Ever since Mr Good introduced me to the charcoal grilled saba from Ginza Kuroson, it has been hard for me to go back to the greasier fried versions at the food courts and coffee shops. But with Ginza Kuroson’s saba priced at S$29++, it is not one I can eat often without breaking my bank. So imagine my excitement, when I found a satisfactory substitute at Kushiya!

When Kushiya first opened, it had only 5 counter seats in front of its small kiosk and they are always taken! After all, Kushiyaki (grilled meats) are best eaten freshly grilled so most people want to eat in.

Due to the limited seats, I am sometimes "forced" to eat elsewhere if I can't find a seat. But fortunately, Kushiya has now expanded to include 20 more seats so I don't have to cancel my Kushiya meal plans due to lack of seats!

Kushiya sells both Kushiyaki skewers and Kushiyaki Dons. The cheapest skewers (corn/onion/mushrooms) are S$1.80 Nett each and the most expensive ones (saba/squid) are S$6.90 Nett. Don (rice bowls) with grilled meats are priced from S$6.90 Nett onwards. At S$6.90 Nett, you can get a Sliced Pork/Beef Don while rice bowls with better cuts of meats will cost S$8.90 to S$10.90 Nett each. The Saba (Mackerel) Don is S$10.90 Nett while the Salmon Don is S$11.90 Nett. Each Don is served with Japanese rice topped with grilled meat/fish, lettuce, roasted seaweed, kimchi and half a soft boiled soya egg.

My favourite Don (rice bowl) at Kushiya is their Grilled Mackerel (Saba) Don. Kushiya uses charcoal grill so the moisture within the fish is retained while the fish skin takes on a slightly crispy texture. The smoky flavour that comes with charcoal cooking is also a plus point. While it does not beat the one at Ginza Kuroson, I definitely prefer this to the oilier deep fried Sabas. Anyway at this price, I have no complaints.

Apart from their Saba Don, other meat Dons are also a steal. Although priced competitively to ToriQ, I feel that Kushiya provides better tasting grilled meats that are juicier, less charred (the char-ness does vary day to day but generally they are less charred compared to ToriQ's) and less salty. Like ToriQ, you can also mix and match any grilled skewers with rice to make your own rice bowl.

But because Kushiya charcoal grills your food only upon order, be prepared for a longer waiting time (5-15 mins depending on the crowd). While I would recommend you their Dons, Kushiya is not such a great idea on days you just want to grab a skewer or two fast.