[Update: The eatery's opening date has been shifted to Feb. 23, 2022. This article has been updated to reflect the new date.]
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The Dhoby Ghaut area will see a new haunt for affordable meals from Feb. 23, 2022.
Itchy Bun, a casual Japanese joint offering rice bowls and bar bites, is selling their mains from S$6.80.
Photo by Mandy How
It also serves alcohol like beer and sake.
The venture is fronted by Class 95 DJs Justin Ang and Vernon Anthonisz (better known as The Muttons), the same folks who started Fook Kin.
Photo via Muttons In The Morning/Facebook
Photo by Mandy How
(It's doing "very well," for those who are wondering.)
A very affable Ang confirms with Mothership that the relatively low prices are meant to attract students in the area (SOTA and SMU are both nearby).
Despite the slow-moving crowd thanks to Covid-19 (Prinsep was known for being a popular, if rowdy drinking spot a lifetime ago), Ang is confident that their quality and price point will attract diners.
We'll have to agree with Ang, especially for the rice bowls.
The Yakiniku Butadon (pork yakiniku, S$7.80) and Unagi Don (S$10.80) were filling and palatable options, and each bowl yielded a decent serving.
Left: Yakiniku Butadon. Right: Unagi Don. Photo by Mandy How.
The pickles were wasted on us, but the onsen egg and seaweed sheet served as welcomed additions in making the bowl more well-rounded.
Photo by Mandy How
Photo by Mandy How
Ang also ordered some small bites for us:
- Ika Geso Karaage (deep fried squid tentacles, S$11.80)
- Chicken Crackling with Spicy Ponzu Mayo (S$6.80)
- Spicy Tori Karaage with Spicy Ponzu Mayo or Yuzu Cream (S$7.80)
Our favourite was the Ika Geso Karaage, which was crisp yet meaty, while the fried chicken skin fared well too.
Ika Geso Karaage. Photo by Mandy How.
Chicken Crackling, which was not too greasy. Photo by Mandy How.
Spicy Tori Karaage. Photo by Mandy How.
Highlight items Itchy Buns were unfortunately not available on the day we visited, but we would return to try the Pork Belly Kakuni Bun (S$7.80 for two).
The duo also plan on pushing out lunch promotions once they open, but Ang noted that the dinner crowd might be hindered by the last order timing of 9:30pm.
"But yeah, we are very hopeful for a good dinner crowd," the DJ added.
In any case, here's the full menu at Itchy Bun:
Photo by Mandy How
Most of the rice bowls are under S$10, except the unagi and subarashii, which includes foie gras.
Photo by Mandy How
Ambience-wise it's pretty much what you'd expect at Prinsep Street, and we'd recommend outdoor seating if you like more breathing space in general.
Photo by Mandy How
Photo by Mandy How
If not, the eatery's interior has that snug Izakaya appeal, with a bar running alongside the tables.
Photo by Mandy How
Photo by Mandy How
Photo by Mandy How
Photo by Mandy How
Itchy Bun
Address: 44A Prinsep Street, Singapore 188674
Opening Date: Feb. 23, 2022
Top photo via The Muttons' Facebook page, Mandy How