The clue is in the name: ‘Boruto’ is Japanese for ‘vault’. Skip past the unassuming façade, hop through the tapas bar on the first storey and climb straight up to the second level – there, you’ll find rice wine stowed away in a literal vault. It houses over 80 brands of prized sake, of which around 50 are exclusive to Boruto, such as the Daishichi Minowamon Kimoto Junmai Daiginjo ($480) and Fukuiwai Junmai Daiginjo 29 percent ($519). To really ball hard, pick up a Juyondai Tatsuno Otoshigo Junmai Daiginjo for a neat $1,380 a bottle.
Don’t be too intimidated by the many options, though: sake sommelier Nicole Lim, co-owner and spouse of Boruto’s chef-owner Patrick Tan, is more than happy to guide you through the 15 kinds of sake available by the glass ($12$85). For pocket-friendlier options, visit during happy hour, on Monday to Saturday from 4.30 to 8pm, when five kinds of sake go for $10 per glass.
Try the Tatenokawa Miyamanishiki Junmai Daiginjo ($16/glass, $218/1,800ml). Served in chilled ochoko (traditional Japanese ceramic cups) or wine glasses, this smooth and flavourful sake pairs well with the tuna tataki ($12.80) with black olives, Japanese leek, chilli and wasabi yuzu dressing.
