Sake, Sound and Soul

Fumi and Takako Tamura opened Tamura Sake Bar in 2019, blending two of their greatest passions: sake and music. While there’s no space for live performances, music still plays a central role. The venue is part sake bar, part Japanese eatery, and part record store.

Izakaya vibes with a twist

Inspired by traditional izakayas, the space offers a warm, communal feel—with a twist. Instead of a chef at the centre, there’s a bartender and a turntable spinning vinyl. Jet-black walls set the tone, adorned with bonsai trees, Hello Kitty lunchboxes, vintage electronics, and quirky Japanese memorabilia, alongside shelves of sake and imported records from Tokyo.

Third wave sake and inventive pours

Tamura’s drinks list focuses on what he calls “third wave sake”—innovative styles from young brewers and micro-distilleries, many of which are unfiltered, unpasteurised, and as surprising as natural wine. But there’s more to sip than just sake. The bar also serves craft beers, plum and yuzu wines, and Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Coco Niseko, a mix of coffee shochu, rum, coconut syrup, and tonic. There’s even a house brew—the Tamura Rice XPA—created in collaboration with Temple Brewing.

Share plates with crunch and character

The food menu leans into classic izakaya-style small plates. The Japanese fried chicken is bright and tangy with notes of citrus, sugar, and vinegar. Yakitori selections might include mentaiko-topped chicken breast with cheese, sweet soy-glazed tsukune meatballs, or smoky chargrilled chicken thigh. For the adventurous, crispy salmon skin and salty blistered chicken skin deliver maximum crunch and flavour.

Mains worth lingering for

Hearty mains like Japanese katsu curry—served with purple rice, vegetables, mayo, and shredded cheese—and big bowls of chicken or vegan ramen round out the offering. For something quick and satisfying, the katsu sando is a go-to.