Ginkyo by Kinki whips up contemporary Japanese fare with flavour and flair at One Holland Village

You don’t have to book a flight to Japan to experience the sights and flavours of its matsuris (Japanese cultural festivals) — you can do so at the newly opened Ginkyo by Kinki. 

The sister brand of Kinki Restaurant + Bar, it’s the latest casual dining concept to join the fray of F&B outlets at One Holland Village.

Ginkyo is a modern Japanese outfit that’s inspired by the annual Icho Matsuri “Gingko Festival” in Tokyo, which celebrates the autumn season in all its gorgeous, golden-hued glory. It is a space meticulously designed, with a rustic, warm palette that wonderfully captures the honeyed shades of falling ginkgo leaves. 

Singapore may be a one-season kind of place, but Ginkyo makes you forget that — for a little while, at least.

Through delicious food, the concept focuses on embodying the spirit of celebration and oneness, with classic Japanese cuisine interspersed with modern, global influences.

A chic space inspired by Japanese matsuris

Step into the restaurant and you can tell that a vast amount of effort was put into setting it up. 

First, an intricate torii (Japanese gateway) frame clad in an abstract design greets you at the door. It’s artfully fashioned to incorporate traditional Japanese cultural elements, such as the yukata (summer kimonos), uchiwa (round bamboo fans) and amigasa (straw hats). 

Come to the dining area and the 60-seater space is illuminated with gleaming spherical orbs reminiscent of Japanese lanterns. The interior basks in a flaxen glow, creating a soothing ambience that’s perfect for intimate gatherings and conversations. 

Should you prefer to dine under the twinkling stars, there’s also a breezy alfresco area that seats 20 persons.

Classic Japanese dishes injected with global flavours

The menu is spearheaded by head chef Terence Ong, who adds a creative twist to classic Japanese items. The dishes are also designed for versatility, with portions catering to dining parties of all sizes. Most are intended for communal dining, though. 

Start with the kimchi onigiri arancini (S$14) — Ginkyo’s special version of the Italian arancini. It sees kimchi rice onigiris chock-full of gorgonzola first deep-fried, then wrapped in seaweed. For a kick of spice and zest, dip the cheesy morsel into the accompanying kimchi aioli. Yum.

We highly recommend getting the truffle fat wings (S$19) — each bite is utter sin. 

While it appears to be a simple yakitori dish, there’s more to the dish than meets the eye. It comprises three stuffed chicken wings skewered and packed with fragrant truffle rice. The added layers of smokiness and yakitori tare (sauce) on each skewer give the dish an extra oomph that elevates it to the next level. 

The flavours are impeccable and we were this close to ordering a second helping. 

The uni, caviar and ikura Ginkyo Crispies (S$22) make for the perfect sharing plate, too. 

It’s a colourful assortment of rice krispies (puffed rice) heaped with a medley of luxurious toppings, such as ikura (salmon roe), uni (sea urchin) and negitoro (minced raw tuna). It’s then finished with a heap of caviar, crunchy slices of cucumber and a smattering of gold flakes for that extra touch of decadence.

The okonomi-rosti (S$30) is a must-order dish when you’re swinging by Ginkyo by Kinki. 

It’s quite the novel reimagination of the traditional okonomiyaki dish. For starters, shredded potatoes are used as its base instead of flour, which adds crunch and texture. 

It’s also sprinkled with cabbage, bacon bits and juicy Hokkaido scallops. The final touches are the paper-thin “dancing” bonito flakes, sweet mentaiko sauce and shredded seaweed. All the elements come together nicely, with a myriad of flavours in every spoonful.

Sashimi lovers will enjoy the Best of Toyosu Market chirashi rice bowl (S$52). You’ll savour fresh seafood specially imported from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, one of most iconic wholesale markets around. Stars of the show include cuts of creamy negitoro, salmon and swordfish, among others. 

Underneath the succulent sashimi slices lie a fluffy bed of rice from the fields of Niigata, Japan. It’s then completed with shavings of aromatic truffle and caviar. 

For the ultimate seafood experience, you can add an onsen egg (S$4) or velvety uni (S$17) to accompany the hearty dish.

Cocktails with a twist

Drinks are a resplendent affair, with a series of libations dressed for the ’gram. The flavours here are the epitome of east meets west, and the concoctions come in a range of sakes, wines and draught beers. 

Take the Kyoto Sour (S$18) for example, which features Kinki’s private-label sake, fresh lemon and pickled ginger. It’s adorned with vibrant edible chrysanthemum petals and a sheet of nori seaweed.

For a tangy, sweet-sour refreshment, try the Japonica (S$20), which is Ginkyo’s take on the pisco sour. The Blackout (S$23) and Ohh-Sancho (S$24) are popular creations too.

This was a hosted tasting.

For the latest eats, check out Twenty Loaf Toasties for local-inspired sandos at Yishun and KEK Seafood’s upcoming outlet at Safra Punggol. Alternatively, catch up on the newest openings in town. 

Book a ride to One Holland Village to try modern Japanese fare at Ginkyo by Kinki. 

Do explore the new GrabFood Dine-in service for awesome deals.