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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
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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]

Gyusei Gyukatsu Wagyu Steakhouse @ Hotel Clover - First Halal-certified Japanese A5 Charcoal-Smoked Wagyukatsu Specialist

Gyusei Gyukatsu Wagyu Steakhouse, located at Hotel Clover, brings diners the world’s first Halal-certified gyukatsu experience. Here, gyukatsu (fried beef cutlets) are crafted using exquisite Halal A5 Wagyu sourced from Japan.

A5 Japanese Ribeye Gyukatsu 4.5/5

The A5 Japanese Ribeye (120g, $69) is one of the most sought-after items on the menu, delivering a melt-in-the-mouth, buttery texture juxtaposed against a crisp panko crust. Using BMS 11–12 Wagyu, the meat is lightly coated in panko and then sent for a quick deep-frying to preserve its rare doneness.

The breaded beef steak is then served with a personal konro, a hot stone grill brushed with Wagyu tallow, allowing you to cook each slice further to your preferred doneness. Accompanying the steak is an impressive assortment of 10 condiments: yuzu kosho, kimchi, ponzu radish, katsu sauce, fresh lemon, shichimi, Maldon sea salt, freshly grated wasabi, mustard, and sansho pepper. According to the diner seated beside me, this setup mirrors exactly what she experienced back in Japan!

Each set also includes an umami-rich onsen egg (perfect as a sauce for the meat or on top of rice), along with free-flowing cabbage, rice, and miso soup. A notable touch by Gyusei lies in the ornate plates used to present the gyukatsu, handcrafted in small batches by homegrown Singapore artists Kirmaine of Kir Ceramics and The Clay People. Do take a moment to admire these craftworks as you enjoy your meal.

Menchikatsu 3/5

XL Hyogo oysters 5/5

Sides include XL Hyogo Oysters, which were impressively plump and wonderfully fresh on my palate. I also tried the Menchikatsu, a minced beef cutlet made with 100g of A5 Wagyu blended with Australian ground beef. While flavourful, I felt it could be more tender and juicy, as it came across slightly compacted.

For those who prefer a meatier, more robust beef flavour, the menu also offers Australian Wagyu selections (BMS 3+), offering a more pronounced beef flavour at a gentler price point.

From 19 Feb - 31 Mar 2026, enjoy a FREE 60g A5 Sirloin Wagyukatsu with every 2 Wagyukatsu sets ordered. With only 24 seats, reservations are recommended at Gyusei Gyukatsu Wagyu Steakhouse. Make your booking here: https://linktr.ee/gyusei_gyukatsu_sg

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Gyusei Gyukatsu Wagyu Steakhouse
Hotel Clover
775 North Bridge Road
Level 1
Singapore 198743
Tel: +65 8031 4122
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Wed-Thu, Sun: 12pm - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Mon-Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT Station. Take Exit B or E. Walk to North Bridge Road. Walk down North Bridge Road towards Sultan Mosque direction. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]