Inside the bar at Uncle Fuku’s in Kiama. Photo: Oceane Creative Photography.
Step inside Kiama’s newest venue, Uncle Fuku’s, and you might find someone playing Twister on the back deck, belting out karaoke behind the red doors of the Tone Deaf Temple, scribbling terrible advice on the Mirror of Misguidance or playing retro video games.
Beneath the playful energy inside the 1879 terrace house on Collins Street, though, is a serious focus on Asian-inspired share plates and a punchy cocktail bar.
Alan Smith of Uncle Fuku’s said they wanted to create something “genuinely new for Kiama”.
“A place where people could come together, share great food and actually enjoy being out,” Alan said.
“Kiama didn’t need another cafe, but it did need a space that felt fun, welcoming and a little unexpected.”
He said food was always the starting point.
“The menu is inspired by Japanese street food and Asian tapas, with bold flavours served in small, approachable plates designed for sharing,” he said.
“It’s casual, punchy food that encourages people to try a bit of everything and settle in, rather than rush through a meal.
“The drinks are designed in the same spirit – playful, light-hearted and affordable, without taking themselves too seriously.”
Alan said they were very intentional about how the venue was laid out.
“It’s designed as a series of zones so people can move around and make a night of it,” he said.
“Out front there are casual street-side tables and a front deck where people can sit, eat, work or people-watch.
“Inside, for me anyway, the space feels rich and layered, before opening out to a large covered deck at the back with different seating options, darts and interactive elements that invite people to stay longer.”
And the surprises don’t stop there.
“One of our favourite features is the Mirror of Misguidance, where guests are encouraged to write their worst social advice directly onto the mirror using the pens provided,” he said.
“It’s become a talking point, with messages ranging from the mildly questionable to the outright terrible.
“Things like, ‘Text your ex, they’ve definitely changed.’”
He said it was important for them to design it to be family friendly, with families welcome at any time.
“Games are always available, and the space naturally works for different ages and groups,” he said.
“Early in the evening you’ll often see families sharing food and playing games, and as the night goes on the energy shifts without ever feeling forced.”
He said hidden behind two big red doors was The Tone Deaf Temple, a soundproofed private dining and multimedia room that’s become extremely popular for karaoke and group bookings.
“A lot of people come in for dinner and end up staying all night, eating, playing games, doing karaoke, even pulling out Twister on the back deck,” he said.
“For us, the goal was to create a place with great energy, where people feel comfortable staying, moving around and enjoying themselves.
“It’s relaxed, lively and full of smiling faces.
“And there really isn’t anything else like it in Kiama.”
Uncle Fuku’s is located at 2/42 Collins Street in Kiama and is open Thursday through Monday from 11 am to 10:30 pm.
