ROTTERDAM, 29 September 2024 – A taste of Japan in the heart of Rotterdam: Izakaya Duki offers a vibrant dining experience. With a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes, creative cocktails, and a colourful interior, this spot brings the energy of Tokyo’s nightlife to Hofplein.
A journey through flavours and atmosphere: dinner at Izakaya Duki
Izakaya Duki, located at Hofplein 19 in Rotterdam, combines the informal dining style of a Japanese izakaya (pub) with a colourful and lively atmosphere. During a recent visit with a friend, we explored their updated menu, trying a selection of small plates while soaking in the bold interior design, open kitchen, and live DJ spinning smooth 90s hip-hop and R&B.
Upon entering, the neon-lit décor immediately catches your eye. The walls are adorned with vibrant Japanese signs, and the bar area, glowing with retro lights, feels like a scene out of Tokyo’s entertainment district. It’s an immersive experience that goes beyond just food, making it a great spot for both dinner and drinks with friends.
Appetisers: light and flavourful
We kicked off our meal with a few appetisers, starting with the Horenso no Goma – blanched spinach draped in sesame and citrus soy dressing. The dish, presented as neat stacks of spinach leaves, was rich in sesame flavour, with a slight tartness from the citrus that balanced the dish perfectly. Topped with sesame seeds, it was a light yet flavourful beginning to our meal.
Next, we tried the Shishito Peppers, a bowl of flash-fried peppers generously sprinkled with a 7-spice blend. The peppers were charred just right, giving them a smoky edge, and the seasoning brought a hint of heat, though most of the peppers remained mild – as is typical with shishitos. This dish was addictive, with each bite offering a different balance of spice and flavour.
Horenso No Goma & Shishito Peppers - Izakaya Duki
One of the most memorable starters was the Yuzu Ninjin, where the tangy yuzu paired beautifully with the sweetness of grilled carrots, adding a smoky depth that lingered on the palate.
Yuzu Ninjin: Grilled carrots drizzled with a tangy yuzu glaze and ginger, topped with sesame seeds and microgreens for added texture.
Mains: grilled perfection
For the main course, we opted for the Sirloin Steak and Ikayaki. The Sirloin Steak, perfectly seared and sliced, was accompanied by shio negi, daikon oroshi, and a ponzu sauce. The steak was tender and flavourful, with the ponzu adding a slightly tart, savoury element to the rich meat. The crunchy daikon and fresh shio negi brought additional texture, balancing the dish nicely.
The Ikayaki – grilled squid – was presented beautifully with its signature black squid ink mayo drizzled on top. The char on the squid gave it a smoky and slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remained tender. Paired with a lotus-hijiki salad and edamame, this dish was a celebration of both taste and texture, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Grilled Ikayaki (squid) served with a lotus-hijiki salad and edamame, alongside a perfectly seared Sirloin Steak with shio negi, daikon oroshi, and ponzu sauce (not pictured).
Cocktails: sophisticated and refreshing
Alongside the food, the drinks at Izakaya Duki also deserve mention. My friend enjoyed the Espresso Martini, while I opted for the Whiskey Highball #1, featuring Nikka From The Barrel whiskey. This fizzy cocktail, made with Fever-Tree Soda, had a refreshing lightness that paired wonderfully with the smoky richness of the whiskey. The slow-melting ice block kept the drink chilled to perfection, making it a great companion for the steak.
The Espresso Martini at Izakaya Duki: A smooth blend of Ketel One Vodka, Japanese whisky, and rich espresso, topped with a creamy froth—perfect for coffee and cocktail lovers alike.
For those curious about Japanese beverages, Izakaya Duki also has an extensive sake menu, offering everything from fruity and light sakes to more complex, dry varieties. This wide selection ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a newcomer.
Desserts: sweet endings
To round off the meal, my friend ordered the Shiro Choco for dessert, which was a delightful combination of white chocolate ice cream, sweet and spicy soy, fresh strawberries, and a unique amazake rice pudding. The presentation was stunning, with the bright red strawberries contrasting beautifully against the creamy white ice cream. The dessert offered a balance of sweetness and subtle savoury notes, making it an intriguing end to the evening.
Shiri Coco: A delightful dessert featuring white chocolate ice cream, sweet and spicy soy, fresh strawberries, and a unique amazake rice pudding.
The interior: a feast for the eyes
One of the most striking aspects of Izakaya Duki is its interior design. The space is filled with neon lights, Japanese signage, and decorative touches that transport you straight into the bustling streets of Tokyo. The bar area is particularly eye-catching, with glowing lights and colourful décor that invite guests to enjoy a drink or two. It's like stepping into a vibrant corner of Shibuya, with bold neon lights guiding you through the space.
The vibrant and neon-lit interior at Izakaya DUKI channels the lively atmosphere of Tokyo’s nightlife with its eclectic decor and attention to detail, including the Godzilla-inspired rooftop and welcoming Maneki Neko cats.
The vibrant and neon-lit interior at Izakaya DUKI channels the lively atmosphere of Tokyo’s nightlife with its eclectic decor and attention to detail.
The vibrant and neon-lit interior at Izakaya DUKI channels the lively atmosphere of Tokyo’s nightlife with its eclectic decor and attention to detail.
Adding to the experience is the open kitchen, where you can watch the chefs expertly prepare each dish. The kitchen team works in full view of diners, and the aromas coming from the grill and frying stations fill the air, adding to the sensory experience.
A glimpse into the open kitchen at Izakaya DUKI, where the chefs prepare Japanese-inspired dishes with precision.
Private karaoke rooms: a future visit
The karaoke experience (located in another section called Duke of Tokyo) is even more visually striking as the dining area. A glowing neon-lit hallway leads to private karaoke rooms, each designed for groups looking to add an extra layer of fun to their night. The atmosphere is pure Tokyo nightlife, with futuristic lighting and signage guiding you through the space. Although we skipped the karaoke this time, we're already planning to return and explore these rooms, combining the lively experience with another round of drinks and dishes.
DJ vibes: the soundtrack to your evening
As we dined, a live DJ set the perfect mood with a mix of 90s hip-hop and R&B. The music, not too loud, created a laid-back vibe, allowing us to enjoy the food and drinks while also keeping the energy upbeat. It added an extra layer of fun to the evening, especially with the colourful surroundings and lively atmosphere.
The resident deejay at Izakaya DUKI curates a laid-back mix of 90s hip-hop and R&B, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere with smooth beats as guests enjoy their food and drinks.
Service: friendly and attentive
The service at Izakaya Duki was fantastic, with staff who were not only friendly but also spoke perfect English, making it easy to navigate the menu. Their recommendations were spot on, and they ensured that our dining experience was both smooth and enjoyable.
Conclusion: a must-visit for food and fun in Rotterdam
Izakaya Duki, located at Hofplein 19, offers a unique blend of Japanese cuisine, lively atmosphere, and engaging entertainment options. Whether you’re stopping by for a few drinks, a full meal, or planning a fun night of karaoke, this spot has something for everyone. The bold interior, paired with excellent food and drinks, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable night out in Rotterdam.
Directions to Izakaya Duki
You can find Izakaya Duki at Hofplein 19, a central and lively area in Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport. The restaurant is just a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal Station, and there are several parking options nearby for those driving in. Its prime location makes it a convenient spot for both locals and visitors looking to explore the city's dining scene. Note that the sign on the building reads Duke of Tokyo.
