Homura by Kai Izakaya emerged in 2023 as a rebranding of the space formerly occupied by Sushi Aki, bringing Chef Issey Araki's culinary vision to Orchard Plaza. Located at #03-16, this hidden yakitori omakase gem offers both omakase experiences and à la carte dining, showcasing authentic Japanese cuisine with excellent service in an intimate setting.
The restaurant has garnered praise for its superb food quality, good vibes, and friendly staff who create a welcoming atmosphere despite the sophisticated nature of the cuisine. Homura specialises in yakitori omakase, serving grilled dishes prepared with skill and precision over traditional charcoal. The Japandi-style decor, mellow lighting, and location overlooking bustling Orchard Road create an excellent dining experience that balances authenticity with contemporary comfort.
As part of the KAI group (which also operates KAI Yakitori on level 4), Homura benefits from established expertise in Japanese grilled cuisine. The intimate size creates an exclusive feel, while the staff's approachability ensures diners don't feel intimidated by the sake list or menu selections. For those seeking an authentic izakaya experience that delivers both quality and warmth, Homura by Kai has quickly established itself as a must-try destination in Orchard Plaza's impressive Japanese dining scene.
8895 5070
Orchard Road
Operating Hours
Closed
Opens Monday at 6 pm
Monday
6–11 pm
Tuesday
6–11 pm
Wednesday
6–11 pm
Friday
6–11 pm
Saturday
(Today)
6–11 pm
Sunday
Closed
Price Distribution
$100+81%
$80–904%
$90–1004%
Our Menu
Menu Highlights
Clay Pot Rice
Chef's Signature
Nagasaki Nodoguro
$158.00
Hokkaido Hairy Crab
$158.00
Hokkaido Hotate
$88.00
Shizuoka Unagi
$88.00
Seasonal Clay Pot Rice
Ask
Menu Highlights
Omakase
S$188
A la carte Otoshi
S$8
It belongs to the Izakaya culture, and can be considered a table charge. You will be served with a small dish. (compulsory appetizer)
Menu Highlights
Black Pepper Pork Keema Curry
$16.00
Carbonara by Bonit Soup Stock
Hakata Spicy Pasta
$18.00
Dipping Ramen with Mala Sesame Sauce
$22.00
Warabi Mochi
$8.00
Kumamoto Jersey Milk Ice Cream
$6.00
Photo Gallery
A close-up of two fried croquettes served with chopped green onions and sauce.
A menu featuring Japanese clay pot rice dishes with various seafood and eel options.
A menu page for Homura by Kai Izakaya, detailing Omakase and A la carte options.
A steaming bowl of ramen with a rich broth, topped with minced meat, nori, and a perfectly cooked egg.
Four grilled chicken wings served with a side of spice mix and wasabi.
A menu featuring Japanese rice and noodle dishes, including curry, pasta, and ramen, plus desserts.
A steaming bowl of ramen with pork slices, soft-boiled eggs, and nori seaweed.
Close-up of grilled squid skewers served on a decorative plate.
A person holding a pot of steaming corn, zucchini, and shrimp.
A platter of assorted sashimi with wasabi and garnishes on a wooden table.
A delicate Japanese dish featuring fish, nori, and shiso leaf on a decorative plate.
Grilled chicken skewers served on a decorative plate with spices and a dollop of green paste.
A chef cooks skewers over an open flame at a Japanese izakaya counter.
A close-up of a sashimi platter with various fish, squid, wasabi, and a drink.
A close-up of a small bowl filled with rice and shredded ingredients, served with a spoon.
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A chef prepares food over an open flame in a restaurant kitchen.
A steaming bowl of Japanese soup with chicken, eggplant, and scallions.
A close-up of a beautifully plated dish with grilled meat and fresh greens.
Crispy fried croquettes served with sauce and garnished with chopped green onions.
Slices of grilled duck with a side of green paste served on a decorative plate with chopsticks.
Grilled eel served with wasabi and grated radish on a decorative plate.
Two delicious Japanese dishes, curry rice and creamy pasta, served at Homura by Kai Izakaya.
A close-up of a sushi roll with fish and rice on nori seaweed.
Interior of an izakaya with a long wooden counter, bar stools, and a kitchen in the background.
A close-up of a decorative bowl filled with a savory, chopped green dish, likely a Japanese appetizer.
Do not recommend to come here if
-You want to enjoy the atmosphere and happy relaxing time (the owner keeps scolding his stuff and humiliating them. And stuff are so afraid of the owner and no smiles in the restaurant. The owner was not welcoming customers and even did not say welcome when I entered)
-You are not the fan of MSG (I witnessed he used a lot of MSGs to the dishes unlike authentic Japanese food)
-You care about hygiene (The ducts are very oily and kitchen are not well cleaned unlike Japanese restaurant, I suppose he does not clean every day)
Lastly but not least, ordered Char coal Gtilled duck, and I was expecting the raw duck meat to be grilled but it was just a grilled smoke duck. And the grill was only surface and the inside was not hot enough. What a cheat!
Positive Reviews
Yansin Lim
Was a bit apprehensive as I saw some reviews about poor service, long wait times and expensive food. However, that was not my experience. For context, I was there at around 6pm+ on a Saturday evening, and it took about 2hrs+ for the whole meal. There was a bit of a wait, but not that bad as dishes were brought out one at a time so we could also eat comfortably in the small counter space. We spent $140+ for 2 pax, with drinks each and about 5 dishes altogether. The staff was thoughtful enough to split the pasta into two portions to make it easy for me and my dining partner. Food was very delicious with a fair variety of Japanese style pasta and other izakaya dishes.
Hungry Happy
Food is good (like Kai Izakaya). Interesting twist of food on menu and even starter was way above other izakayas. I didn't go for the omakase but ended up with a bill that is similar if I would have gone for it. Food quality is very good and is actually more like a restaurant as it is not as causal as an izakaya. Be ready to pay. While I like the food, I imagine causal food options when I am in the mood for izakayas. Recommend this place, but don't go thinking it is "casual" or affordable. Oh yes, if you like umei soda - it is an excellent idea to order one. Tastes different from other places!
Long
Walked in and was lucky to have the last 2 seats. Very interesting food, the bill got huge due to the long wait for food so we just kept drinking. Sakes are reasonably priced. The smoked food is worth the wait.
June Blog
From the start to the end, there is never one moment that I did not enjoy. Love the Smokey woody scent infused with the food.
Last part we could not finish the rice. The shallots scallops with rice was so yummy but we were too overloaded 😂😂. Everything below 👇🏻 is a MUST- ORDER 🥹🥹
Wine was shared by a super nice guy siting next to us whilst chatting about markets. Sake was amazingly smooth (no picture)
Lucas Lam
Amongst the treasure trove of hidden culinary gems in Orchard Plaza lies Homura by Kai, yet another hidden find nestled on the third floor.
Service was excellent, and food outstanding. A slight pity that we missed the new batch of seafood that was due to arrive tomorrow and thus a few dishes were OOS, but the rest that we had were cooked very well.
Their signature claypot rice was fragrant, full of umami and went well with the side dishes. The smoked tuna cheek was another highlight if you like smokey flavors.
The izakaya features all-counter seatings, allowing you to watch the chef at work. He did come across slightly grumpy compared to the rest of the service stuff though, not sure why.
Prices were on the slightly pricier side so be prepared to splurge a little if you are looking for a complete meal here, would otherwise highly recommend to give them a try!
