PARCHED | CHIKIN RUN

The style at Chikin is pop-art, modern, and infused with tasty ideas. The peeps behind it are also doing the same for its food and drinks, making it modern, popping, and infused with spices.

Sure, you’re gonna check-in (see what we did there) and find pleasure in the szechuan yakitoris, since it’s their specialty. But what’s surprising is that the non-meat dishes are pretty good (more of that later). What’s even more surprising is that the cocktails here are done with a bit of creativity, a lot of flair and are well worth returning for. (All cocktails were created by award-winning bartender Sam Wong, of Ah Sam fame).

The best part? All cocktails are S$19 nett.

chikin cocktails3

Shiso My Mojo: Sake, shiso leaf, yuzu, calamansi. What can I say, it’s tasty and refreshing, and the martini glass is always chilled by its ice housing.

chikin roast cocktail

Roast & Rooster: Sake, genmaicha, passionfruit, egg white, basil lime. Another infusion that’s layered and plays well. The textured body is constantly pricked by surprising flavours. #Win

chikin old fashioned cocktail

Oold Fashioned: Whisky, oolong, honey, Angostura Bitters, orange peel. Honey may have been a better option than sugar or syrub, but it’s still sweet. The oolong is a good touch though, and makes this cocktail less potent (means you can drink more).

chikin clams2

The grub. Definitely go with the yakitoris, most of which have Szechuan spices/salt – ask for the less spicy version if you prefer. What we really love is a long list: Crispy baby squid in spicy yuzu; cod fish; ‘Asahi’ clams in spicy garlic butter dashi (above); raw octopus in wasabi and marinated egg yolk (very authentic); and unagi fried rice with fish roe. Everything feels kinda intense and spice-up, so a cold beer or a chunky cocktail will pair well.

chikin cocktail4

Sumoki Raisin (right): Whisky, sherry, raisins, smoked apple wood chips. Actually this is what we started with, since we wanted something spirit-forward, as usual.Highly recommended, reminds one of a Remember The Maine, but stands alone for a smoke decanter you can play with. (We’re easy to please.)

Parched verdict: The music could use some work, but it’s generally in the background, just tune it out. Otherwise, we’d return for sure: The food is worthy and so worth it, and the cocktails – at $19 each! – are champion.

Chikin, 6 Bukit Pasoh Road, tel: 6910-2742.

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