CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails Sizzles Up Singapore Night Scene

An exciting new addition to Singapore’s night scene, CHIKIN (meaning “chicken” in colloquial Japanese) specializes in Szechuan Yakitori and exquisite cocktail infusions. The second and newest venue by lifestyle group Coterie Dining Concepts (the team behind popular Cantonese Tapas Bar, Sum Yi Tai), CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails was conceived with the aim of amping up the Yakitori experience through the devise of ‘Szechuan Mala’ skewers, an assortment of great Izakaya dishes and delicious cocktail concoctions within a buzzing atmosphere.

CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails – Concept & Philosophy

CHIKIN’s concept grew from a desire to marry the best of two Asian disciplines: the art of Japanese Yakitori and the mouthwatering flavours of Szechuan Shao Kao (meaning BBQ). From there sprouted a three-storey conservation shophouse dressed in Japanese pop art-themed murals, neon-lit walls, a crazy fun-filled attitude, and Singapore’s first Szechuan Yakitori bar.

“I have always loved the ease of Yakitori as a dinner choice, and I admire the skill it takes to deliver good Yakitori,” says Ms. Tay Eu-Yen, Co-Founder & CEO, “then on my trips to Chengdu, I fell in love with the taste of Szechuan peppercorn on skewers. The spice is delicious & goes perfectly with alcohol, which takes the edge off then leaves you wanting more! So we decided it was time for a spicy variation to disrupt the realm of traditional Yakitori.”

CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails – Space & Decor

Standing outside the Szechuan Yakitori bar, you will first get a sense of the quirkiness that characterizes CHIKIN from the black and white window display massed with an eclectic mix of iconic Japanese cartoon collectibles. Accentuating CHIKIN’s super fun and “anything goes” vibe, the interior walls are plastered with custom-designed installations and artworks by veteran Creative Director, Cheah Wei Chun. In line with the pop-culture theme, Cheah made use of fashion, music, art and cartoons that are reminiscent of 80’s Japanese pop nostalgia.

On the ground floor where a long bar and open kitchen sits, guests are greeted with wall-to-ceiling murals plastered with iconic Japanese pop art symbols that are enlivened with neon lights. Through a climb up the stairway, the bar opens up to a lounge-like dining space catered for sit- down dining and larger groups. A long bench is set against a splashy backdrop, where more pop art icons vivify a busy scene of merrymaking. Deeper into the dining hall, leather sofa seats are placed under a double void high ceiling, where a tastefully provocative art piece is framed in gold.

Over on the third floor, the fun continues with an open karaoke and dining attic where guests can belch out tunes to their hearts’ content over food and drinks. Doubling as a private party venue suited for corporate events, group gatherings or celebrations, guests can book out the entire attic at a minimum spend. The CHIKIN open karaoke and dining room is open from 8pm to 1pm and can only be accessed by reservation.

CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails – Eat

Using Japanese methods of grilling skewers over Binchotan flames, CHIKIN, however, ditches the traditional Japanese tare sauce & instead, spices up its Yakitori with a signature Szechuan peppercorn (or “mala”) sauce. A first in Singapore, this innovation to combine the Japanese technique of grilling skewers with the most addictive Szechuan spice, sets CHIKIN apart from other Yakitori joints.

As its name “CHIKIN” suggests, its Szechuan Yakitori menu carries 13 parts of the chicken including thigh, wing, heart, gizzard, tail, windpipe, skin, and cartilage, with other Kushiyaki (meat and vegetable) options. Affordably priced from $3 per skewer, diners are spoilt for choice with options. Available in original Szechuan or Less Spicy renditions, diners looking for a varied taste can opt for the Yakitori Platter for 10 skewers or 15 skewers at $30 and $40 respectively.

CHIKIN’s menu also boasts a variety of Izakaya style dishes to complete the dining experience. Among these are spicy variations of Japanese “tidbits” & comforting Japanese favourites. Highlights include cold dish options such as the refreshing Thinly-Sliced Salmon Cartilage in Spicy Sauce ($9), and the Chilled Japanese Sea Snails in Szechuan Spice ($14) for a bite with a flavourful kick.

Those looking for a satisfying crunch must try the crowd-favourite CHIKIN Karaage ($9) and the Unagi Garlic Fried Rice with Fish Roe ($12) which comes with generous slices of grilled eel and bursts of tobiko.

CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails – Drink

CHIKIN is proud of its infused cocktails, crafted by award-winning bartender Sam Wong. Sake, Whisky, Gin, & other spirits are infused with fresh ingredients over three to four days to achieve the optimum flavour for each cocktail. Each infusion is completed with garnishes & treatments to enhance the balance of flavours before serving.

CHIKIN boasts a bevvy of up to 20 different cocktails (all at $19 each and $15 each during Happy Hour), with a majority of 15 being cocktail infusions. Promising variety with its colourful range of infusions, favourites include the Dozo Mango, a light sake and gin infusion with tropical hints of mango and pineapple, and the spirit-forward Sumoki Raisin that mixes whisky, sherry, raisins, and smoked wood chips for complex sips with a whiff. Immersed in a medley of melons and other fruits, the Sake Sangria is a delicious and easy-to-drink pleaser, while the Gin & Ginseng presents an earthy botanical profile that is acquired and intriguing.

Alongside the infusions, the cocktail menu also serves up a couple of on-the-spot classics with a Japanese twist, such as the martini inspired Shiso my Mojo, and the Japanese Mojito.  In line with the Japanese + Szechuan theme, CHIKIN’s cocktails are mostly inspired by Japanese ingredients such as Shiso leaves & Kyoho grapes, but the list harbours a potent Szechuan Bloody Mary with 5 peppercorn spice levels to offer drinkers a spice challenge – The spicier you dare, the better you will fare! Ultimately, each of the cocktails are designed to ensure a mighty good night for all guests.

For those who prefer straight-up and fuss-free drinks, the bar carries Asahi Super Dry & Super Dry Black on tap, a strong list of great Sakes, a menu of natural & organic wines, as well as almost every Nikka whisky selection for the Japanese whisky lovers.

CHIKIN Szechuan Yakitori & Cocktails – Vibe

With its innovative Szechuan Yakitori, CHIKIN presents a deliberately over-the-top atmosphere with a light-hearted vibe to bring forth the fun side of Yakitori dining. Completed with happy tunes that span across the early 90s to current hits to encourage guests to sing along, the space is fashioned for lively gatherings with great food and drinks.

“At CHIKIN, it’s all about having a good time guzzling on Szechuan Yakitori and yummy spirits. If you start to get a little buzzed and want to dance, we’d say just get up and do it!” says Ms. Sandra Sim, Co-Founder & COO.