The Public Izakaya By Hachi

The Public Izakaya By Hachi
100 Tras Street
#01-09 100AM

16 Enggor Street
#01-14 Altez

http://www.hachi-group.com/?page_id=124&lang=en

Wagyu Beef Rosu (SGD $28)

Excellent Japanese Casual Gastropub Dining

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 8
Food & Beverage: 8
Service: 8
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $45 per person.

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Opened in December 2013 and operated by the Hachi Group, a pioneer of the Japanese concept of Omakase dining in Singapore, The Public Izakaya By Hachi is their take on the traditional izakaya / informal gastropub. Offering a wide variety of drinks, classic Japanese quick meals, and snacks in a casual setting, The Public Izakaya By Hachi is well positioned for daily after-work dining, a comfortable haven for the Singaporean everyday salary man.

Ambience at The Public Izakaya By Hachi resembles the classic izakayas / informal gastropubs of Tokyo, in the Kanto region of Japan. In fact, much of the decor and izakaya memorabilia here are sourced from Japanese antique markets. Warm, dim lighting illuminates the rustic, dark wooden furnishings, while curtains and simple partition walls create intimate dining spaces. Lively Japanese pop music plays in the background. Choose from a variety of seating options, at the bar, in private booths, or communal tables. The place looks cramped, but isn't, thanks to thoughfully arranged decor. Feels cozy, casual, and homely.

Service at The Public Izakaya By Hachi is very good. Staff are friendly and personable, quick to greet and seat guests, and efficient at clearing away empty / dirty tables. They demonstrate good product knowledge, able to advise on the menu and provide brief descriptions of dishes. I also note staff are amongst the most observant I've encountered, alert to how diners are experiencing their meal, and it's easy to attract their attention. Infrequently, they also check for feedback on the dining experience. Feels engaging, and it seems they also perform service recovery well.

Food at The Public Izakaya By Hachi is Japanese cuisine, with a focus on grills / rotisserie, skewers, snacks / quick bites, and one-dish meals like ramen. Taste of most dishes is delicious, bold in flavour, made with fresh ingredients. Portions are suitable for both individual and communal dining, though sharing is recommended, as per true izakaya style. Prices at naturally at a premium, slightly higher than most other similar concepts, as befits its gastropub status. That said, dining here is a safe bet for the good quality of food. Budget about SGD $45 per person for a meal with drinks here.

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The Public Izakaya By Hachi Signage

The Public Izakaya By Hachi Exterior

The Public Izakaya By Hachi Interior

Seating Bar

Seating Booth

Seating Semi-Private

Seating Kitchen

The Beer Suntory Premium Malt Kaoru Premium (SGD $9.80) is made with Diamond Malt and Saaz Fine Aroma Hops, and pours a beautiful clear yellow golden colour, with aromas of floral hops, lemon citrus, and bread. Body is velvety smooth, rich, and full, with a medium white foam head, and tastes of caramel malt, cereal, and grains. Medium sweet and bitter, with a fairly dry, astringent finish that lingers.

The Beer Suntory Premium Malt Black Draught (SGD $9.80) pours a deep opaque black colour, with aromas of chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and caramel. Body is smooth, thin, but creamy, with a medium tan foam head, and tastes of roasted malts, toffee, and cola. Medium sweet and bitter with strong hops, and a moderate astringent finish with notes of roast that lingers.

Beer Suntory Premium Malt

Beer Suntory Premium Malt Kaoru Premium (SGD $9.80)

Beer Suntory Premium Malt Black Draught (SGD $9.80)

The Yuzushu Komasa (SGD $10) has a pale off-white pearl colour, with aromas of citrus and tangerines. Body is smooth and refreshing, with notes of yuzu citrus, sweet and full-bodied. Nice!

Yuzushu Komasa (SGD $10)

The Shochu Ikkomon (SGD $11) has a clear transparent colour, with aromas of alcohol and disinfectant. Body is smooth and rich, with notes of sweet potato, sweet and sharp.

Shochu Ikkomon (SGD $11)

The Umeshu Remon To Jinjya (SGD $10) has a pale yellow colour, with aromas of sweet fruit. Body is smooth and woody, with notes of sour plum, clean and deeply sweet.

Umeshu Remon To Jinjya (SGD $10)

Felt the Onigiri (SGD $8 Each) - Mentaiko, Shirasu here isn't as tasty as it could be. The execution is good, as the rice grains are properly sticky, holding the shape well, while the seaweed is properly crisp. The mentaiko / marinated cod fish roe version is nicely briny salty in taste, but not overly intense. But I couldn't detect the flavour of the shirasu / whitebait fish. Did feel the overall taste for the onigiri / rice balls is rather plain though, would have liked it grilled slightly.

Onigiri (SGD $8 Each) - Mentaiko, Shirasu

Onigiri - Mentaiko, Shirasu

Onigiri - Mentaiko

The Mizutaki Chicken Oden (SGD $10) is their take on the classic Japanese winter dish of Oden. This version only features 2 ingredients, a large, tender daikon radish with a slight sweetness; and a hand formed giant chicken meat ball that is moist and savoury. Served in a Mizutaki soup / broth, whose base of seaweed and chicken lends a floral, earthy, sweet taste. Hearty, filling, and comforting, especially on a cold day.

Mizutaki Chicken Oden (SGD $10 Per Portion, Pictured 5 Portions)

The Nama Kaki (SGD $6 Per Piece) features a plump, meaty, fresh oyster in the shell, garnished with momiji oroshi / grated daikon radish with chili, and served with ponzu sauce on the side. Lovely juicy burst of sweetness from the oyster and garnish, followed by the deeper salty savoury flavour of the sauce. Good!

Nama Kaki (SGD $6 Per Piece)

Nama Kaki

Nama Kaki

Nama Kaki

The most popular item on the menu is the house signature Gyoza Croquette (SGD $9), a modern Japanese fusion snack. The home made, deep-fried croquette has a crisp, crumbly exterior. The interior is a moist, savoury salty gyoza filling of minced pork, onions, and spring onions. Served with fresh shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes, this is a satisfiying snack for meat lovers. Worth ordering!

Gyoza Croquette (SGD $9)

Gyoza Croquette

Gyoza Croquette

The 2nd most popular item on the menu, the Buta Kakuni (SGD $14) features a slow simmered Iberico pork belly, incredibly tender, with good salty savoury flavour. The fat just slides right off this! Served with onions, spring onions, dijon mustard, and a wobbly soft onsen / soft boiled egg. Mix the egg and coat the pork belly, giving it a silky, decadent eggy glaze. Heavenly! Highly recommended!

Buta Kakuni (SGD $14)

Buta Kakuni

Buta Kakuni

Loved the Iwashi Mentaiko Yaki (SGD $12), which features a whole sardine fish, grilled perfectly. Filled with spicy pollock fish roe, this dish is also a performance piece, staff will present it to you at the table, then proceed to debone the fish. The flavour is excellent, an intense savoury salty taste and oily flaky texture that makes you crave more.

Iwashi Mentaiko Yaki (SGD $12)

Iwashi Mentaiko Yaki

Iwashi Mentaiko Yaki

Was surprised by the Ika Ichiyaboshi (SGD $18), also known as Grilled Semi-Dried Squid. Despite looking rather plain and dry when served, I'm happy to say that our fears are unfounded. The large squid has a moist, bouncy texture with a slight chew, tender enough that it yields easily. Taste is sweet savoury with a hint of smoky from the charcoal grill, and is nice eaten on its own, or paired with the creamy shichimi togarashi / 7-spice (Japanese pepper, roasted orange peel, black sesame seeds, white sesame seeds, hemp seeds, ginger, seaweed, and chili) mayonnaise on the side. Will return again for this. Highly recommended!

Ika Ichiyaboshi (SGD $18)

Ika Ichiyaboshi

The Wagyu Beef Rosu (SGD $28) is excellent. Thin strips of charcoal grilled wagyu beef rosu / chuck roll, with good savoury salty taste that isn't overwhelming, and a fatty texture that seems to melt away in the mouth, coating the palate delightfully with meat juice. Paired with fresh chopped spring onions which lend a sharp, lively, refreshing flavour, complementing the deep, bold flavour of the beef. I like the juicy cherry tomato, and the cubes of beef fat on the side which just burst with decadent flavour. Highly recommended!

Wagyu Beef Rosu (SGD $28)

Wagyu Beef Rosu

Not your ordinary chicken chunks, the deep-fried Tori Karaage (SGD $11) here is the largest I've ever seen! A huge ball of moist, savoury sweet chicken meat, marinated in light soy sauce, coated in a crisp golden batter. Almost the size of a fist! Delicious, you get the satisfiying crunch of the batter, then the juicy tender chicken meat. Good value for money. Highly recommended!

Tori Karaage (SGD $11)

Tori Karaage

By contrast, the Tebasaki Nikomi No Aburi (SGD $7) was the weakest, most disappointing dish here. The issue is not with the sticky salty sweet soy glaze or beautifully executed smoky char on the chicken wings. Rather, the main problem is they've used frozen chicken wings, which are bland in taste and way too soft in texture. Terrible. Skip this.

Tebasaki Nikomi No Aburi (SGD $7)

Tebasaki Nikomi No Aburi

Loved the Tako Wasabi (SGD $6) here. The chilled octopus is fresh and bouncy, having a slight chew in texture, and the large size of the diced chunks make this easy to pick up. The refreshing wasabi sauce is balanced, not too overwhelming, but sharp enough to tingle the palate. Good!

Tako Wasabi (SGD $6)

Tako Wasabi (SGD $6)

The Kiritanpo Misoyaki (SGD $6) is a skewer of mashed yumepirika white rice from Hokkaido, Japan, lightly glazed with a savoury salty miso sauce, then grilled. A classic 'looks can be deceiving' case, while visually plain and unassuming, this is one of the most delicious versions of rice I've eaten. The exterior has a slight smoky aroma, and a slight crunch to texture, then the yummy miso flavour hits the palate. The interior is soft and warm, fluffy and nearly creamy, with a light sweetness. Absolutely divine. Highly recommended!

Kiritanpo Misoyaki (SGD $6)

Kiritanpo Misoyaki (SGD $6)

The beautiful Maguro No Kama (SGD $25) features a whole bluefin tuna cheek, grilled over charcoal. The result is the tuna cheek takes on a smoky, slight char on the exterior, while the interior remains moist, tender, and flaky. Well worth the 30 minute wait time as it's grilled to order, the tuna fish is savoury with a hint of sweet, the fresh fish meat flaking off easily. Rather large portion, best shared.

Maguro No Kama (SGD $25)

Maguro No Kama (SGD $25)

Maguro No Kama (SGD $25)

The Kawa Ebiage (SGD $9) makes a perfect bar snack with drinks. Small river shrimp are deep fried till crisp, dusted with a light sprinkling of salt. Eaten shells and all, each piece is a satisfiying crunchy morsel that is salty sweet, making you want more. Nigh unstoppable, and delicious. Highly recommended!

Kawa Ebiage (SGD $9)

Kawa Ebiage (SGD $9)

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Update Dec-2021: It's been more than 5 years, and in that time, we've returned to visit The Public Izakaya By Hachi several times, with this being the first documented revisit, since the onset of the covid-19 pandemic and resulting implementation of safety and hygiene measures. The ambience, service, and food at The Public Izakaya By Hachi remains as good as before; commendable for maintaining such a consistent standard throughout this time.

The Public Izakaya By Hachi Kitchen

The Public Izakaya By Hachi Seating

Served in your choice of either hot or cold, the House Pour Sake (SGD $27) is simple and straightforward, with a grainy sweet boozy flavour. I personally prefer the chilled version of this rice wine.

House Pour Sake (SGD $27)

The Takowasa (SGD $7) is listed as Tako Wasabi on the menu, or also known as Wasabi Marinated Octopus. It features a carpaccio of fresh raw octopus, diced into small chunks and served in a thin gravy of mirin rice wine, usukuchi shoyu / light soy sauce, sugar, salt, and wasabi. Praised for its low calorie yet high nutritional value, this has textures of slippery crunchy smooth, with a refreshing sharp sour earthy sweet flavour, helping to prepare the palate for more. Good!

Takowasa (SGD $7)

Takowasa

The Moyashi No Namuru (SGD $9) or Bean Sprout Salad is a common Japanese side dish, consisting of fresh blanched bean sprouts seasoned with sesame oil, sesame seeds, and garlic. Each bite of the bean sprouts is bright and juicy crunchy in texture, followed by a lovely vegetal earthy sweet nutty bitter spice flavour. Worth ordering!

Moyashi No Namuru (SGD $9)

Moyashi No Namuru

The Hourenso No Namuru (SGD $9) or Spinach Salad is another common Japanese side dish. Like its counterpart, a seasoning blend of sesame oil, sesame seeds, and garlic, is used as marinade, in this case, fresh leafy spinach. This results in a gentle crisp crunch to texture for the spinach, followed by lovely vegetal grassy sweet nutty flavour. Good!

Hourenso No Namuru (SGD $9)

Hourenso No Namuru

The Nama Kaki (SGD $16 for 2 pieces) or Seasoned Raw Oysters have been improved from before. The large, plump, succulent juicy raw oysters are seasoned with momiji oroshi / grated daikon radish, ponzu sauce, spring onions, but now also includes juicy ikura / salmon fish roe. Meant to be slurped up in a single mouthful, you get a big burst of fresh clean-tasting vegetal sweet briny salty flavour that is so refreshing. Highly recommended!

Nama Kaki (SGD $16 for 2 pieces)

Nama Kaki

The Noto Amaebi Karaage (SGD $11) or Deep-Fried Noto Sea Sweet Shrimp features a scattering of crisp crunchy deep-fried sweet shrimp, sourced from the Noto Peninsula, near Ishikawa prefecture in Chubu, Japan. The entire shrimp can be eaten, shell and all, and has a distinct salty sweet shrimpy flavour. Portion is a little small for the price though. Worth ordering!

Noto Amaebi Karaage (SGD $11)

Noto Amaebi Karaage

The signature Tori Karaage (SGD $15) or Fried Chicken is as excellent as ever. A huge ball of tender juicy chicken meat, nearly the size of a fist, is coated in a crisp golden batter, which crunches lightly to release enticing bold savoury sweet salty flavour. Served with a salty savoury usukuchi shoyu / light soy sauce, and a creamy mayonnaise with milky sweet notes. Completely satisfying. Highly recommended!

Tori Karaage (SGD $15)

Tori Karaage

Tori Karaage

Their unique hand formed Gyoza Croquette (SGD $11) is so yummy. A blend of finely minced ingredients, including pork, garlic chives, spring onions, cabbage, ginger, garlic, usukuchi shoyu / light soy sauce, koikuchi shoyu / dark soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, is formed into a large round ball, then coated in panko bread crumbs and deep-fried. This renders the croquette crisp and crunchy on the outside, while being tender and juicy on the inside, with a satisfying meaty vegetal savoury salty sweet flavour. Served with a light ponzu dipping sauce, with fresh white cabbage and diced tomatoes on the side. Highly recommended!

Gyoza Croquette (SGD $11)

Gyoza Croquette

The Kani Tama Gratin (SGD $13) or Snow Crab Gratin looks visually impressive, with the hollowed crab shell generously filled with the luscious creamy gratin, made from a blend of snow crab meat, mackerel fish chunks, pork bacon, white sauce (butter, milk, all-purpose flour), and torched parmesan cheese. The delicate flavours of the seafood are nullified by the strong cheese, such that the milky cheesy salty savoury flavours are more dominant. Could be improved.

Kani Tama Gratin (SGD $13)

Kani Tama Gratin

The Aburi Shimesaba (SGD $16) or Grilled Vinegared Mackerel Fish, features a medium sized fillet of boneless mackerel fish, which has been marinated in rice vinegar, then grilled. The fish retains a juicy flaky tender texture, carrying robust meaty smoky savoury salty flavour. An optional dressing of lemon juice lends a tangy zesty sour note, while the bed of crisp white onions complete with its vegetal sweet spice flavour. Good!

Aburi Shimesaba (SGD $16)

Aburi Shimesaba

The Buri Daikon (SGD $13) or Braised Yellowtail Fish And Daikon Radish is a soulful, comforting dish. In a robust gravy of braising stock, big with meaty salty sweet savoury herbal flavour, are cubes of tender flaky yellowtail fish, large slices of soft daikon radish, and crisp spring onions. Picking up the deep notes of the gravy, each bite makes you crave more. Practically calls for a bowl of white rice to accompany. Good!

Buri Daikon (SGD $13)

Buri Daikon

Buri Daikon

The Mentai Tamagoyaki (SGD $8) or Japanese Egg Omelette With Pollock Fish Roe is a good nibble as a treat. The moist fluffy egg omelette carries beautiful eggy sweet flavour, enhanced by the salty savoury spice notes of the rich creamy mentaiko / pollock fish roe. I felt it could be more wallet-friendly though. Worth ordering!

Mentai Tamagoyaki (SGD $8)

Mentai Tamagoyaki

Served in a cute hot plate which sizzles appetizingly, the Mini Okonomiyaki Ika Modan (SGD $12) or Mini Squid & Noodles Pancake features a medley of chopped ingredients, including fresh squid, cabbage, egg, and soba noodles, held together with wheat flour pancake batter, and grilled to perfection. Served topped with worcestershire infused okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, katsuobushi / bonito fish flakes, spring onions, and pickled ginger strips. With a combination of creamy moist chewy crunchy soft wispy textures, this pancake has a complex blend of flavours, being vegetal eggy sweet savoury salty earthy in taste. Almost a small meal on its own. Good!

Mini Okonomiyaki Ika Modan (SGD $12)

Mini Okonomiyaki Ika Modan

Mini Okonomiyaki Ika Modan

The Yaki Wagyu Gyu-Tan (SGD $22) or Grilled Wagyu Beef Tongue is served on a platter with a juicy lemon wedge, crisp spring onions, grainy sea salt crystals, soft garlic chips, and a dollop of wasabi. The beef tongue has a satisfying juicy chew to texture, releasing bold meaty savoury salty flavour, with a hint of succulent fatty notes. Completely yummy on its own, enhanced when paired with the accompaniments. Highly recommended!

Yaki Wagyu Gyu-Tan (SGD $22)

Yaki Wagyu Gyu-Tan

The Onigiri Umeboshi (SGD $4 per piece) or Rice Ball With Pickled Plum has a well-shaped ball of white rice, tightly packed and held with dried seaweed. The rice ball is moist fluffy sticky in texture, with pleasant grainy sweet flavour, with the seaweed lending a vegetal earthy salty note. Within is a single umeboshi / pickled plum, firm and juicy in texture with sharp sour salty vegetal flavour, contrasting with the foil of white rice. Good!

Onigiri Umeboshi (SGD $4 per piece)

Onigiri Umeboshi

Onigiri Umeboshi

The Onigiri Mentaiko (SGD $4 per piece) or Rice Ball With Pollock Fish Roe has a well-shaped ball of white rice, tightly packed and held with dried seaweed. The rice ball is moist fluffy sticky in texture, with pleasant grainy sweet flavour, with the seaweed lending a vegetal earthy salty note. Within is rich creamy mentaiko / pollock fish roe with salty savoury spice flavour, complementing the base of white rice. Good!

Onigiri Mentaiko (SGD $4 per piece)

Onigiri Mentaiko

Onigiri Mentaiko

Loved the Omakase Oden Set (SGD $19 for 6 pieces), a one-bowl meal that's soulful and a pure comfort delight. The warm dashi soup / broth of the oden carries strong earthy savoury sweet flavour, and is served with a 6-piece selection picked by the kichen team. There's bouncy hard boiled egg with eggy sweet flavour, juicy tender braised daikon radish with vegetal earthy salty sweet flavour, and soft silken tofu beancurd with mild grainy sweet flavour. Also chewy chikuwa / bamboo ring fish cake with mild savoury sweet fishy flavour, bouncy satsuma-age / fried fish cake with meaty savoury sweet flavour, and springy wobbly konnyaku / konjac with earthy vegetal salty flavour. Served with a dip of dijon mustard, which lends a sharp sour spice flavour. There's also a larger 10-piece option available. Highly recommended!

Omakase Oden Set (SGD $19 for 6 pieces)

Omakase Oden Set

Omakase Oden Set

The Omakase Skewer Set (SGD $28) features the Chef's choice of 7 skewers. You only need to specify if you wish to have chicken organs or not, and the kitchen team picks it out accordingly.

Omakase Skewer Set (SGD $28)

Omakase Skewer Set

The Skewer Shishito (SGD $4 per skewer) or Skewer Shishito Pepper features these peppers skewered and seasoned with sea salt crystals. Grilled perfectly, the shishito peppers are juicy with a light crunch, releasing a pleasant smoky vegetal earthy salty bitter spicy flavour, nice. Worth ordering!

Skewer Shishito (SGD $4 per skewer)

Skewer Shishito

The Skewer Bekon Aspara (SGD $5 per skewer) or Skewer Pork Bacon Asparagus has strips of tender moist pork bacon wrapped around large crunchy stalks of asparagus. Bite in and you get a lovely combination of smoky vegetal meaty sweet salty flavour. Good!

Skewer Bekon Aspara (SGD $5 per skewer)

Skewer Bekon Aspara

The Skewer Bekon Eringi (SGD $5 per skewer) or Skewer Pork Bacon King Trumpet Mushroom has medium sized chunks of king trumpet mushroom with pork bacon wrapped around it. This has a distinctly tender moist texture, with bold smoky meaty earthy savoury flavour. Good!

Skewer Bekon Eringi (SGD $5 per skewer)

Skewer Bekon Eringi

The Skewer Buta Tontoro (SGD $5 per skewer) or Skewer Pork Jowl is so good. The thick chunky pork jowl has a nice juicy crunch, releasing the smoky meaty salty savoury fatty flavours within. Not gamey at all, can tell fresh meat is used. Highly recommended!

Skewer Buta Tontoro (SGD $5 per skewer)

Skewer Buta Tontoro

The Skewer Tori Momoniku (SGD $4 per skewer) or Skewer Chicken Thigh is of good quality. The thick chunky fresh chicken thigh is juicy and tender and moist, with enticing smoky meaty sweet savoury flavour. Seasoning is a little lighter than elsewhere, so you get more of the natural chicken taste. Highly recommended!

Skewer Tori Momoniku (SGD $4 per skewer)

Skewer Tori Momoniku

The Skewer Tori Tebasaki (SGD $4 per skewer) or Skewer Chicken Wing has 2 pieces of chicken wings, lightly seasoned with shio / salt. The chicken meat comes clean off, being tender but bordering dry, with prominent smoky salty savoury flavour. I think this might have been better with teriyaki glaze actually. Could be improved.

Skewer Tori Tebasaki (SGD $4 per skewer)

Skewer Tori Tebasaki

The Skewer Tori Tsukune (SGD $5 per skewer) or Skewer Chicken Meat Ball is decently tasty. The tightly packed chicken meat ball is juicy and tender soft in texture, with bold smoky meaty savoury salty sweet flavour. Decent enough, but not as memorable as elsewhere. Worth ordering!

Skewer Tori Tsukune (SGD $5 per skewer)

Skewer Tori Tsukune

A warm bowl of Kitsune Udon (SGD $7) is pure comfort food. Within the thin yet tasty dashi broth, bold with savoury sweet earthy flavour, is thick and chewy soft udon noodles with grainy sweet notes, flanked by a pourous and spongy beancurd skin with grainy sweet savoury flavour. Some crisp spring onions with vegetal sweet notes round out this straightforward dish. Good!

Kitsune Udon (SGD $7)

Kitsune Udon

Served as part of a set meal order, the Misoshiru (SGD $Complimentary) or Miso Soup features a warm soup / broth of dashi and miso, garnished with spring onions and tofu puffs. It's cloudy with deep savoury sweet salty flavour, rather comforting. Worth ordering!

Misoshiru (SGD $Complimentary)

Misoshiru

The Wagyu Nikomi Onsen Tamago Donburi (SGD $22) or Stewed Wagyu Beef With Soft Boiled Egg Rice Bowl has a base of fluffy sticky moist white rice with grainy sweet notes, over which is laid succulent cubes of juicy stewed wagyu beef with bold meaty salty savoury flavour. A wobbly runny soft boiled egg accompanies, mix it in to lend a silky smooth texture with mild eggy sweet flavour. Completed with crisp spring onions which lend bright vegetal sweet flavour. Served in a set which includes Misoshiru / Miso Soup and pickled cabbage. Good!