Kokoro Izakaya has opened at Lau Pa Sat, bringing a distinctly Japanese day-to-night dining concept into one of the city’s most recognisable food destinations. By day, it caters to office workers with wallet-friendly Japanese lunch sets from just S$9.90 nett. By night, the space shifts into a lively izakaya serving charcoal-grilled skewers, oden, sake and ice-cold beers.
From Affordable CBD Lunch Spot to After-Work Izakaya
Available on weekdays, Kokoro Izakaya’s value lunch menu starts from just S$9.90 nett, with options including the Tori Katsu Don Set (S$9.90 nett), Pork Katsu Kare Set (S$10.90 nett) and Salmon Teriyaki Don Set (S$11.90 nett).
Each set comes with potato salad and green tea, making it one of the more affordable Japanese meal options in the heart of the CBD. Diners can also opt for dishes such as Tori Pai Tan Ramen, Sautéed Udon with Asari Clam and Wagyu Beef Don.
Image from Kokoro Izakaya
When Lau Pa Sat Comes Alive After Dark
The restaurant’s evening menu revolves around the Japanese izakaya experience — casual drinking, sharing plates and skewers fresh off the grill.
More than 15 varieties of skewers are grilled over premium binchotan charcoal, a traditional Japanese charcoal prized for producing intense heat with minimal smoke. The result is a distinctive charred aroma that izakaya fans often seek out.
Skewers start from S$3.90 and include:
- Tebasaki (Chicken Wing)
- Tori Tsukune (Chicken with Potato)
- Sunagimo (Chicken Gizzard)
- Hotate Scallop
- Wagyu Beef
Beyond skewers, Kokoro also serves a range of Japanese comfort dishes that pair naturally with drinks and group gatherings.
A highlight is its traditional oden, simmered in a light dashi broth. Diners can order individual items from S$3 each, a three-item combination for S$7.90, or a seven-item assortment for S$17.90.
Other notable dishes include:
- Salmon Cheese Harumaki (S$5.90)
- Tori Shippo Karaage (S$8.90), made using chicken tail
- Mentaiko Potato (S$11.90)
- Yaki Surume Ika Grilled Squid (S$22.90)
- Hyogo Oysters from S$19.90
The Hyogo oysters are available with ponzu sauce, aburi mentaiko or aburi mozzarella cheese, giving diners several ways to enjoy them.
Images from Kokoro Izakaya
Sake, Highballs and Japanese Beers
No izakaya is complete without drinks.
Kokoro’s beverage menu includes Japanese staples such as Suntory Highball from S$9.90, Sapporo Beer from S$9 per bottle and Kirin Draft Beer at S$14 per pint. Sake drinkers can also explore a selection that includes labels such as Ozeki Sakura Beauty 45 Junmai and Okunomatsu Shibun Maki Junmai Sake.
