Is there a place in Singapore that delivers fresh Japanese fare without inflating the bill? Kaiyo Sushi & Grill answers that with precision. Located at 112 Yio Chu Kang Road, this neighborhood eatery has built a steady reputation for delivering authentic Japanese cuisine without sacrificing affordability or quality.
Rooted in Experience, Driven by Quality
Kaiyo Sushi & Grill isn’t new to the scene. Established on July 5, 2019, and led by Chef Long-san, a veteran with over 30 years of Japanese culinary expertise, the restaurant stands on a foundation of technical skill and product integrity. After relocating from 13 Teck Chye Terrace, Kaiyo found its footing in the Serangoon/Kovan district, drawing patrons seeking an honest Japanese dining experience.
Chef Long-san’s connection to the cuisine runs deep, and it shows in every dish served—from precise cuts of sashimi to thoughtful grilled items. The decision to move locations likely reflects a desire to improve customer access while aligning better with the restaurant’s evolving goals.
The Menu: Traditional, Rich, and Considered
The strength of Kaiyo’s offerings lies in its variety. Each category within the menu is designed to accommodate both the casual diner and the seasoned enthusiast.
1. Sashimi and Sushi Selections
The sashimi here isn’t a side character—it’s the lead. Selections include:
- Ootoro (fatty tuna belly)
- Chutoro (medium-fatty tuna belly)
- Salmon
- Hamachi (yellowtail)
- Uni (sea urchin)
Premium assorted platters rotate based on freshness. The Kaiyo California Roll with aburi salmon presents a local favorite—flame-seared, richly flavored, and consistently ordered.
2. Chirashi Bowls with Substance
Kaiyo’s chirashi bowls aren’t just colorful—they’re functional meals. A layer of seasoned rice topped with thick, fresh sashimi slices ensures both flavor and satiety. Diners often praise the balance of taste and quantity, with these bowls often seen as the best value on the menu.
3. Grilled and Steamed Sets That Deliver
The restaurant’s grilled and steamed dishes take a more robust approach:
- Beef Seiro Set – Pan-fried beef draped in house-made teriyaki sauce
- Iberico Pork Seiro Set – Pork collar finished with a distinctive yuzu sauce
- Unagi Seiro Set – Eel, grilled for flavor depth
Each set typically includes rice, miso soup, and sides that round out the meal.
4. Supporting Cast That Deserves a Spotlight
Beyond the core items, Kaiyo offers:
- Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard)
- Fresh oysters
- Foie gras with unagi
- Tempura udon and soba
- Grilled yakitori skewers
These additions give diners flexibility. Those avoiding raw fish have equally engaging alternatives. The steak, in particular, appeals to patrons looking for a richer profile.
Customer Feedback: Strengths and Considerations
The local response paints a picture of consistency with room for tuning.
Strengths Cited Repeatedly
- Freshness of ingredients, especially seafood
- Authenticity of flavors, attributed to Chef Long-san’s deep training
- Portion sizes, offering real value across both bowls and sets
- Service quality, often tied to the presence of Chef Long-san and Manager Charmaine
This combination keeps regulars returning and builds word-of-mouth reputation within the community.
Feedback for Refinement
- Occasional inconsistency with certain hot dishes, especially steak
- Rice portions in some sets occasionally fall short for heavier appetites
- Parking difficulty during peak times
- Takeaway packaging for sushi needing better structural integrity
- Service delays when the restaurant runs lean on staff
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re details that matter in shaping repeat visits.
Ambience: Simplicity with Purpose
Kaiyo doesn’t aim to impress with décor. Its interior reflects a clean and casual setup. The focus is kept on the food. Diners are welcomed into a quiet and warm space, ideal for both solo meals and small group dining. It feels personal—fitting for its role in a residential neighborhood.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Kaiyo is neither budget nor expensive. It strikes a middle ground. Items like premium sashimi carry justified premiums, but the majority of the menu maintains a value-for-money reputation. Set meals and chirashi bowls remain the best examples of cost-efficiency without cutting corners.
Operations and Access
- Location: 112 Yio Chu Kang Rd, Singapore 545580
- Phone: +65 8668 2181
- Operating Hours:
- Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Delivery & Pickup: Available daily, with extra evening hours Friday to Sunday
- Online Updates: Facebook Page
Kaiyo accepts dine-in reservations and offers island-wide delivery and takeaway options. Given peak-hour traffic, booking ahead is advised.
Kovan’s Culinary Map and Kaiyo’s Role Within It
Kovan isn’t short on dining options. From cafes to food courts, the area feeds a wide spectrum of tastes. Kaiyo adds depth to that map with its focused Japanese offering. Where others cater to fusion or trend-driven menus, Kaiyo holds steady to heritage.
That difference defines its identity. It doesn’t need hype. It banks on craftsmanship, quality sourcing, and a team that believes in what’s being served.
Summary: Why Kaiyo Matters
- Veteran chef with 30+ years in Japanese cuisine
- Deep menu with raw, grilled, and steamed options
- Strong value via portion size and pricing balance
- Honest service with real community rapport
- A consistent player in a busy F&B neighborhood
Kaiyo Sushi & Grill is the kind of place that lets food speak first—and often, that’s all diners need.
