Ne Ne Neko — Japanese izakaya and cafe at PLQ plaza with skewers, sharing plates & alcoholic drinks

If you’re out and about in Paya Lebar, doing some shopping or running some errands, you might have spotted Ne Ne Neko at the plaza, just outside PLQ Mall.

During the day, Ne Ne Neko operates as a cafe serving an assortment of food and coffee. Looking for something light? They have you covered with Japanese sandwiches like Ajitamago Sando (S$15) and Chicken Katsu Sando (S$17).

On weekdays from 11am to 2.30pm, the Don Lunch Set includes free-flow miso soup, sencha, one side dish and fresh fruits— perfect for those looking for something substantial to give them fuel for the whole afternoon.

Select from choices like Mapo Tofu Don (S$14.90) and Chicken Nanban Don (S$18.90).

As the sun winks its way towards bedtime, this joint morphs into a bustling izakaya bar, ready to paint the town red!

While you’re there, take advantage of the Happy Hour (10am – 7pm daily) where you can savour Kabukin Whisky Highball or Umeshu Yamazaki Casked Highball at just S$10 each.

We got the ball rolling with dishes from the Otsumami (small plates) and Agemono (fried dishes) section.

The Koebi Karaage (S$8.90) was perfectly fried, allowing me to enjoy the entire small shrimp with its head and shell. To enhance the experience, squeeze some tangy lemon and dunk them in Japanese mayo. The Chawanmushi (S$3.90) was silky smooth and had mushroom slices.

I also enjoyed the Saikoro Steak (S$18.90) which had tender and succulent beef cubes, jazzed up with aromatic garlic oil and crowned with fried garlic chips. It came with a dollop of wasabi for a dose of fiery excitement.

The Ikura Tamago (S$14.50) left me slightly underwhelmed in the texture department— not as fluffy and creamy as I’d hoped. It veered towards the drier, harder side. But at least it still packed a punch in terms of flavour, especially when those salty bursts of salmon roe came into play!

We also dabbled in some skewer action from the Robatayaki (grilled skewers). My favourites were the Imo Mochi (S$3), Shisamo (S$3) and Mentaiko Yakitori (S$3.60).

The Kinako Dango (3pcs) (S$5.90) was an interesting combination of Japanese dumplings paired with cheese foam, sweet shoyu and roasted bean powder, served warm.

Although the skin of the dumplings was slightly thick, the flavour of the creamy cheese, sweet soya sauce and the earthy notes of the roasted bean somehow all came together in perfect harmony— I was utterly intrigued!

If you’re looking for a place to chit-chat while getting some food and drinks, Ne Ne Neko is your go-to for your next dinner rendezvous.

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