It was a Thursday, the kind where the office empties out slowly and you’re not quite ready to head home. I found myself walking into 100AM Mall in Tanjong Pagar, drawn by the promise of grilled skewers and a cold beer. The Public Izakaya by Hachi seemed like the right call. I’d heard it brought a slice of Tokyo to Singapore, a japanese izakaya singapore and I was curious enough to find out.
I got there around 6.30pm, just before the after-work rush properly kicked in. Good timing, as it turned out.
First Impressions: The Public Izakaya’s Cozy, Welcoming Atmosphere
The place hits you with energy the moment you step in. Warm lighting, wooden interiors, and izakaya memorabilia that nods to Japan’s Edo period lining the walls. It’s casual and lively, built more for chatter and shochu than quiet contemplation. The design is thoughtful too. There are private booths alongside counter seating, and the sunken wells give it a traditional tatami mats feel without being stiff or formal.
The seating options here work well for couples or small groups, though it gets snug fast when the room fills. By 7.30pm the noise had climbed, and I found myself leaning in to hear my friend across the table.
I’ll be straight with you. This isn’t a place for a peaceful dinner. It’s a place to let loose a little.
The Dining Experience at Izakaya by Hachi: Deep Fried, Grilled, and Everything in Between
I started with the yakitori, because that’s the heart of any izakaya worth visiting. The chicken skewers came off the grill smoky and juicy, with that savoury char clinging to the edges. The chicken skin skewer, torikawa gyoza style, was crisp and rendered down to a satisfying crunch. They’re priced per stick, so it’s easy to keep ordering as you go, which is really the point here.
Next, I tried the deep fried gyoza croquette. It arrived golden and crunchy on the outside, with a soft, seasoned filling inside that had just enough pork to feel meaty without being heavy. A squeeze of the house dipping sauce over the top and it was close to perfection.
The rolled pork belly skewer came next. It was tender, with a thin layer of fat that melted into the meat, the bacon-like richness balanced by a touch of sweet glaze. I paired it with a cold beer, which is exactly how it should be eaten.
I also tried the kani tama gratin, a warm, baked dish with a rich cheese topping and soft egg underneath. It’s not the kind of dish you’d find at most izakayas, and that’s part of why Hachi stands out. The jaga mentaiko followed, a comforting mix of potato and mentaiko that was creamy and mildly smoky, served warm with spring onions scattered over the top.
The karaage was fresh and juicy inside, with a crust that stayed crunchy from first bite to last. I finished with the oden, a hearty stew with a clean, delicate broth and soft vegetables that grounded the meal after all the fried and grilled dishes.
Here’s my honest note. One skewer landed a touch too salty. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing. The wagyu beef tongue, when I spotted it on the menu, is worth ordering if it’s available. Meaty and tender with a slight chew, it’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and pay attention.
The Service
When I arrived, the staff were attentive and the drinks flowed well. Orders came out at a decent pace, and it all felt relaxed.
That changed as the room filled. Skewers arrived in staggered waves, and I had to flag someone down more than once. It’s not rudeness. It’s a small team managing a packed house. If you come off-peak, the experience is smoother. Come at peak, and you’ll need patience.
The Practical Stuff
Here’s what you’ll want to know before you go.
- Average spend: around S$40 to S$70 per person with drinks like sake, beer, or shochu, and closer to S$25 to S$40 without
- Booking: walk-ins are fine off-peak, but I’d reserve for Friday and Saturday evenings
- Location: 100AM Mall, Tanjong Pagar, a short walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT
- Best timing: get there before 6.30pm for a calmer meal and quicker service
Because it sits in the heart of the CBD, the office crowd pours in fast once the workday ends. If you value a relaxed pace, the early slot is worth it.
My Honest Verdict: Is Hachi The Public Izakaya Worth It?
The Public Izakaya by Hachi isn’t trying to be a fine dining destination, and I think that’s fine. It’s a functional, lively izakaya built around authentic Japanese dining with food and drinks that suit the format. The menu pulls from across Japan, from the yakitori and karaage through to the baked and stewed dishes that give the meal real range.
The food is solid. Some dishes are remarkable, especially the deep fried croquette, the rolled pork belly, and the oden. Others are crowd-pleasers that do their job without fireworks. The rice dishes are comforting, the cabbage sides are fresh and simple, and the mix of hot and cold options means diners with different appetites can all find something that works.
I’d point you here for after-work drinks with colleagues, a casual group meal, or any night in Singapore when you want food that feels like it came from a busy Tokyo izakaya side street. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere and lively energy suit those evenings well.
If you’re after quiet dining, refined Japanese cooking almost the size of an omakase, or comfortable seating for a large party, this may not be your first choice. But for grilled skewers, cold drinks, and a meal that reminds you why izakaya dining works so well? It holds up.
Go early, order a few sticks, and let the evening settle in. That’s how I’d do it again.