We have always loved hunting down food in Singapore’s older, slightly dated shopping malls. Fortune Centre, located at 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979, is usually famous for its endless vegetarian food eateries, but if you take the escalator up to the third floor, specifically to fortune centre 03 01, you will find something completely different. Last Thursday around 7:00 pm, we decided to drop by Izakaya Hikari, a cozy, tucked-away Japanese izakaya spot we’ve been hearing whispers about. What we found was a deeply comforting, unpretentious authentic Japanese tavern that feels worlds away from the busy streets of Bugis below.
Atmosphere and First Impressions at Izakaya Hikari in Fortune Centre
Stepping into Izakaya Hikari feels like walking into a friendly neighborhood joint in Tokyo. The space is heavily decked out in traditional wooden finishes with dim, warm lighting that instantly sets a relaxed mood. It is a wonderfully intimate dining area, making it feel much more personal than the rowdy, massive izakayas you usually find closer to the CBD. The building itself at middle road fortune centre 03 has a nice, old-school charm that adds to the experience.
The noise level is incredibly conversation-friendly. We could hear the sizzle from the kitchen and the low hum of chatter, but we never had to shout across the table. A quick observation: the AC in the Fortune Centre hallways can be pretty weak, but it is perfectly comfortable once you are inside the restaurant. If you are coming with friends or a partner, ask for one of the corner tables near the back—it is significantly quieter and gives you a nice, cozy buffer from the main walkway.
What We Ate: Tasty Japanese Food and Izakaya Classics
We started our meal with the Moriawase Sashimi ($38), which is widely considered the star dish of their menu. It arrived beautifully arranged over a bed of crushed ice. The presentation was simple and elegant, focusing entirely on the quality of the fish. The cuts of salmon and tuna were incredibly thick. Biting into the tuna, we noticed a delicate, firm texture that quickly gave way to a silky, buttery mouthfeel with a clean, natural sweetness and absolutely zero fishiness.
Next, we ordered a round of skewers from their binchotan grill, specifically the Tsukune / Chicken Meatballs ($4.50) and the Wagyu Beef Skewers ($9). The Tsukune was fantastic—it arrived piping hot with a beautiful, smoky char on the outside, while the inside remained fluffy and packed with a rich umami flavor. However, to be completely honest about downsides, the Wagyu skewers felt a bit disappointing. While the meat was tender, the portion size was noticeably small for the premium price tag.
To fill up, we shared the Katsu Curry ($16). It is the ultimate comfort food. The breaded pork cutlet had a loud, satisfying crunch that contrasted perfectly with the thick, smooth, slightly sweet Japanese curry sauce. It is a massive, hearty portion. That being said, while it was deeply satisfying, the curry is very traditional and not particularly innovative compared to their excellent raw seafood.
We also noticed some other intriguing dishes on the menu such as salmon mentaiko donburi, kawa ebi (freshwater shrimp), stingray fin, and vegetable options featuring asparagus, mushrooms, and wasabi. There are even vegetarian food choices, which is a nice touch for those who want the izakaya experience but stick to plant-based dishes.
If you’re looking to explore more top izakayas in Singapore offering similar experiences, check out this list of the best izakayas in Singapore.
Service Experience and Drinks at Izakaya Hikari
The service at Izakaya Hikari perfectly matches the neighborhood vibe. The staff are genuinely friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable about their menu. When we asked for a sake recommendation, our server quickly pointed us toward a crisp, dry option that paired beautifully with our heavy curry. The drinks selection complements the food well, with sake and other beverages to enhance the overall taste.
However, because the dining room is so compact and popular, the service pace can take a hit when it gets crowded. By 8:00 pm, every table was full, and we definitely noticed a slowdown. We had to wait about 15 minutes longer than expected for our final round of skewers to arrive. It is an intentionally slow-paced, relaxed environment, so don’t come here if you are rushing to catch a movie or need fast service.
The Practical Details: Reservation and Contact Information at Fortune Centre 03 01 Singapore
For the quality of the food, the pricing here is very reasonable. We ended up spending about $50 per person, sharing a large sashimi platter, a main dish, several skewers, and a couple of drinks. You can easily keep the bill lower if you stick to the comfort food, but premium items will bump it up fast.
Timing your visit is crucial. Walk-ins are almost impossible during the peak dinner rush from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, especially on weekends. We highly recommend making a reservation a few days in advance. Getting there is incredibly easy, as Fortune Centre is just a quick five-minute walk from Bencoolen MRT or an eight-minute walk from Bugis MRT. The full address is 190 Middle Road Fortune Centre, #03-01, Singapore 188979. For contact or booking, it is best to call ahead or book online to secure a table.
Final Judgment on Izakaya Hikari: A Nice Place for Authentic Japanese Food in Singapore
Izakaya Hikari is a brilliant, hidden gem that completely skips the gimmicks and flashiness of trendy spots. It focuses on honest, simple, and high-quality Japanese comfort food in a genuinely relaxing environment.
Best for:
Casual dates or small catch-ups (2-4 people) where you actually want to hear each other speak.
Diners looking for reliable, well-executed izakaya classics without the Orchard Road price markup.
Anyone craving a quiet, comfortable escape from the city crowds.
Skip this if:
You are rolling with a large group looking for a loud, party-style drinking atmosphere.
You expect highly experimental, modern fusion dishes.
You are in a rush and need fast-casual service.
We will definitely be heading back to level 3 of Fortune Centre soon—next time, we’re ordering a double portion of those chicken meatballs. This place is a good find for anyone seeking authentic Japanese izakaya food in Singapore. If you want tasty Japanese food with a cozy atmosphere and thoughtful service, Izakaya Hikari at 190 Middle Road is the kind of place you’ll want to book and visit again. Don’t skip this spot if you love good sashimi, ika, and the overall taste of Japanese comfort food.
