Singapore’s vibrant dining scene welcomes a unique newcomer, Barrel: Story of Hibiki, an upscale Japanese concept backed by Suntory that represents the first Hibiki-focused restaurant outside of Japan. Located on Cecil Street, Barrel reimagines the traditional izakaya experience by infusing high-end Japanese whisky culture with refined, modernized dishes, challenging patrons’ expectations of casual dining and cocktail pairings. It offers a stylish escape, bridging heritage Japanese comfort food with cosmopolitan elegance in a dynamic setting that ranges from moody private vaults to a breezy outdoor terrace.
Ambiance: Where Whisky Casks Meet City Elegance
Barrel occupies a historic space previously home to prominent F&B concepts, retaining the architectural grandeur of high ceilings while introducing bespoke design elements. The interiors evoke a sleek, composed atmosphere, featuring dark wood and reclaimed cask wood panels sourced directly from Suntory’s distilleries—a subtle nod to the restaurant’s whisky provenance.
The heart of the dining room features a striking ten-seater counter encircling an open woodfire. Chefs utilize wood from decommissioned Hibiki barrels, offering diners a theatrical and aromatic close-up view of the cooking process. For a more intimate affair, The Vault, a former bank safe, has been transformed into a meditative, eight-seater private dining room. Lined entirely with Suntory cask wood, it provides a dimly lit, fragrant setting perfect for deep conversation and slow sips of aged spirits, available strictly by separate booking and minimum spend.
Meanwhile, the spacious terrace provides a relaxed, ambient alternative, particularly appealing during the daily 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Happy Hour, featuring affordable $9 highballs.
Culinary Ventures Beyond the Izakaya
Helmed by chef-partner Sho Naganuma, also known for Torasho Ramen & Charcoal Bar, Barrel’s menu ventures far beyond standard grilled fare. While classic (and familiar) ramen dishes are present, the focus shifts to elevated otsumami (food pairings for drinks) and ambitious main courses.
Creative starters abound, such as the prosciutto and cream cheese-wrapped maki ($18 for four) featuring seasonal fruit like Shine Muscat grapes, and the Uni-Corn Croquette ($24 for two), a golden bite stuffed with sweet creamed corn, butter sauce, and topped with sea-rich uni. Another highlight is the decadent Suckling Pig Belly ($22) served with crispy skin and balanced with Japanese mustard.
The menu’s most discussed item, however, is the $46 Chicken Rice. This dramatically priced dish uses free-range French chicken, poached and served atop chicken stock-infused Japanese pearl rice, finished with Oscietra caviar and a Hibiki whisky-laced oyster sauce. While highly experimental, early reviews suggest the subtle whisky note adds a sweetness but the dish lacks the traditional gelatinous chicken skin texture expected in a definitive rendition. It is best framed as a novel, one-time indulgence.
Conversely, the Aburi Wagyu Donabe ($68) is praised as a worthy centerpiece. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth A5 wagyu over pearl rice combined with cured egg yolk, green onions, and nori, the dish delivers rich, buttery, and addictive textural complexity. It requires a 40-minute preparation time but is deemed superior value compared to its contentious poultry counterpart.
Exploring the Spectrum of Hibiki Whisky
As the city’s first Hibiki-focused concept, Barrel is a haven for whisky enthusiasts. The drinks menu showcases an extensive selection of Suntory whiskies, from the accessible Japanese Harmony to rare 21- and 30-year expressions. Beyond standard offerings, the establishment features eight signature Hibiki-based cocktails, including the light and crisp Hibiki Highball ($18) and the intricate Hibiki Sling ($28).
For dedicated connoisseurs, whisky flights offer an unparalleled tasting experience. Options range from the accessible “Story of Hibiki” flight ($38), presenting Japanese Harmony in highball, on the rocks, and mizuwari formats, to the ultra-premium, “The Barrel” flight, priced at a staggering $988. These flights offer a structured journey through Suntory’s distinct flavor profiles and the aging process central to the brand’s identity.
Barrel: Story of Hibiki, located at 19 Cecil St, provides a distinctive proposition: an elegant culinary destination where the ritual of fine Japanese dining and the world of premium whisky intersect, offering a sophisticated retreat from Singapore’s urban bustle.
Barrel: Story of Hibiki
- Location: 19 Cecil St, Singapore 049704
- Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, Noon to 11 p.m.
- Pro-Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially for evening dining and private room bookings. Visitors seeking a casual experience should utilize the early afternoon Happy Hour on the terrace.