If you love Japanese food and are looking for a casual dining spot in Singapore, Buta Kizoku at Bugis Junction might just be your next go-to. Located conveniently inside Bugis Junction mall, this Japanese izakaya brings together the lively spirit of a Tokyo back alley with the comfort of affordable food and drinks.
Unlike fancy fine dining restaurants, Buta Kizoku is all about sharing plates, sipping on refreshing beverages, and enjoying the cozy, casual atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind after work, have a hearty meal with friends, or even go solo with a bowl of ramen or shabu-shabu.
What Makes Buta Kizoku Special 🍢
Buta Kizoku, which translates to “Pig Aristocrat,” lives up to its name by specializing in pork-centric dishes, particularly yakitori (grilled skewers). Located at Bugis Junction #02-48, it’s perfect for both casual diners and food enthusiasts looking for authentic Japanese flavors.
The skewers here are grilled over charcoal and finished with a flame torch to achieve that perfect char, creating an irresistible aroma and taste that keeps people coming back.
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Must-Try Skewers 🌟
Buta Kizoku offers over 20 varieties of skewers, with prices starting from just S$1.8 per stick. Here are some favorites:
- 1. Shio Belly (S$2): Juicy pork belly seasoned with sea salt.
- 2. Teriyaki Pork Belly (S$3.50): Sweet, smoky, and glazed with rich teriyaki sauce.
- 3. Mentaiko Mayo Collar (S$3.50): Pork collar topped with creamy spicy cod roe mayo.
- 4. Avocado Tartar Collar (S$3.50): A fusion of buttery avocado and tangy tartar sauce.
- 5. Cheese Series (S$3.50 each): Toppings like garlic, Hokkaido, yuzu, and mentai, all melted to perfection.
- 6. Mushroom Skewers (S$3.80): Enoki, shiitake, and eryngii mushrooms wrapped in pork belly for a delightful bite.
The skewers alone are enough to make Buta Kizoku a go-to spot for both lunch and dinner in Bugis.
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More Than Just Skewers 🍜
While skewers are the highlight, the menu also includes other delicious dishes:
- Shabu-Shabu Sets: Perfect for sharing, the hotpot features thinly sliced meats with fresh vegetables in a comforting broth.
- Donburi & Ramen: Hearty rice bowls and ramen provide a filling option if you’re looking for a solo meal.
- Sides & Snacks: Crispy fried squid, karaage chicken, and their famous Buta Mentai Mayo are crowd favorites.
- Drinks: Wash it all down with a refreshing Calpis, cocktails, or a cold beer.
These dishes complement the skewers perfectly, creating a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
My Dining Experience at Buta Kizoku
On my visit to Buta Kizoku, I decided to go all in and try a good variety of their dishes. Here’s what I ordered:
Kizoku Calpis & Kizoku Passionfruit:
Both drinks were refreshing, with the Calpis giving a creamy, tangy kick while the Passionfruit had a fruity sweetness that paired perfectly with fried food.
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Soba Chicken Karaage Mentai:
Crispy fried chicken mentai paired with soba noodles, a comforting combination that balanced crunch and slurp-worthy noodles.
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Iberico Pork Shabu-Shabu Set:
The highlight of the meal. The pork slices were tender and flavorful, fresh vegetables with a sweet candy corn, fish ball, and pork meat ball, cooking quickly in the bubbling broth. Definitely a must-try for pork lovers.
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Fried Squid:
Golden, crunchy, and addictive. The portion was generous enough for sharing.
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Buta Mentai Mayo:
A standout dish with savory pork slices layered with creamy, torched mentai mayo rich and indulgent.
Chicken Shio Skewer:
Simple, lightly salted, and perfectly grilled. Sometimes the simplest skewer is the most satisfying.
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Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
No izakaya experience is complete without drinks. Buta Kizoku has a carefully curated beverage menu:
- 1. Kizoku Highball (S$12): A refreshing cocktail made with premium Japanese spirit, Tumugi.
- 2. Freshly Tapped Sapporo Beer: Perfect for pairing with skewers.
- 3. Non-Alcoholic Options: Juices, sodas, and soft drinks are available for those who prefer lighter options.
Each drink is chosen to enhance the flavors of your meal, making your dining experience even more enjoyable.
Affordable Dining💰
Despite its prime location in Bugis, Buta Kizoku is surprisingly affordable. Skewers start at S$1.80, and set lunches are available from S$9.90, offering great value without compromising quality. This makes it ideal for casual meals, date nights, or group gatherings.
Other Branches: Buta Kizoku 豚貴族 @ Westgate
- Outlet: Buta Kizoku 豚貴族 @ Westgate
- Opening Hours: Everyday, 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
Final Thoughts
Buta Kizoku at Bugis Junction offers a delightful mix of authentic Japanese cuisine, affordable prices, and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re a fan of grilled skewers, hearty shabu-shabu, or refreshing cocktails, there’s something for everyone.
My own experience trying dishes like the Iberico Pork Shabu-Shabu Set, Buta Mentai Mayo, Fried Squid, and Chicken Shio Skewer, paired with Kizoku Calpis and Kizoku Passionfruit, left me fully satisfied and eager to return.
If you’re in Bugis and looking for an affordable yet memorable Japanese izakaya experience, Buta Kizoku should definitely be on your list.
