As we settle into Phase Two (Heightened Alert), I’ve been catching up on slice-of-life television series Midnight Diner and Izakaya Bottakuri on Netflix. Other than tugging at my heartstrings, both shows make me miss dining at a Japanese izakaya.

Even though the ambience makes up a big part of the izakaya experience, the food is always guaranteed to be comforting and heartwarming. Some of our local Japanese izakayas have adapted to the current measures, making it easy for us to enjoy their offerings in the comfort of home.

You’ll still be able to feast the evening away with plenty of izakaya grub and alcohol, thanks to these delivery and takeaway options.

Yujin Izakaya

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Images: Yujin Izakaya

Hailing from the Les Amis Group is Yujin Izakaya, a modern izakaya that puts an edgy spin on the classics. The ala-carte menu features items like the popular Katsu Sando ($21.19), Ebi Somen ($23.54), and I kid you not, Fugu Mirinboshi ($15.30), or dried pufferfish.

Go for the bundles if you’re spoilt for choice. Choose from dishes like Saba Shioyaki and Tori Karaage in the Nihonshu Setto ($78) for two — perfect for date night. Those who wish to complete their izakaya experience can pick their poison from a selection of sake, shochu, and wine.

Order from Yujin Izakaya: Oddle, GrabFood, foodpanda, Deliveroo

Shukuu Izakaya

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Images: Shukuu Izakaya

Shukuu Izakaya is no stranger to the Japanese dining scene, being one of the most perpetually buzzy izakayas out there. Head straight for crowd favourites such as the Rosti Mentai ($10), Tori Kara-Age ($10), and assorted kushiyaki (skewered grilled meat). There are also fixed set menus, bento sets, and sushi sets for the uninitiated. Get the Entertainment Set ($38) if you’re in for a long night of drinking. Think bar bites like fried chicken skin with ponzu and deep-fried river shrimp.

Their extensive sake menu features seasonal specials from different prefectures in Japan. Ordering any of the three set menus will entitle you to a 10 percent discount on a 720ml bottle of sake.

Order from Shukuu Izakaya: Call 6327 9240 or Whatsapp

Izakaya 95

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Images: Izakaya 95

Situated all the way in Punggol is Izakaya 95, a unique waterfront izakaya often thronged by Northeast-siders. You can’t go wrong with their signature Kagoshima Buta Teriyaki ($18), Nikinu Fried Rice ($7), and Asari Bata Yaki ($17), which are Asari clams in a buttery sauce. They also have a wide selection of robatayaki (charcoal-grilled) skewers that’ll please every palate. For instance, those with a penchant for the exotic can feast to their heart’s content on the Chicken Innards Set ($17) and Pork Innards Set ($17). Otherwise, you can keep it simple with the more toned-down Chicken Set ($17) or Vegetables Set ($15).

Alcohol is not included in the delivery and takeaway menu so you’ll have to settle your own.

Order from Izakaya 95: Take.sg, GrabFood

Daya Izakaya

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chicken karaage

Images: Daya Izakaya

Muslim-owned Daya Izakaya prides itself on being Singapore’s only halal izakaya. This alcohol-free establishment dishes out popular Japanese staples like Fried Chicken Karaage ($8.69), Spicy Mentai Salmon Roll ($14.90), and even Japanese Hotpot ($22.36) with beef, chicken, or seafood. If you’ve got more mouths to feed, the Stay Home Family Meals (from $53.41) are value-for-money, offering a fixed selection of sides and mains like Yakiniku Don and Chicken Teriyaki Don with miso soup.

A small drink menu consisting primarily of Sangaria sodas is available. Why not give the fun Fuwatto Melon Cream Soda Juice a try?

Order from Daya Izakaya: Hungryy

Feature image by Yujin Izakaya