Ginkyō By Kinki - A Modern Day Japanese Bistro at One Holland Village

Dec 16, 2023

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Kinki opens its sister restaurant Ginkyō at the chic One Holland Village.

Venue: 7 Holland Village Way, #03-01 to 04, One Holland Village Singapore 275748
Opening Hours: Various, see below

Ginkyō by Kinki is inspired by the Icho Matsuri ‘Ginkgo Festival’ in Tokyo – an Autumnal custom where one and all gather to revel in the spectacle of ginkgo leaves taking on brilliant golden hues.

Located at One Holland Village, Ginkyō aims to redefine the Japanese dining experience with a playful blend of authenticity and contemporary creativity, expressed through its accessible bistro menu of global flavours in Japanese favourites and a lively, casual setting.

A Cosmopolitan of Flavours

A soothing neutral palette forms an elegant backdrop for subtle showcases of colourful elements reminiscent of Japanese Matsuris. The menu features a mix of small plates and generous mains, each with a distinct Japanese identity and all with a cosmopolitan twist.

The Menu

Made for sharing are an array of small plates, baos, and sticks, and Ginkyō’s exclusive rice crispies. Exclusive to Ginkyō are an assortment of bite-sized Ginkyō Crispies with decadent toppings. The Uni, Caviar, Ikura ($22) sees a medley of fresh Japanese seafood such as negitoro, uni and ikura; its luxury quotient taken up a notch with the addition of caviar and edible gold flakes. Other variations include the Spicy Tuna Belly ($14), and the Foie Gras & Scallops ($17), which marries the French delicacy with plump Hokkaido scallops.

Ginkyō’s version of the Italian arancini that is stuffed with gooey cheese comes with a tantalisingly spicy twist in the Kimchi Onigiri Arancini ($14). Deep-fried kimchi rice is filled with gorgonzola, then wrapped in seaweed, and served with kimchi aioli for an extra kick of spice. The Aubergine Tempura ($12), consisting of deep-fried eggplants alongside a tart sour plum cream and chopped pistachios, will also delight the taste buds with its clever blend of flavours.

Light yet punchy in flavour are the items from Ginkyō’s Raw Kitchen. Apart from Sashimi ($28 for an assorted set of 5, $50 for an assorted set of 8) and Sushi ($28 for an assorted set of 5, $50 for an assorted set of 8) crafted from a handpicked selection of sea-fresh catches straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market, fresh fish is also prepared in a variety of styles. The Italian-inspired Mikan Carpaccio ($25) features thinly sliced, orange-cured market fish and citrus liquor; while the Peruvian Swordfish Ceviche ($19) will tantalise with piquant salsa, served alongside crispy rice crackers.

From the Mains selection comes a mouth-watering array. The Okonomi-Rosti ($30) is a quirky take on the traditional okonomiyaki with shredded potatoes as the base instead of a pancake, along with cabbage, bacon, and Hokkaido scallops, topped with a generous amount of ‘dancing’ bonito flakes, mentaiko sauce and shredded seaweed. Other delicious mains include Miso Char Siew ($24) with Kurobuta pork and spicy honey miso, as well as the Squirrel Fish ($44) featuring a deep-fried catch of the day seasoned with paprika garlic miso.

The Best of Toyosu Market ($52) is a chirashi rice bowl combining the finest seafood of the day, blanketed under truffle shavings and a topping of caviar. To up the ante, diners can also choose to add on an onsen egg (+$4) or luxe Hokkaido uni (+$17).

Drinks

A range of Sensational Cocktails sees cocktails concocted with Japanese spirits and flavours by bartenders. Classics given a twist include the Kyoto Sour ($18), a smooth blend of Kinki’s private label sake, complemented by fresh lemon juice, pickled ginger, edible chrysanthemum petals, and a sheet of nori seaweed. A refreshing sweet and sour infusion, Japonica ($20) is a take on the Pisco Sour with a mix of Roku gin and fresh passionfruit; while the Blackout ($23) is a unique and bold blend with charcoal-infused shochu, Campari, and sweet vermouth.

Ginkyō’s range of libations also spans a reverie of sakes, wines, and draught beers. Alcohol-free sips such as the Grapefruit & Cucumber ($14) and Passion Fruit & Mint ($14) mocktails ensure that there is something for everyone.

The Space

Enter the restaurant through the abstracted Torii or Japanese ‘gateway’ frames, into a space glowing with the golden hues of falling Ginkgo leaves. The windows and facades, clad in metal and wood panels, draw inspiration from the curves of amigasa and uchiwa; harmoniously intertwined to transform Ginkyō into a visual ode to the joyous events that bring people of all ages together.

At the 20-seat alfresco area with high bar tables and lounge seats, enjoy a leisurely afternoon with the accompaniment of a refreshing wine, or enjoy the evening breeze under the sway of twinkling lights that remind one of celebrations under the stars.

The main dining area in three sections are defined by arched ceiling panels, each illuminated by spherical orbs reminiscent of Japanese lanterns. This thoughtful segmentation creates varied ambiences throughout the day, from the warm embrace of daylight to the intimate glow of evening. There are diverse seating options abound in this 60-seater, from cosy window-side dining booths to a stretch of banquette seats, and bar seats offering a view of the action. The upholstery, inspired by the indigo tones and vibrant prints of festival yutakas, further inject a pop of festive colours to the indoor space.