There is a distinct pleasure in finding a place that feels like it belongs entirely to you, a quiet sanctuary hidden away from the relentless pace of the city. I visited on a Tuesday around 7pm, seeking exactly that kind of refuge. Amoy Street is famous for its vibrant, bustling dining scene, but finding The Flying Squirrel Singapore requires a bit of deliberate intention. Tucked away in a narrow alley at 92 Amoy Street, #01-02, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a well-kept secret among friends. You have to actively look for the unassuming entrance tucked in the alley, but once you step inside, the payoff is immediate.
The transition from the humid, noisy street to the cool, intimate interior of this hidden sushi bar is incredibly grounding. It feels like a small slice of a quiet Tokyo neighborhood has been transported to Singapore. The Flying Squirrel is not trying to compete with the grand, expansive dining halls in the area. Instead, it offers a deeply personal, cozy environment that invites you to slow down, order a drink, and simply breathe.
The Flying Squirrel Singapore: Atmosphere and First Impressions on Amoy Street
Stepping inside, the ambiance strikes a careful balance between rustic and refined. The space is undeniably compact. The concrete walls, warm wooden accents, and low lighting create an atmosphere that feels both industrial and welcoming. It is the kind of place where conversations naturally drop to a murmur, making it ideal for a quiet catch-up or a relaxed after-work dinner with friends.
I noticed the seating is quite tight. The tables are small, and the layout is designed for intimacy rather than sprawling groups. If you are planning to visit with more than four friends, you will definitely want to reconsider or ensure you book well in advance. The air conditioning was pleasantly cool but not freezing, providing a comfortable escape from the evening heat outside. The decor is subtle, with small, thoughtful touches that reflect a modern Japanese aesthetic without tipping into cliché.
Discovering the Flying Squirrel’s Delicious Food and Drinks on Amoy St.
The Flying Squirrel positions itself as a Japanese fusion tapas bar, which means the menu encourages sharing and exploration. I arrived quite hungry, eager to see how their playful interpretations stacked up against traditional expectations.
Japanese Sushi Tacos at 92 Amoy Street ($18 for 2 pieces)
I had to start with their famous Japanese Sushi Tacos, opting for the spicy tuna and the yuzu seafood ceviche. When they arrived, the presentation was immediately striking. The “taco shell” is actually a delicately fried, impossibly crisp sheet of seaweed tempura.
The spicy tuna taco delivered a surprisingly robust kick, with the creamy, rich fish contrasting beautifully against the brittle, shattering crunch of the seaweed. The generous topping of tobiko added a pleasant, salty pop to every bite. The yuzu seafood ceviche taco was equally impressive, offering a bright, citrusy acidity that cut through the richness of the fried shell. It is a brilliant, playful concept that actually tastes as good as it looks. However, it is worth noting that they are relatively small. At $18 for two pieces, they sit firmly in the premium snack category rather than a filling appetizer.
TFS Filler Barachirashi ($28) – A Sashimi Delight
Seeking something more substantial, I ordered the TFS Filler Barachirashi. A good chirashi bowl is often the best measure of a sushi bar’s commitment to quality. The bowl arrived generously loaded with thick, large diced cuts of sashimi.
The fish was undeniably fresh, gleaming under the warm overhead lights. The salmon, tuna, and yellowtail were firm and sweet, resting on a bed of well-seasoned rice. Every spoonful offered a clean, satisfying taste of the ocean. It is a highly comforting, grounding dish that hits all the right traditional notes while feeling generous and thoughtfully prepared.
Salmon Harasu ($24) – The Fatty Salmon Experience
Finally, I tried the Salmon Harasu, which is their fatty salmon belly. It was served both raw and lightly aburi (torched), accompanied by a yuzu kosho ponzu sauce. The raw slices were exceptionally rich, melting across the palate with a buttery smoothness.
The torched pieces, however, were the absolute standout. The brief kiss of the flame rendered the fat, bringing out a deeply savory, smoky aroma that paired perfectly with the sharp, peppery bite of the yuzu kosho ponzu. It is a delicate, luxurious dish that demands to be eaten slowly.
A Duck Dish Surprise and a Minor Disappointment
In addition to the seafood, I noticed the menu also featured a smoked duck dish, which I was keen to try next time. Duck is not commonly found in Japanese fusion restaurants, so this was an intriguing offering that adds a unique flavor profile to the Flying Squirrel’s food selection.
However, I must mention a slight misstep during my visit. My dining companion ordered a side of fried chicken karaage ($12). Unfortunately, it arrived over-fried and quite tough. The meat lacked the juicy tenderness you expect from good karaage, and the batter was under-seasoned, relying heavily on the accompanying mayonnaise for flavor. We also both felt unusually thirsty after the meal, suggesting a slightly heavy hand with the sodium in some of the marinades.
Service and Sake Recommendations: Friendly and Kind Staff at The Flying Squirrel Singapore
The service at The Flying Squirrel is genuinely warm and unpretentious. Despite the restaurant being quite full by 8pm, the staff never seemed frantic. Our waitress was particularly kind and helpful, guiding us through the menu with quiet confidence.
She offered spot-on sake recommendations that perfectly complemented the fatty salmon and the spicy tacos. It is rare to find service that feels so intuitively attuned to the pace of your evening. They know when to check in and when to leave you to your conversation, making the entire dinner feel relaxed and special.
Practical Tips for Finding and Enjoying The Flying Squirrel on Amoy Street
If you are planning to find this hidden gem, there are a few practical things you should keep in mind to make your evening smooth.
Location: The exact address is 92 Amoy Street, #01-02. Remember, the entrance is tucked in the alley, not on the main street front. It can be hard to find on your first visit, so take your time and enjoy the thrill of discovery.
Average Spend: Expect to spend around $70 to $100 per person if you are ordering a mix of tapas, a main, and a few drinks. It is a premium experience, and the portion sizes are relatively compact.
Opening Hours: They serve lunch from Tuesday to Saturday (11:30am to 3pm). Dinner runs from Tuesday to Thursday (5:30pm to 11pm), and they stay open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep in mind they are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Transport and Parking: Getting there via Telok Ayer MRT is incredibly easy. If you are driving, be warned that parking around Amoy St is notoriously difficult. I recommend using the paid street parking slightly further down or parking at a nearby commercial building and walking over.
Booking: Because the space is so small, reservations are highly recommended, especially from Thursday to Saturday. Walk-ins are a gamble.
Seating Tip: If you want a quieter conversation, ask for the corner table near the back when you make your booking (it shields you slightly from the main flow of the room).
Final Comment: Why The Flying Squirrel Singapore is Worth the Hunt on Amoy Street
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
The Flying Squirrel Singapore is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that is precisely why it succeeds. It is a thoughtfully crafted, intimate space that rewards those who take the time to seek it out. While the portions lean small and the occasional dish might miss the mark, the overall quality of the sashimi, the creativity of the sushi tacos—a truly trendy food you must try—and the genuinely warm, friendly service make it a standout on Amoy Street.
It is perfectly suited for a quiet, romantic date, a small gathering of close friends, or anyone looking for a relaxed, delicious Japanese meal after a long day of work. If you are extremely hungry and looking for massive portions, or if you prefer a loud, spacious dining hall, this might not be the right fit. But if you value atmosphere, fresh seafood, and a touch of hidden charm, you will likely love it here.
If you enjoyed this honest take and want to discover more hidden dining spots around Singapore, be sure to check out Social Eats ‘N’ Drink for more similar articles to read. We are always exploring the city to help you find your next great meal.
