I'm so glad we made it to @pankosg on their opening night, with less than 5 minutes to spare for their last orders for food (yeah, we were cutting it close!)
We decided to get a modest assortment of their signature kushikatsu (menu prices are based on per skewer and they range between $2 and $8) plus a plate of karaage ($12) as our bellies were still full from a wine-filled dinner earlier.
After munching on the skewers of panko-ed and deepfried prawns, scallops, pork neck, baby corn and ladyfingers, it was unanimously agreed that the battered coating was very well done. Regardless of whatever it covered, the layer of crunchiness was thin, nicely even all over, and remarkably oil-free.
The double-compartment saucers that had arrived once we were seated, held a ponzu dip, a lemon wedge, Japanese salt and a housemade sauce for us to enjoy our kushikatsu with.
We had hot tea with our food on this first visit which was pleasant but I am pretty sure alcohol would prove a more fun pairing.
If you work close to Haji Lane, you might be like to know they offer lunch sets priced between $16 and $20 that include choices beyond deepfried items such as sashimi, chirashi, oyako don and cold soba. There's also an $88 Panko course meal as well.
(All prices above are before tax).