Along the Singapore River at the Robertson Quay area, there are many restaurants and bars with sophisticated atmosphere. At the corner of the area, there is an Izakaya called “Shunjuu” with slick feeling. There are motifs of raccoon dog on a wall, dim light, Sake bottles on a shelves, and good vibe with local and foreign customers.
First drink I had was locally brewed beer at Brewerk, unfiltered golden ale. Light sour aroma, soft bitter and sour taste with refreshing fizziness. Starter plate was a penne with prawn and mayonnaise. Beer goes well with mayonnaise taste.
Their signature dish, homemade century egg has balanced tofu like umami, sweetness, saltiness with thick taste. Its thick texture goes well with the beer, and no wonder there are repeater to Shunjuu just for this century egg.
First Sake I had was from Akita prefecture, Kariho Yamahai Junmai. Bland aroma of dry Sake, it goes smoothly through my tongue, bitter taste and numbness reaches to the throat. Grilled cheese has crunchy texture with sourness and umami.With sake, sweetness of cheese stands out.
Yakitori grilled with charcoal, and it makes crispy texture. Especially meat roll around asparagus does let umami of meat enhanced by Sake. Tsukune Minced chicken meat with rich teriyaki source has well balanced taste and crispy texture. Sake and meat umami blends together well.
Second sake I had was Nishinoseki Junmai from Oita prefecture. It has vanilla and glue like aroma, then caramel like sweet and bitter taste.
Fried oyster egg has aroma of the ocean, with thick umami. Together with Sake, Oyster umami comes first then bitterness of sake follows. Mentaiko spaghetti has sukiyaki like sweet umami, then spiciness follows. It matches well with sweetness of sake and gives numbness after. Last plate was Sesame ice cream with Azuki bean. Sake and desert cancels each sweetness and bitter sourness of sake stand out.
This Izakaya has unique blend of local taste and Japanese cuisine and of course a good selection of Sake bottles. So enjoy the new sake experience by the authentic riverside!
Shunjuu Izakaya
177 River Valley Rd, Liang Court, Singapore 179030
+65 6887 3577
Operating Hours
Mon – THU
12:00–14:30
18:00–23:00
FRI – SAT
12:00–14:30
18:00–23:30
SUN
12:00–14:30
18:00–23:00