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]

MYX @ Chip Bee Garden - Soulful Comfort Food with a Playful Twist

MyX (pronounced “Mix”), the latest concept by Eleven Co. Group — the team behind MOXIE, SIRI HOUSE and CUDO — has found a cosy home in Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village. Designed as a neighbourhood gathering spot, MyX blends soulful comfort food inspired by the American Coastal South and Latin America with a relaxed, community-driven vibe. The menu is built around sharing, bold flavours and creative reinterpretations, making it an inviting place to linger over food, drinks and conversation.

Artichoke Dip 4.2/5

We started with the Artichoke Dip ($15), a deceptively indulgent yet straightforward opener. A lush blend of cream cheese, ricotta and parmesan is enriched with truffle paste and truffle oil, giving it a deep, earthy aroma. The marinated artichokes add a gentle tang, while the fried Jerusalem artichokes bring a satisfying crunch. Finished with dill, it is comfort food at its most addictive, especially when scooped generously.

Salmon Tiradito 4.2/5

The Salmon Tiradito ($25) impressed with its layered flavours and finesse. The salmon is brined, brushed with shoyu and lightly torched, lending it a subtle smokiness. The dressing — a complex mix of lime juice, citron vinegar, hot pepper sauce, housemade adobo paste, guajillo chilli paste, agave syrup and white shoyu — strikes a delicate balance between acidity, sweetness and heat. Pickled daikon adds freshness, while harissa mayo, balsamic glaze and fried capers elevate the dish with richness and pops of umami.

Red Prawn Ceviche 4.5/5

Another standout cold dish was the Red Prawn Ceviche ($23). Lightly blanched local Anka prawns are paired with a chilled tomato-based sauce made from charred beef tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onions, habanero and garlic, blended with paprika, Clamato juice, red wine vinegar and beet juice. Seasoned with Cantonese prawn powder and sakura ebi oil, the ceviche delivers depth and savouriness, while crispy sakura ebi, pickled cucumber and watermelon radish add texture and contrast.

Venus Clams 4.2/5

Moving on to warm plates, the Venus Clams ($19) offered comforting indulgence. Bathed in a creamy sauce of nduja, housemade garlic confit, soju, and cream, the clams are further enhanced with smoky chipotle oil. Served with a garlic butter griddled baguette, this dish is made for mopping up every last drop of the rich, flavour-packed sauce.

Grilled Iberico Pork 4.2/5

For mains, the Grilled Iberico Pork ($38) is a confident highlight. The pork secreto is marinated overnight in citrus juices, aromatics and Mexican beer, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Lacquered with chipotle aioli and torched upon ordering, it carries a gentle smokiness. Accompaniments such as arugula, pickled plum, burnt red onion purée and a Thai-style toasted rice dressing add layers of acidity, nuttiness and spice, making each bite dynamic and well-balanced.

Dirrrty Chicken Rice 4.2/5

The Dirrrty Chicken Rice ($32) is MyX’s playful take on a Southern classic with familiar comfort at its core. The chicken, marinated overnight with a robust spice blend and citrus, is roasted till flavourful and succulent. It is paired with dirty rice sautéed with onions, red bell peppers, chorizo, confit garlic, Southern spices and adobo paste, then steeped in chicken stock. Hearty and deeply satisfying, this dish bridges bold Southern flavours with comforting familiarity.

Yuanyang Tres Leches 4.2/5

Desserts rounded off the meal on a high note. The Yuanyang Tres Leches ($14) is a clever hybrid of tiramisu, yuanyang and tres leches. A light sponge soaked in black tea, espresso, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream and cocoa is rich yet not cloying, topped with vanilla-infused mascarpone and served with raspberries for a refreshing lift.

Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta 4.2/5

The Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta ($14) offers a lighter finish, with a softly set Greek yoghurt panna cotta infused with kaffir lime and lime juice. The brown butter crumble adds nuttiness, while the cherry compote introduces gentle sweetness and acidity.

Overall, MyX delivers soulful comfort food with creativity and confidence, backed by thoughtful execution and bold flavour combinations. With its inviting atmosphere, shareable plates and playful spirit, it is a welcome addition to Holland Village — a spot that encourages gathering, sharing and returning for more.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Myx
44 Jalan Merah Saga
#01-46
Singapore 278116
Tel: +65 94871552
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri: 11am - 11pm
Sat: 1030am - 11pm
Sun: 1030am - 9pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and cut across the carpark to Jalan Merah Saga. Turn left at Jalan Merah Saga. Walk to the destination. [Map]

The Orchard Cafe @ Orchard Hotel Singapore - Year End Festive Buffet with Spread of Festive Highlights and Local Favourites

With the year-end festivities approaching, The Orchard Cafe at Orchard Hotel Singapore has unveiled its Festive Buffet, featuring an array of seasonal creations alongside local favourites.

The restaurant is also offering several early bird promotions:

Promotions:
● 25% off on buffet for reservations by 8 December 2025
● 15% off on buffet for reservations from 9 December 2025 to 11 January 2026
● Complimentary dining for children aged 5 and below
● Children aged 6 to 12 enjoy 50% off the adult price

Pricing (Per Adult):
Lunch
Monday to Friday: $94
Saturday and Sunday: $104

Dinner
Monday to Thursday: $108
Friday to Sunday: $118

24 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $150

25 December 2025
Lunch and Dinner: $138

31 December 2025
Lunch: $120
Dinner: $148

1 January 2026
Lunch: $106
Dinner: $120

We enjoyed the selection of cold dishes under the Christmas Salad spread, especially the Roasted Squash & Pomegranate Quinoa Salad and the Maple Baked Ham Salad. Other options include the Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad, Duck Leg Confit with Smoked Lemon Hummus and more.

Beside it sits the Sashimi and Sushi station, where sashimi lovers can look forward to Norwegian Salmon Trout, Yellow Fin Tuna and Hokkaido Tako.

The popular Seafood on Ice section showcases Red Prawns, Cherry Clams, Sea Whelks, Black Mussels and Half Shell Scallops. These were of decent quality. Depending on the buffet session, diners can also look forward to Snow Crabs and Boston Lobsters.

The highlight of the spread is undoubtedly the Festive Carvings. Diners can choose from a range of hearty meats, including Spanish Style Honey and Brandy Glazed Royal Ham, French Style Butter & Black Truffle Infused Roasted Whole Turkey, Moroccan Style Slow Roasted Australian Grain Fed Black Angus Striploin and Greece Style Papillote Sustainable Barramundi.

We also appreciated the thoughtful pairings, with each carving accompanied by its own condiments and sides, such as Cinnamon Apple Chutney and Rum & Raisin Sauce for the Royal Ham, or Baby Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding to go with the Striploin.

There was also a Seafood Orzo Pasta prepared in a Cheese Wheel, which was a crowd favourite during our visit.

The Grill & Stove station featured items such as Homemade Chicken Satay, Slow-Cooked Wagyu Beef Cheek, Turkish-Style Chicken, Tiger Prawns A La Plancha, Lebanese-Style Lamb Chop, and a Festive Sourdough Pizza of the Day. There were a few misses for us here, but the Tiger Prawns were grilled just right.

Local Favourites continue to be a key element for the restaurant, with the Local & Chinese and Indian stations serving dishes such as Stir Fry Mala Pork, Steamed Fish with Crispy Taucheo, Stir Fry Chow Mein, Naan Bread, Paneer Butter Masala and Andhra Pepper Chicken. Do note that the items at these stations rotate regularly.

For diners craving quintessential comfort bowls, the chefs at the Live Station can prepare Prawn Noodles and Laksa on the spot. Alternatively, the Roast Station offers Chicken Rice with a selection of roasted meats and all the classic accompaniments.

Bread and Cheese lovers can check out the variety available.

The Dessert section features a mix of festive treats and the cafe’s signature dishes. The logcakes were delightful, with options such as the light Tahitian Vanilla & Caramel Pear and the richer Cherry & Chestnut Hukambi 53%.

Other Christmas-themed Sweets include Traditional Minced Fruit Pie, Oaty Granola Tart and Spiced Christmas Cookies. Chocolate lovers should try the Festive Cranberry Chocolate Pudding, which was indulgent but not overly sweet.

For familiar favourites, the Signature Durian Pengat, Signature Mango Cake and a Chocolate Fountain with condiments remain popular choices.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Orchard Cafe
Lobby
442 Orchard Road
Singapore 238879
Tel: +65 67396565
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2.30pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to Wheelock Place. Walk to traffic junction of Orchard Road and Angullia Park. Cross the road to Royal Thai Embassy. Turn left and continue down Orchard Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]