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]

Pulsii French Bistro @ Tras Street - Where French Finesse Meets Japanese Precision

Back at Pulsii French Bistro, helmed by Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa, we were introduced to its refreshed menu that continues to reflect refined French techniques with comforting, well-balanced flavours.

Duck Confit Croquettes 4/5

We began with the Duck Confit Croquettes ($4/pc), deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown. Breaking into the crisp exterior reveals a savoury, flavour-packed centre that delivers an immediate burst of richness. The addition of purple cabbage is a thoughtful touch, providing a refreshing contrast that nicely balances the robust duck flavours.

Fromage de Tete Spring Rolls 4/5

Another delightful starter is the Fromage de Tete Spring Rolls ($14). Encased in a crisp skin, the filling consists of slow-braised pork ragout made from four different cuts, resulting in layers of texture and depth. It is a satisfying bite that showcases both richness and finesse, making it an enjoyable snack to share.

Truffle Souffle Omelette with Beef Stew 4.2/5

The Truffle Souffle Omelette with Beef Stew ($16) arrives looking like a soft, fluffy egg cloud. Cutting through the delicate omelette reveals a hearty beef stew beneath, featuring fork-tender beef that has absorbed the deep, savoury flavours of the sauce. The truffle aroma adds an elegant touch, elevating this comforting dish.

Grilled Japanese Cod 4/5

For mains, we had the Grilled Japanese Cod ($55). The fish is wonderfully fatty and buttery, cooked just right to retain its moist texture. It is complemented by a fragrant clam saffron sauce, with fresh tomato and fennel adding brightness and balance to the dish.

Overall, Pulsii French Bistro’s new menu showcases Chef Daisuke Yoshikawa’s thoughtful approach to French bistro fare, where comforting flavours meet refined execution. From well-crafted starters to satisfying mains, the dishes strike a balance between indulgence and finesse, making Pulsii a pleasant choice for both casual dining and special occasions. With its polished yet approachable offerings, Pulsii remains a spot worth revisiting for diners seeking modern French cuisine with depth and character.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Pulsii French Bistro
55 Tras Street
Singapore 078994
Tel: +65 9689 8407
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Viva Lavender @ Lavender Street – Modern European Plates, Charcoal-Grilled Meats & A Cozy Hideaway

Situated along a quieter stretch of Lavender, Viva Lavender brings together modern European flavours, house-aged meats and a breezy, welcoming space that transitions nicely from bright daytime dining to a warm, intimate evening ambience. With a strong focus on charcoal grilling and a surprisingly robust tapas/appetisers selection, the restaurant also offers one of the more attractive weekday happy hour deals in the area.

Truffle Mushroom Croquette 3.5/5

Perfect as a starter to warm up the palate, Truffle Mushroom Croquette ($8 for 2 pcs) comes crispy on the outside and creamy within. The truffle is intentionally subtle, allowing the mushroom filling to stand out without being overpowering. A comforting, easy-to-like bite.

Gambas Al Ajillo 3/5

A classic Spanish dish - Gambas Al Ajillo ($22) featuring four shrimps and toast. The house-made chilli oil adds personality, but we wished for a more potent garlic punch and more of that sizzling olive oil base to mop up with bread. Still enjoyable but could be bolder in flavour.

Padron Peppers 3.5/5

Padron Peppers ($16) came in a generous portion, ideal for sharing. Mildly spiced, light cream sauce on the side and topped with shaved cheese. Works well as a snack between heavier dishes or with drinks. Simple but satisfying.

Charred Cabbage 3.8/5

One of the more memorable vegetable dishes is the Charred Cabbage ($16), where the wedges of cabbage are juicy inside, served with herb yoghurt and house chilli oil, and topped with crispy kale for texture. While delicious, smaller wedges might allow the charred flavour to develop even more deeply. Still a solid, well-balanced plate.

Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin 3/5

Known for dry ageing and grilling their meats, we were recommended the Spanish Vintage Chilled Striploin ($42/300g). It was well-seasoned and delicious with the grilled garlic, but the cut leaned a little ‘veinier’ than ideal for us. That said, it showed enough promise that we’d gladly return for their Tomahawk next time.

Braised Lamb Shoulder 3.5/5

Fork-tender and deeply comforting, this Braised Lamb Shoulder ($36) comes with silky pomme purée and yoghurt. The flavours reminded my dining partner of a refined rendang, which is rich and aromatic. Best shared, as the dish becomes quite heavy after several bites.

Miso Black Cod 4.5/5

A standout for me is the Miso Black Cod ($45) - buttery, silky, and melts instantly - complemented by a luscious tobiko beurre blanc that adds brininess and depth. A dish we would order again without hesitation.

Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop 4.5/5

Another favourite of the night is the Saffron Risotto with Hokkaido Scallop ($38), which was exceptionally fresh, and the ponzu pearl rice carries beautiful umami with each spoonful. A luxurious, well-executed entrée.

Hot Yuzu Margarita and Negroni

Espresso Martini and Mimosa

Viva Lavender runs a Monday–Thursday Happy Hour (4:30-6:30pm):

• 1-for-1 cocktails from $15
• Housepour wines at $10/glass
• Beer Bucket at $35 for 5 bottles

We tried four cocktails, including their Hot Yuzu Margarita, Negroni, Espresso Martini and Mimosa, and all were surprisingly well-balanced. Definitely worth stopping by early for drinks.

Viva Lavender strikes a balance between cosy neighbourhood charm and polished modern European dining. While a few dishes could deliver a punchier flavour profile, the seafood plates and lighter tapas truly shine, making it a spot worth returning to, especially with their generous weekday Happy Hour.

The restaurant also caters well to private events and group bookings, offering two private sections: a contemporary front bar area ideal for smaller, social gatherings and a warm, semi-private rear dining space suited for seated meals or intimate celebrations. Both areas are available with a minimum spend requirement, providing flexibility depending on the group size and occasion.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Viva Lavender
161 Lavender Street
#01-02/03/04
Singapore 338759
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Nearest MRT: Bendemeer (DT Line), Lavender (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 1130am - 230pm, 430pm - 1030pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bendemeer MRT station. Take Exit A. Cross the road at the traffic junction of Lavender Street and Kallang Bahru. Turn right and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to the bus stop at Lavender MRT station (Stop ID 01311). Take bus number 133 or 145. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Foch Road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Lavender MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Horne Road. Walk down Horne Road. Turn right onto Tyrwhitt Road. Walk down Tyrwhitt Road. Turn left onto Lavender Street and walk down Lavender Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 15 minutes. [Map]

Wild Supper Club Private Dining, Focusing on Pescatarian and Vegetarian Menu

Nestled in the Newton area, Wild Supper Club is a home private dining helmed by Chef Kyle Henderson, a Singapore-born chef with over two decades of experience, having honed his craft at Lolla and Esquina. The restaurant’s philosophy is refreshingly unpretentious — a celebration of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetarian plates, and the occasional market treasure — resulting in a menu that is ever-changing and full of surprises.

Aged Hamachi & Apple Tart 4/5

We kick-started our pescatarian dinner with the Aged Hamachi & Apple Tart. The aged hamachi is delicately paired with apple, roasted tomato, and Ipoh pomelo, dressed in a light vinaigrette and topped with fresh chives. Served in a crispy tart shell, each bite bursts with flavour, balancing the clean-tasting fish with bright acidity and crunch.

Artichoke & Spinach Dip, Baked Pita Chips 4.2/5

Next came the Artichoke & Spinach Dip, accompanied by baked pita chips. Creamy, luscious, and downright addictive, the dip was a crowd favourite. It is rich in flavour yet not overly heavy, and the warm pita chips make the perfect vessel for scooping up every bit of that goodness.

Pickled Mushroom Croquettes, Basil & Parsley Coulis 3.8/5

The Pickled Mushroom Croquettes were deep-fried to a perfect golden brown. It is crispy on the outside, packed with umami on the inside, and beautifully complemented by a fragrant basil and parsley coulis. A simple but expertly executed dish that hits all the right notes.

Baked Pear Empanadas, Parsnip Foam, Rosemary Oil 4.5/5

A surprise standout of the evening was the Baked Pear Empanadas served with parsnip foam and rosemary oil. The sweetness of the pear, encased in a buttery, flaky pastry, was unexpectedly delightful. While empanadas are often savoury, this sweet interpretation worked beautifully and charmed everyone at the table.

Hokkaido Scallop & Ikura Ceviche, Squid Ink Creme Brulee 4/5

The Hokkaido Scallop & Ikura Ceviche atop Squid Ink Crème Brûlée is an inventive creation that impressed both visually and texturally. The contrast between the fresh, briny ceviche and the smooth, slightly savoury crème brûlée made for a playful and memorable dish.

Halibut, Green Nam Jim, Coconut, Saffron Pilaf, Fennel, Herbs 4.2/5

For our main, we had the Halibut, pan-seared to perfection with a lightly crisped exterior and tender, moist flesh. It was served atop a fragrant Saffron Pilaf, complemented by Green Nam Jim, Coconut Cream, Fennel, and Herbs. It is a wholesome, well-balanced dish that seamlessly combines Southeast Asian and Mediterranean influences.

Broccolini, Shaved Grey Mullet Roe, Persian Feta Cheese, Chilli Jam 3.5/5

Heirloom Carrots, Smoked Eggplant Dhal, Coriander Chutney 4/5

To accompany the main, we had two vegetable sides: Broccolini dressed with shaved grey mullet roe, Persian feta cheese, and chilli jam. It is a perfect blend of saltiness and heat. The Heirloom Carrots served atop smoked eggplant dhal with coriander chutney, showcasing layers of earthy and smoky flavours.

Yoghurt Cheesecake, Lemon & Thyme Curd, Black Sesame Cone 3.8/5

Dessert began on a light note with a Yoghurt Cheesecake topped with Lemon & Thyme Curd, served in a Black Sesame Cone. Tangy, refreshing, and not too sweet, it provided a smooth transition from the savoury dishes.

Pistachio Cake, Raspberry Relish, Vanilla Chantilly 4.2/5

We ended our meal with the Pistachio Cake crowned with Raspberry Relish and Vanilla Chantilly. Moist, nutty, and well-balanced, the pistachio flavour shone through beautifully without being overshadowed by the sweetness. It is a fitting finale to a delightful evening.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wild Supper Club
Cavenagh House
(Cairnhill/Newton)
Singapore 229491
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Nearest MRT: Newton (NS Line)

MoVida @ Raffles City - Affordable San Sebastian-Inspired Lunch Set from $29

Movida introduces a wallet-friendly San Sebastian-inspired lunch set, starting from just $29 – an attractive deal given its prime city centre location. Available daily from 12pm to 3pm, the set lets diners choose from 2 Tapas + 1 Main for $29, 4 Tapas + 1 Main for $35, or 5 Tapas + 1 Main for $40. Perfect for foodies looking to sample a spread of dishes in one sitting, this offering brings variety and value to the table.

We went with the 4 Tapas + 1 Main option, and since there were two of us, we managed to sample a total of 8 tapas. It gave us an excellent overview of the selection available.

Crab Crumpet 4/5 and Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet 4/5

The Crab Crumpet (+$2) was a delightful one-biter. It is light, fresh and elegantly paired with saffron emulsion and finger lime. Meanwhile, the Home-made Duck Rillette in Crumpet was richer and more flavourful, featuring confit duck, pipparas, gherkin and a touch of oriental mustard for contrast.

Tuna Tartare with Grilled Avocado 4/5

Tarteleta 4.2/5

Two tapas stood out in particular. The Tuna Tartare paired well with roasted avocado and a bright citrus dressing, a refreshing and well-balanced dish. The Tarteleta (+$2), a brik pastry tart filled with chicken liver parfait and verjuice, surprised us. Despite usually avoiding liver, this tartlet delivered a burst of flavour that was both rich and nuanced.

Anchoa 3.8/5

Pan con Tomate & Jamón 3.5/5

The Anchoa (+$2) – a Cantabrian artisan anchovy with smoked tomato sorbet – impressed with its quality and pleasant saltiness. However, as we shared it, the portion felt a little too small to savour fully. The Pan con Tomate & Jamón was classic but unremarkable, with a faint 'bad oil' aftertaste on the bread that distracted from the otherwise fresh components.

Croqueta Del Dia 4/5

Octopus with Panchetta 3/5

The Croqueta del Día, made with Manchego cheese, was a comforting and well-loved classic. Ask the staff about the daily flavour. On the other hand, the Octopus with Pancetta was a miss – the pancetta overpowered the octopus entirely, which got lost in the bite.

Gambas al Ajilio 3.5/5

Paella del Día 4/5

For mains, we tried the Gambas al Ajillo and Paella del Día. The gambas were fresh and crunchy but let down by burnt garlic, which left a bitter finish. The portion also felt a little small as a main, though the preceding tapas helped to fill us up. The highlight was the Paella, a squid ink version with calamari and fish. It is bold, briny, and well-executed.

Flan 3.8/5

Churros con Chocolate 3.8/5

For an additional $8, you can opt for dessert. Our pick is always the Churros, served with a chocolate sauce, but it was a bit too diluted for our liking. While the texture was crunchy, we missed the chewy centre we're accustomed to. The Flan, a creamy Spanish-style caramel custard, was pleasantly spiced and complemented by pestinos pastries that reminded us of masala chai. The third option available is a Spanish-style Rice Pudding.

Lychee Blossom and Aperol Spritz

Top up $4 for non-alcoholic beverages like Lychee Blossom or Shirley Temple, or $8 for alcoholic options such as Kalimotxo or Aperol Spritz. These make great pairings to round off your lunch.

Movida's new lunch set offers a solid, value-for-money experience that encourages exploration of Spanish flavours. While there were hits and a few misses, the variety and affordability make this a worthwhile option for a satisfying midday indulgence in the heart of the city.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


MoVida
Raffles City
252 North Bridge Road
#03-43
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 83808509
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]