I almost walked past it.
Kampong Bahru Road has that half-forgotten quality after dark — shophouses, a few closed shutters, the hum of traffic drifting in from somewhere else. Not the kind of street you dress up for. Then the door opened, and the smell of charcoal caught me before the menu did.
That’s usually a good sign. A yakitori izakaya bar that smells like smoke before it smells like anything else is a place that takes the charcoal grill seriously.
I stayed for a few hours. I’m glad I did.
Walking In: The Atmosphere at Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar Near Outram Park MRT
Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya sits closer to Outram Park than the Tanjong Pagar core, which means it doesn’t get the after-work stampede that some izakaya bars do. That’s part of its appeal. You walk in and the room feels calm rather than crowded — soft light, wood tones, a modern Japanese restaurant interior that leans quiet instead of loud.
The layout gives you options. There’s bar seating if you’re alone or just want to watch the grilled skewers turn. There are tables for two or three. And tucked away, there’s private zaisu-style seating — the low, floor-set kind — which is the move if you’ve come with a small group and want a corner of your own.
If it’s just me, I take the bar every time. Yakitori izakaya dining is a spectator sport when it’s done right, and sitting close to the charcoal grill changes how the night feels.
It works for a low-key date, a small gathering, or a solo evening with a highball and no one to answer to. It’s not a place to shout across the table. It’s a place to lean in. For those interested in exploring more options, the izakaya Tanjong Pagar area offers a variety of top Japanese dining spots worth visiting.
What Hiyaki Offers: Delicious Preparations from Potato Salad to Wagyu Beef Cubes
The way to enjoy good food here is the way you’d eat at any honest yakitori izakaya restaurant: order in rounds, drink slowly, let the grill set the pace.
I started with the potato salad, a simple dish but tastefully prepared and beautifully presented. It’s creamy and rich — a comforting base before the heavier grilled items arrive.
Then came the hotate nori wasabi, fresh scallops paired with a bright wasabi kick that the attentive staff highly recommended. The fresh sashimi and sushi were good quality, though the real star place here is the charcoal grill and the grilled skewers it produces.
The menu includes chicken thigh and chicken wings grilled to perfection, chicken meatballs (tsukune) glazed and tender, and wagyu beef cubes that melt in your mouth, accompanied by kizami wasabi to cut through the richness. The grilled butter corn and leek skewers are perfect sides, balancing the meat with sweet, smoky flavors.
If you want a heartier dish, the unagi fried rice is a must-try — fluffy rice absorbing deep savory notes, rounding out the meal with good value.
The Charcoal Grill Experience: Efficient Service and High Standards at Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya
The soul of Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar lies in its binchotan charcoal grill. This white charcoal burns clean and hot, crisping the skin while keeping the chicken juicy. The grilled skewers arrive served super fast, thanks to the efficient service and good timings from attentive staff who know how to pace a yakitori izakaya meal.
This is a rare combination: excellent service without hovering, making sure every dish arrives at the right moment to enjoy a wonderful dinner in a lively atmosphere.
Before You Go: Location, Parking, and Booking a Table Today
Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar is located at 33 Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169354, a great spot near Outram Park MRT. It’s a popular spot, so booking a table today is highly recommended, especially on weekends.
Street parking can be a bit difficult, but there are paid parking options nearby. The reasonable prices and high google rating reflect the food quality and whole experience that keep customers coming back.
The Verdict: A Star Place for Authentic Yakitori Izakaya Dining in Singapore
Hiyaki Yakitori Izakaya Bar didn’t try to win me over quickly, and I respect that.
It’s a quiet room on a quiet street, doing the fundamentals well — smoke, salt, patience, a grill that knows its job. The premium plates like wagyu beef and uni are there if you want them, but the humble chicken skewers were the dishes I kept thinking about on the walk to the nearest MRT.
If you want authentic, tasty Japanese restaurant fare with attentive, efficient service and a lively izakaya bar atmosphere, Hiyaki Yakitori is a fantastic choice for your next meal in Singapore.
Some nights, that’s all a place needs to do.
