Keisuke Group Singapore opens Grilled Fish Keisuke in Tanjong Pagar

No need to fly all the way to Japan for authentic grilled fish — a brand-new spot in Tanjong Pagar is serving buttery, perfectly charred cuts right here in Singapore. 

Opened on November 20, Grilled Fish Keisuke brings a taste of Tokyo’s grill culture to the CBD, making it a great pick for lunches or relaxed dinners. 

The restaurant is part of Keisuke Singapore, founded by celebrated chef Keisuke Takeda, whose innovation in Japanese casual dining has shaped some of Singapore’s most recognisable concepts such as Charcoal Grill & Salad Bar at Paya Lebar Square, Scrambled Egg Rice Keisuke, Ramen Keisuke Singapore, and more.

Much like the Paya Lebar store, the new Tanjong Pagar branch also specialises in grilled fish — but with a slight shift in its offerings and price point. 

Grilled Fish Keisuke positions itself in a more premium tier here, serving higher-grade cuts, rather than the value-focused charcoal-grilled (sumiyaki) sets found at its Paya Lebar counterpart. Unlike the original outlet, this branch also does away with the free-flow salad bar.

Step inside and you’ll find a cosy setup built around counter-bar seating, where chefs grill each order right in front of you, with a few additional tables tucked around the space.

The restaurant is intimate and doesn’t take reservations, so expect a bit of a wait during peak hours.

Grilled protein

Keisuke’s menu centres on grilled fish, complemented by other protein options such as chicken, pork, and beef.

There are also complementary condiments available — similar to those offered at authentic Japanese eateries — including ika mentaiko (squid with cod roe), gyu shigure ni (soy-simmered beef), and karashi takana (spicy pickled mustard greens).

When ordering, you’ll be encouraged to go for the set rather than a la carte. Each set includes your chosen protein, served with rice, its signature tempura egg, miso soup, and a flask of Kyoto-style dashi broth ochazuke. 

And guess what — the rice is refillable, for free!

Set meal prices begin at S$16.90 for the tori momo shiokoji yaki set (grilled shio kohi chicken), while its most premium set caps out at S$32.90.

There are several new additions compared to the Paya Lebar outlet, and we were particularly impressed by the maguro kama yaki set (S$24.90 for a set, S$18.90 a la carte), which features grilled tuna collar, with an optional ikura add-on for S$8. The dish comes as a generous slab of fish that is buttery and well-seasoned, and we found ourselves finishing every last bit. 

While the ikura adds a touch of indulgence, it may not be the most worthwhile upgrade, though.

Another favourite was the gindara misozuke yaki set (S$28.90 for a set). Don’t be misled by its smaller size — the miso-marinated black cod is incredibly rich in flavour, with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that delivers a deep savouriness in every bite.

Apart from the variation of grilled fish, we tried the black angus beef steak (S$32.90 for a set, S$26.90 a la carte). It may not steal the spotlight from the fish, but it still drew an appreciative “mmm” with its tender bite, well-charred exterior, and savoury seasoning.

For more on what to eat, check out KFC’s new takoyaki-inspired Oiishi Zinger burger, and new hawker pasta stall Bronzo.