I almost walked past it. Cuppage Plaza isn’t the kind of place you wander into expecting a calm meal. The ground floor hums with after-work chatter, and the lifts feel older than I am. But up on the second floor at 5 Koek Road, behind a quiet doorway, Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine sits like it’s keeping a secret.
I went on a Wednesday, around 7.30pm. I’d had a long day and wanted somewhere I didn’t have to shout to be heard.
Walking Into This Japanese Cuisine Experience
The room is dim in a good way. Warm, low light, wood, and seating that pulls you in close rather than spreading you out. It’s izakaya-style, small, intimate, the sort of place built for two or three people, not ten.
One honest warning: the air-conditioning runs cold. I was glad I’d kept my jacket on. If you feel the chill easily, bring a layer.
There’s no rush in the air, which I appreciated. People were eating slowly, sipping a drink, talking in low voices. It felt like this Japanese restaurant trusted you to take your time.
What I Started With and Enjoyed
- Started with the Assorted 5 Kind Sashimi Platter featuring three pieces each of fresh salmon, tuna, amberjack, sea bream, and hotate. The fish was clean, cold, and carefully cut, with the amberjack offering a firm, slightly sweet bite.
- Next was the Scallop Carpaccio with Ponzu Jelly. The scallops were thin, delicate, and almost melting, balanced by the bright, tangy ponzu jelly. Though a small plate, it was memorable and made me slow down to enjoy it.
- For a comforting dish, I chose the Mentaiko Pasta ($22). It was creamy and savory, with the gentle saltiness and roe richness of mentaiko, yet never heavy. The perfectly grilled prawn added a smoky aroma, complementing the pasta well.
A note on portions: they lean refined, not generous. You’re paying for quality and care here, not volume. If you arrive very hungry, you’ll want to order a few things.
The Staff and Service at Hanashizuku Japanese
The staff were warm and proactive without hovering. When I hesitated over the drinks menu, they steered me toward a sake that suited the meal, clearly knowledgeable about their selection. That kind of guidance makes a difference when you don’t know where to start.
The one small thing: near the end of the meal, plates were cleared a touch quickly. Nothing rude, just a slight shift in pace, the kind you notice when the night’s been so unhurried up to that point.
Practical Information for Your Reservation at 02 01 Cuppage Plaza
Here’s what you’ll want to know before you go.
- Location: 5 Koek Road, #02-01 Cuppage Plaza, near Somerset MRT
- Average price: around $60 a person with a drink or two
- Reservation: highly recommended, especially for dinner, the room is small and fills up quickly
- Parking: can be tight around Cuppage during peak hours, so the MRT is the easier call
If you’re coming after work, book ahead. The intimate layout that makes it lovely also means there aren’t many seats to spare.
Why Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine Is Perfect for You and Your Friend
Hanashizuku isn’t trying to be loud or impressive. And that’s exactly why I’d go back.
It suits couples wanting a quiet dinner, solo diners happy at the counter, sake lovers who want someone to talk them through the list, and small groups who care more about fresh fish than full plates. It’s a place for people who’d rather linger over good sashimi than rush through a big spread.
It’s less suited to budget diners, $60 a head adds up, or large groups needing room to sprawl. If you’re after generous portions for the price, this isn’t that.
But if you want a calm, well-made Japanese meal tucked away from the Orchard rush, I think you’ll leave glad you climbed the stairs. I did.
Reviews and Final Thought on This Japanese Restaurant in Singapore
Hanashizuku Japanese Cuisine has fantastic reviews from diners who appreciate the seasoned flavors, fresh ingredients, and intimate atmosphere. The liver dishes and other specialties served here also get praise, adding to the variety.
Keep Hanashizuku in your pocket as one of the perfect places for a quiet, quality meal in Singapore, especially on a Thursday or any day you want to escape the noise. For more nearby Japanese dining ideas, explore our full guide to cuppage plaza food before your next Orchard dinner.