Duke of Tokyo Rotterdam
Karaoke and Culinary Delights: Experience the Unique Fusion at Duke of Tokyo in Rotterdam
The karaoke concept of Duke of Tokyo has already proven to be a success in Amsterdam, and since late 2023, Rotterdam has its own location. As of summer 2024, the spacious terrace is also open, ideal for Holland's number one pastime: people-watching. Of course, this is best enjoyed with a delicious cocktail, as Duke of Tokyo boasts an extensive drink menu featuring cocktails, sake (available by the shot, carafe, or bottle), and wine (mostly by the bottle, with a small selection by the glass).
The private karaoke rooms in the basement (some can accommodate up to 25 people at once!) are fully equipped; you can even order drinks and snacks from the room via a touchscreen.Duke of Tokyo has its own restaurant, ‘Izakaya DUKI,’ offering typical Japanese street food. The restaurant area is cozy, with various seating arrangements, and everything is meticulously themed. You almost forget that you are in the center of Rotterdam instead of Tokyo.
The menu features small dishes to share. We chose karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), Saikyo miso Ankou (monkfish marinated in miso with corn fritters), five different Yakitori skewers, fries with Furikake seasoning, Wagyu tartlets with ponzu, and Shougayaki (slow-cooked pork neck with cabbage and ginger). Everything was incredibly flavorful, and for those who enjoy it, there’s a small sauce altar on the table with soy sauce and chili oil. The monkfish was a bit too adventurous for us, but the Wagyu tartlets and Shougayaki were the stars of the show.
If you're curious about sake but don't want to order an entire bottle right away, Duke of Tokyo is perfect. There are no less than 14 types of sake and 3 types of shochu available. Almost all sakes can also be ordered by the shot/glass, so you can try different varieties if you wish. A few years ago, I took the WSET Sake Level 1 course, so I have some knowledge about different sakes. I know there are many styles of sake (including junmai, junmai ginjo, junmai daiginjo, honjozo, nigori, and koshu), but unfortunately, Izakaya DUKI does not provide that information on the menu, making it challenging to choose when you only have the brand name. Fortunately, I could find more information online about the bottles listed on the menu.
We ultimately chose the Hakugyokko, a nama genshu sake: unpasteurized and undiluted, and the Kirei 92, a junmai sake made from Hattan Nishiki rice that is polished to only 92%. Generally, sake made from more polished rice has a lighter, more refined taste, while sake made from less polished rice has a fuller, more robust, and rustic flavor.
With the entire ambiance, the kitchen, the sake and cocktail bar, and the opportunity to sing your heart out in a private karaoke room, Duke of Tokyo is a fantastic addition to Rotterdam!
→ Duke of Tokyo Rotterdam // Hofplein 19, 3032 AC Rotterdam