Located at 100 Tras Street #01-09, Singapore 079027, The Public Izakaya is Singapore’s largest authentic Japanese izakaya, boasting 400 seats across multiple units. Celebrating over 12 years, it recently underwent extensive renovations, elevating the dining experience for young professionals and families alike seeking genuine izakaya culture.
The Public Izakaya: A 12-Year Legacy and Authentic Ambiance
The Public Izakaya blends the casual spirit of izakaya dining with the craftsmanship heritage of Hachi Restaurant’s omakase cuisine. Its ambiance features rich dark wood sourced from Japan and authentic antiques collected from Japanese antique markets, creating a warm, inviting space evocative of Edo period izakayas.
Seating options include traditional tatami mats, sunken wells, counter seats, and outdoor areas, allowing guests to sit comfortably whether alone, with family, or in groups. As one of the best places for gatherings, meals, or events, The Public Izakaya stands out for its suitability and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for any occasion. The warm lantern lighting enhances the cozy atmosphere, especially on a relaxed Thursday evening after work.
Menu Highlights: Traditional and Innovative Izakaya Fare
Oden: A Taste of Edo Period Comfort
Oden, a hearty stew from the Edo period, is a centerpiece of the menu. The Public Izakaya serves oden simmered in a light soy-flavored dashi broth using a mix of imported Japanese ingredients and house-made items. Favorites include soft daikon, konnyaku, fish cakes, and especially hard-boiled egg—a key ingredient that adds both richness and texture to the dish, absorbing the umami-rich broth and enhancing the authentic Japanese flavor. This makes oden perfect for sharing over drinks like sake or shochu.
Kushiyaki Skewers: Grilled to Perfection
The kushiyaki skewers are a standout, grilled over traditional charcoal by specially trained chefs. Signature items include chicken skin—crispy and crunchy—house-made chicken tsukune with tender cartilage texture, and innovative additions like rolled pork belly with shiso leaves and bacon-wrapped cabbage. Premium selections feature Wagyu beef tongue and Nodoguro no Himono (dried blackthroat seaperch), all served with smoky, juicy flavors.
Deep Fried Delights: Crispy and Juicy
The deep fried (agemono) section features the famous tennis ball-sized chicken karaage—crispy outside, juicy inside—made from fresh thigh meat. This karaage is especially good, with a well-balanced flavor and excellent texture that stands out among similar dishes. Creative dishes include the gyoza croquette, blending familiar gyoza flavors with a crispy croquette texture; this croquette is very good, combining the best of both worlds in taste and preparation. The unique torikawa gyoza, where chicken skin replaces the traditional wrapper, adds rich, crunchy texture.
Agedashi tofu, soft and delicately fried, is another beloved dish, served in a savory dashi broth topped with bonito flakes, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Baked & Cheese-Topped Specialties
The Jaga Mentaiko combines crunchy shredded potatoes with house-made spicy cod roe sauce, while the Kani Tama Gratin layers crab meat, bacon, and cheese baked to golden perfection. These dishes showcase the kitchen’s skill in blending traditional Japanese tastes with innovative techniques.
Agedashi Tofu: A Classic Comfort Dish
Agedashi tofu is a beloved classic in Japanese izakayas, and The Public Izakaya serves it with exceptional care. This dish features soft tofu lightly coated in a delicate batter and deep fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. It is then served in a warm dashi broth topped with bonito flakes and spring onions, creating a perfect harmony of textures and umami flavors. Agedashi tofu offers a comforting, savory bite that pairs wonderfully with sake or beer, making it a must-try on the menu today.
Food Quality and Authenticity
The Public Izakaya emphasizes authentic ingredients, balancing imported Japanese essentials with fresh local produce to maintain quality and flavor integrity. Fermented specialties like shiokara and ankimo ponzu highlight the kitchen’s dedication to traditional tastes.
The menu’s variety ensures there’s something for everyone—from soft, tender eggs in oden to crunchy chicken skin and savory bacon-wrapped delights. The overall taste experience is enhanced by carefully selected drinks, including sake, shochu, beer, and the Japanese beer-flavored beverage Hoppy.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere
Guests enjoy a relaxed pace where dishes are served as ready, encouraging communal sharing and conversation. The restaurant’s multiple units and seating types accommodate various group sizes and occasions, making it ideal for family gatherings or after-work meetups.
Many guests have wanted to visit The Public Izakaya to experience its unique atmosphere and menu offerings. A visit provides an opportunity to enjoy authentic Japanese dining and immerse oneself in the vibrant setting.
The beverage menu complements the food perfectly, with sake and shochu selections that enhance the umami-rich dishes. The atmosphere shifts from casual lunch to lively evening izakaya vibes, especially on Thursdays when locals and visitors alike look forward to unwinding.
Why The Public Izakaya Stands Out
As the biggest izakaya in Singapore, The Public Izakaya combines scale with authenticity, offering a comprehensive menu that includes unique dishes like torikawa gyoza and gyoza croquette not found elsewhere in town. Its connection to Hachi Restaurant’s omakase standards ensures high culinary craftsmanship.
The restaurant’s multiple units at 100 Tras and the nearby Altez location expand its reach, supported by a highly rated delivery service that brings authentic izakaya flavors home.
Practical Information for Visitors
Open daily with lunch and dinner services, The Public Izakaya welcomes diners from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM to midnight, perfect for weekday work breaks or weekend family outings. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups.
Located in Singapore’s bustling Duxton area, the restaurant is easily accessible via public transport and offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese izakaya culture with modern Singaporean vibrancy.
Conclusion: Experience Authentic Izakaya Culture in Singapore
The Public Izakaya offers an unparalleled izakaya experience in Singapore, blending traditional Japanese flavors, authentic ambiance, and innovative dishes. Whether enjoying crunchy chicken skin, tender agedashi tofu, or flavorful kushiyaki skewers, diners can savor the essence of Japan’s izakaya culture right in the heart of Singapore 079027.
For those who want to find the perfect place to sit, eat, and enjoy authentic Japanese food and drinks, The Public Izakaya remains a top choice in town—combining the best ingredients, skilled preparation, and a welcoming house atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year.
For more insights and recommendations on authentic Japanese izakayas in Singapore, visit our website at bestizakaya.com.sg to explore the best spots and hidden gems.
