIDAI isn’t just a place for drinks; it’s a playground where imagination, flavor, and that unmistakable dim‑light charm collide. Whether you wander in for a quick nightcap or linger to watch its feline wall, you’ll leave with a story you’ll gladly share, cat‑paws and all.
Photo‑Friday: City Nomads Take the Stage
When you’re ready to ditch the ordinary, grab a seat, and let Chef‑Owner Darwin “The De‑Fine” Wong whisk you away on a culinary roller‑coaster.
What’s on the Lineup?
- East‑West comfort – think ramen‑infused mac & cheese, sushi‑topped crème brûlée, and teriyaki‑topped croissants.
- Japanese flavors marinated with a French twist: advanced Sous‑Vide techniques, caramelized butter, and a sprinkle of humor.
- A side of “JIDAI” (Japanese‑idiom for “Let’s go!”), where every dish feels like a secret handshake.
Why It’s a Must‑Try
Darwin, formerly the visionary behind the avant‑garde European spot Beurre, brings his French culinary arsenal to a Japanese palate. This fusion isn’t just food; it’s a conversation opener. You’ll leave with a smile, a thumb‑up, and a story that starts with “I tried the sashimi‑Borek, and…”
The Setting
Picture a 30‑seated haven where twinkling lights mimic a star‑filled sky, and golden beams crisscross like a spaceship’s interior. It’s half‑lounge, half‑futuristic wonderland – perfect for the night you want a little adventure.
So save your doubts, snag that table, and let the City Nomads redefine what “comfort food” means. Bon appétit!
Tasting the Otoro Fatty Tuna Roll: A Delicious Deep Dive
Ever dreamed of a sushi roll that practically melts in your mouth? The Otoro Fatty Tuna is that dream come true. At a playful $26, this roll is a playground for your taste buds, mixing the best of chaos and harmony into one unforgettable bite.
What Makes It So Irresistibly Amazing?
- Pure Butterdream: Freshly chopped tuna belly, so rich it practically swirls like butter.
- Flavor Explosion: A mixed bouquet of sakura floss, sakura ebi, and a splash of tobiko, giving it that sweet-tingly crunch.
- Sweet Surprise: A splatter of this yellow, sesame-tasty yolk that adds a velvety texture.
Rolling the Magic
Once the canvas is ready – rice piled high in a soft dome – our next two superheroes step into the spotlight:
- Seaweed Sheets: The classic wrap that keeps all the flavors snug.
- Shiso Leaves: These bright green, herbaceous leaves inject a citrusy kick, turning each bite into a fresh breeze.
Why This Roll Is A Standout
Unlike ordinary sushi rolls that get all good at the surface, the Otoro Fatty Tuna offers a tantalizingly decadent taste on every layer. The hearty tuna belly gives that buttery richness, while the shiso’s fresh bite counters it, preventing any fat domination. The result? A perfectly balanced, unforgettable sushi adventure.
Bottom Line:
Think of this roll as sushi’s version of a food mural—vibrant, layered, and just a little…constructively messy. Don’t skip the skewers; roll up the endless possibilities and taste the Otoro Fatty Tuna for yourself.
Frog Leg Karaage (and a Few Other Highlights)
What do you get when you blend a classic French dish with a staple of Asian cuisine? A Frog Leg Karaage that’s as juicy as it is crisp, and just a splash of Middle East‑fueled creativity that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Frog Legs, Reimagined
The pairing starts with a brine that perks up each leg, then a light batter that flips golden when it hits the oil. The result? A crunchy shell that gives way to a tender, mouth‑watering centre.
It’s served with a playful three‑tier dip—think of it as a delicious, umami brigade:
- braised leek
- mentaiko mayo (that creamy, slightly spicy Japanese cod roe flavor)
- ebiko (dried squid roe)
Even the tiniest sliver of meat feels massive once you dip it. The fry’s crunch folds into a tender bite that turns your fork into a happy little whisperer of bliss.
Yakiniku That’s Got Sizzle
Moving on to JIDAI’s “classic” yakitori—it’s all about the grill. Skewers are smoky thanks to binchotan charcoal, resulting in a flavour that says “brook, I’ve brushed you with a smoking kiss.”
- Firefly Squid – the “creamy” chunks are surprisingly light, at $6
- Ibérico Pork Collar – a jerky‑like snap, priced at $7
Why not open a bottle of sake? JIDAI’s collection can range from a Dassai hoist to a classic Shichiken Yama‑No‑Kasumi (720 ml for $98).
This Shichiken is a champ: its sparkling bubbles fuse with citrusy undertones—like a bubbly, citrus‑kissed road trip for your palate.
Large‑Plate Love (and a Little Daring)
Sometimes you just need plates that invite a group to gorging. JIDAI brings you back that fellow culinary “comfort.”
We’re not fans of Chinese sea cucumber, but this dish is a daredevil fusion worth the call. The Sea Cucumber Duck Confit ($38) swaps pork belly for a slow‑baked duck leg, left to fall apart after ~16 hours in a silky ginger‑shoyu broth. No one beats this sort of recipe from a family line—Chef Darwin’s grandma’s secret is living.
The tender duck floats in that broth while the diced tiger sea cucumber stays soft and already “taste‑tastic.” When you’re in a mood of heat, this dish goes above and beyond.
Scallop & Barley “Porridge”
Want something that feels like risotto? Meet Seared Scallop with Barley “Porridge” ($26). The use of barley offers a chewy toothbite, while the Australian king scallops are big, fluffy, and practically stand‑alone “kiss‑but‑do‑nothing” guilts.
Seaweed crackers add a crunchy finish—every bite is a bite‑together of flavor and fun.
How to Get There
JIDAI Restaurant sits at 9 Circular Rd, Singapore 049365. Call +65 8189 1849 to book a table. Hours: Mon 5pm‑10:30pm, Tue‑Sat 12‑3pm & 5‑10:30pm. Closed Sun.
TL;DR: Frog Leg Karaage for the crispy‑lover, yakitori for the smokey kind, and a bold duck confit that takes your jaw down over charcoal and whisky‑spun broth. Pop in the Sake menu for a real boost of flavor too.
These adventures were first brought to life in the beloved City Nomads series, and served up at a spot that promises to keep the blissful elongation of the senses.
