The Place Located in the heart of Raffles Place, a new dining concept has taken over the now-defunct Rosemead. Meet Barrel Story Of Hibiki, the first Hibiki-led concept restaurant to open outside of Japan. 

This new modern izakaya is helmed by renowned chef-partner Sho Naganuma, and its interior is gorgeous. The restaurant’s interiors draw from the warmth of wood, where there is the main dining hall with high ceiling, a bar counter seating area around the wood-fire grill as centrestage, and a dungeon-like eight-seater private dining room coined as The Vault.

The latter is named as such because this used to be the vault of a private bank back in the good old days. 

The Food Open for both lunch and dinner, choose from their a la carte menu or their Signature Set (S$68 per person). For lunch, it also offers customised Two-course (S$55) or Three-course (S$63) set from a handpicked selection of lunch dishes. 

Beverage is a big thing here, as it offers one of the most extensive collections of Suntory whiskies in Asia, featuring Hibiki Japanese Harmony alongside the distinguished 21 Years Old and 30 Years Old expressions. 

If you are not a whisky connoisseur like me, it is also fine as this is also the only destination in Singapore where you can enjoy Hibiki by the glass at a refined price point. You can also opt for the Whisky flights like the Story of Hibiki (S$38) where you get three expressions of Hibiki Japanese Harmony: Highball, Rock, and Mizuwari. 

Alternatively, there is also a comprehensive cocktail programme. 

For a start, I had the Sashimj Moriawase (S$58/5 types) which focuses a mix of fresh red and white fishes. 

The Prosciutto, Cream Cheese, Shine Muscat Maki Roll (S$18/4 pieces) is an interesting combination which I have never had before. The Muscat grape does add that bit of refreshing element to this cheesy starter. 

You can’t go wrong with fried dish, and this Uni Corn Croquette (S$24/2 pieces) features creamed corn within, along with Uni and Uni butter sauce. 

For protein, the Suckling Pig (S$22) is a sinful treat of tender Suckling pig belly with Chinese spice and Japanese mustard. 

The best part of the XL Fresh Prawn (S$30/2 pieces) for me is that the prawns are glazed in an umami-rich wagyu fat kombu butter. 

For mains, I love the Barrel Chicken Rice (S$46) – a luxe version of a dish so quintessential for Singapore’s hawker food – except that this is topped with Oscietra Caviar. It uses Japanese rice and I must say I enjoyed the rice a lot. The accompanying garlic and chilli sauce packed a punch too, and the tender chicken plate is drizzled with a dark oyster sauce infused with Hibiki. 

For dessert, I had their Soft Serve “Innocent” (S$8) which is a simple and delish Hokkaido milk soft serve. 

Rants Prices are on the high side for some of the dishes, like the S$46 chicken rice. 

Will I Return Again? Very lovely interior and whisky-led concept in Singapore. The space of Barrel Story Of Hibiki suits a date night or a casual gathering with friends, and maybe a post drink spot with colleagues by virtue of its CBD location. It is an extensive menu, no doubt priced on the premium end for some dishes, which make the set menus all the more value for money. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Barrel Story Of Hibiki 
19 Cecil Street 
Singapore 049704 
Tel: +65 80287100 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Saturday: 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm 
Happy Hour: 3pm to 7pm 
Closed on Sunday 

Ranted by The Ranter