Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Lotteria @ Jewel Changi Airport - South Korea’s No. 1 Burger Chain Lotteria Debuts in Singapore

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South Korea’s beloved fast-food icon Lotteria has officially landed in Singapore, marking its much-anticipated debut at Jewel Changi Airport. Operated in partnership with local lifestyle group Katrina Group, the opening introduces Singapore diners to the original K-burger brand that has shaped South Korea’s burger culture for generations. Known for its distinctly Korean flavours and playful menu, Lotteria’s arrival adds a fresh new dimension to Singapore’s fast-food scene.

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Ria’s Shrimp Burger 4.2/5

Ria’s Shrimp Burger (from $7.20 à la carte), a cult favourite and one of Lotteria’s signature items, features a crisp yet bouncy shrimp patty that delivers a satisfying bite without feeling heavy. The combination of tartar and Thousand Island sauces keeps things light and tangy, while the soft, fluffy bun does an excellent job of holding everything together. Simple, comforting, and easy to enjoy.

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Ria’s Bulgogi Burger 4.2/5

Ria’s Bulgogi Burger (from $7.20 à la carte), inspired by the classic Korean bulgogi dish, offers a sweet-savoury flavour profile that feels instantly familiar. The beef patty is juicy, and the bulgogi sauce adds a pleasant depth without overpowering the palate. A solid choice for those who prefer traditional Korean flavours in burger form.

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Kimchi Bulgogi Burger 4.2/5

Created exclusively for Singapore, the Kimchi Bulgogi Burger (from $7.80 à la carte) is a bold expression of Lotteria’s Korean roots with a local twist. A juicy beef patty glazed in sweet-savoury bulgogi sauce is layered with tangy kimchi, delivering a punchy balance of richness, spice, and umami in every bite. This is easily one of the more exciting options on the menu.

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Mozzarella Burger Tomato Basil 4.5/5

One of Lotteria’s most iconic and indulgent offerings, the Mozzarella Burger Tomato Basil (from $12.50 à la carte) is all about that dramatic cheese pull. Loaded with rich mozzarella and accented with a tomato-basil twist, this burger leans heavily into comfort and indulgence. It’s no surprise this burger became a massive hit overseas, selling an impressive 450,000 units in its first week and eventually earning a permanent spot on the menu. It is also my favourite burger among the burgers I tried.

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Shake Shake Fries 4/5

The Shake Shake Fries ($5.20 for a regular size) come with a choice of onion, cheese, or chilli seasoning. Our favourite is the cheese seasoning, which adds a savoury boost that makes the fries dangerously addictive. Fun, customisable, and great for sharing.

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Gangjung Chicken 4/5

Lotteria’s Gangjung Chicken (from $9 à la carte) delivers on texture and flavour. The fried chicken is juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and generously coated in a sweet-and-spicy sauce that hits all the right notes without being cloying.

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Cup Bingsu 2.5/5

Perfect in concept for Singapore’s tropical climate, the Cup Bingsu ($5.90) is refreshing but slightly underwhelming in execution. The shaved ice is noticeably coarser than expected, detracting from the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience typically associated with bingsu.

Overall, Lotteria’s debut brings a nostalgic yet refreshing Korean fast-food experience to Singapore. With its unique burgers, playful sides, and distinctly Korean flavours, it offers something a little different from the usual fast-food fare, and it’s a welcome addition to Jewel Changi Airport’s ever-growing dining lineup.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Lotteria
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#B1-248
Singapore 819666
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Barrel Story of Hikibi @ Cecil Street - Modern izakaya That Brings Fire, Whisky, and Craftsmanship Together Under The Artistry of Hibiki

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Barrel Story of Hikibi marks a global milestone as the first Hibiki-led concept restaurant to open outside of Japan. Located in the heart of Singapore’s CBD, this modern izakaya is guided by the spirit of omotenashi — Japanese hospitality expressed through sincerity, attentiveness, and thoughtful details. Bringing together wood-fire cooking, refined flavour construction, and whisky pairing, Barrel Story of Hikibi presents a contemporary interpretation of the Japanese izakaya experience. Open for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant offers flexibility through a well-curated à la carte menu alongside set dining experiences.

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Festive Yu Sheng (pre-order required) 4/5

Given the Chinese New Year period, we began with the Festive Yu Sheng, which requires advance ordering. It came as a pleasant surprise to find Yu Sheng on the menu of a modern Japanese izakaya. It was an unexpected yet festive nod to local dining culture.

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Smoked Nuts and Raisin 4.5/5

The Smoked Nuts and Raisin ($8) were dangerously addictive. Infused with deep smokiness, each bite was moreish and set the tone perfectly for the meal ahead.

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Prosciutto, Cream Cheese & Strawberry Maki Roll 4/5

The Prosciutto, Cream Cheese & Strawberry Maki Roll ($18 for 4 pcs) was a delightful play on contrasts. Cream cheese and strawberry are wrapped in savoury prosciutto, resulting in a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and creamy with pleasing textural layers. A Shine Muscat variation is also available for those seeking an elevated fruit-forward option.

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Suckling Pig 4.5/5

The Suckling Pig ($22) came in the form of boneless pork belly cubes, crowned with crisp crackling skin and marinated in Chinese spices. Beneath the brittle skin lies a luscious layer of fat and tender meat. Paired with Japanese mustard, the dish felt familiar yet refined, reminiscent of our local sio bak, but executed with finesse.

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Tonsoku Harumaki 4.2/5

The Tonsoku Harumaki ($12/pc) offered a clever reinterpretation of a spring roll. Braised pig trotter is wrapped in spring roll skin and deep-fried till golden. It immediately brought to mind Kong Bak Pau, but reimagined in a crispy, handheld format.

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Uni-corn Croquette 4.5/5

A standout dish of the night, the Uni-corn Croquette ($24 for 2 pcs) delivered on both creativity and indulgence. Encased in a crisp shell is creamy corn, topped generously with uni. It’s an unexpected yet winning combination that truly impressed my palate.

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BARREL Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The BARREL Chicken Rice ($46) is a Hibiki-inspired take on Singapore’s iconic dish. Garnished with caviar and served with an in-house special sauce, this is likely the most expensive chicken rice in town. Price aside, the flavours were spot on, from the fragrant rice to the chilli and ginger sauces, all on par with a good traditional chicken rice stall.

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Aburi Wagyu Donabe 4.2/5

The Aburi Wagyu Donabe ($68) featured aburi A5 wagyu, cured egg yolk, green onion, and nori atop flavoursome rice. Comforting and deeply satisfying, the charred wagyu paired beautifully with the rice for a luxurious yet soulful finish.

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Soft Serve “HIBIK!” 4.5/5

We wrapped up the meal with the Soft Serve “HIBIK!” ($12), made with organic honey and Maldon salt. Soft, creamy, and lightly sweet, the dessert was elevated by Hibiki-infused honey, a subtle but elegant finale to the meal.

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Barrel Story of Hikibi successfully bridges Japanese craftsmanship with local familiarity, delivering a dining experience that feels both refined and approachable. Whether you’re here for whisky pairings, inventive izakaya dishes, or a luxurious twist on comfort food, Barrel offers a compelling reason to visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Barrel Story of Hikibi
The Quadrant
19 Cecil Street
Singapore 049704
Tel: +65 80287100
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]