It seems like izakayas are fast gaining popularity when it comes to Japanese food with places like KOI, IKKI and Izy popping up around town. Essentially the Japanese equivalent of tapas, there are tons of small plates involving everything from small rice bowls to grilled meats and chicken karaage.

The folks behind New York and Hong Kong's Fatty Crab get in on the small plates action with a modern Japanese izakaya on hip Keong Saik Road. In true gentrified Chinatown style, Neon Pigeon (1A Keong Saik Rd.) will undoubtedly be super hip and happening when it opens in March. At this point, not much is known, but the guys have been busy touring Japan's restaurants and sake breweries (Ishioka Brewery, to be exact) to prep for their launch.

Photo credit: Virtual Ern