Hidden away in the basement of Liang Court is this longtime gem—a little izakaya-like joint that has been quietly pleasing diners with its comforting cuisine and variety of Japanese liquor. I went with what seemed to be the crowd favourite, the Simmered Pork Belly Set Meal ($17), also available a la carte.

The layer of fat on top may frighten dieters, but that's exactly what brings out the flavour of the braised pork. It goes together with the meaty flesh like butter on bread, melting deliciously in the mouth. It also comes with a perfectly molten ajitama tamago (ramen-style egg), which I enjoyed with the deliciously addictive braising sauce. The set came with pickles, creamy peanut beancurd (amazingly smooth texture, like panna cotta), and fried meat miso (an interesting Okinawan pork miso seasoned with sake and mirin). I swopped the white rice with seasoned rice (+$1) instead, and it was super worth it. Studded with seaweed, pork, and carrots, it was moist and flavourful.

Also ordered a small portion of Champloo (Bitter gourd, egg, and pork stir-fried with tofu, $6.80 for small, $8.80 for regular) because I just had to try it. It's easily the best bitter gourd dish I've had. Its bitterness balanced out by the sweetness of miso, the egg & tofu added great texture, even the pork was delightfully tender. While it was too much for a solo diner like myself, the generous portion could very well feed 2-3pax nicely. Definitely worth a try if comfort is what you're seeking, or just a change from the usual Japanese stuff.