BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI opened its doors as a new modern izakaya at Cecil Street. Its dual focus is on wood-fire cooking and a comprehensive whisky programme. The new establishment marks a global debut for the House of Suntory. This is the first Hibiki-led concept restaurant to open outside Japan.
A New Izakaya for Singapore
BARREL is guided by the Japanese philosophy of omotenashi. This spirit emphasises sincerity and thoughtful, detailed hospitality. The restaurant is helmed by renowned chef-partner Sho Naganuma. He is also co-owner of Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar. Chef Naganuma brings over two decades of international culinary experience. His cooking philosophy centres on balance, fire, and craftsmanship.
The cuisine is a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese izakaya. The menu features wood-fire cooking designed to pair with whisky. The space itself is inspired by nature, fire, and the time-intensive process of whisky-making.
Interior Design and Spaces
The restaurant’s design is inspired by the whisky barrel. It seeks to create a calm sense of harmony. The main dining room features wood, metal, and textured stone. The atmosphere encourages unhurried meals around a wood fire.
The venue offers three distinct areas. The main dining room is the heart of the restaurant. The Terrace is an open, casual, 50-seat space surrounded by greenery. It is intended for social gatherings and after-work highballs.
A unique space is The Vault, located in the basement. It repurposes a former bank vault into an eight-seat whisky salon. Walls are lined with reclaimed cask wood from Suntory’s Japanese distilleries. It is designed for private tastings and intimate gatherings. The Vault embodies the concepts of time and patience.
Menu Highlights: Fire and Flavour
The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner. Lunch offers a flexible option for the office crowd. Guests can choose from an à la carte menu or fixed sets. Two-course sets are priced at $55, and three-course sets at $63.
Midday mains include a fire-grilled miso-marinated Steak and Fries. Another option is the Curried Butternut with miso curry sauce. Signature dishes crossing both menus include Chicken Kaarage. The BARREL Chicken Rice offers a distinct Hibiki-inspired version of the local classic.
Premium lunch supplements are also available. These include Daily Sashimi Selection ($8) and Niku Jaga ($15). The TSUJIHAN Don ($28) features negitoro and ikura. TORASHO Cold Stupid Ramen ($35) is a cold noodle dish with truffle and seafood.
The dinner menu is more expansive, featuring over 60 dishes. Guests can opt for the Signature Set at $68 per person. This set includes small, convivial izakaya plates. Highlights are Tonsoku Harumaki, a deep-fried pig trotter spring roll. Other items are Prosciutto, Cream Cheese & Shine Muscat Maki Roll. Teba-Gyoza, chicken wings stuffed with pork gyoza mix, is also on the set.
À la carte dinner plates expand the experience significantly. Sashimi specialties feature seasonal fish like Hokkaido Red Trout ($15). Chinmi, or small strong-tasting bites, includes Eihire ($14), a grilled stingray fin.
From the Grill section, sharing plates are prominent. Larger options include Ember Roast Chicken ($48). The American Wagyu Bone-in Striploin is priced at $128. Guests can also order the signature whole grilled fish of TOKYO ISLAND Onaga Tai ($189).
A Focus on Hibiki Whisky
BARREL offers one of the most extensive collections of Suntory whiskies in Asia. The selection includes Hibiki Japanese Harmony, 21 Years Old, and 30 Years Old.
A unique proposition is the accessibility of the fine spirit. BARREL is the only venue in Singapore offering Hibiki by the glass at a refined price point.
Whisky flights form a key part of the drinks programme. The Story of Hibiki ($38) presents three expressions of Hibiki Japanese Harmony. It showcases Highball, Rock, and Mizuwari serve styles. For collectors, The Ultimate Flight ($188) and The BARREL ($988) feature rare, aged expressions.
The cocktail menu draws on Japanese ingredients and design. Highlights include the ice-free Hibiki Champagne Style Highball ($18). The Hibiki Sling ($28) is a refined version of the Singapore classic.
BARREL STORY OF HIBIKI
19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
Tel: +65 80287100
Operating Hours
Lunch: 12 noon to 3 pm
Dinner: 6 pm to 10 pm
Happy Hour: 3 pm to 7 pm
Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays
The Ordinary Patrons | Real Dining Experience of Ordinary People
an independent Singapore food blog
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