Cafe Hachi Launches Izakaya Torikin: Featuring Fukuoka Delicacies- Torinabe, Bar Snacks and Matcha All Together

Written By Vernicia

Izakaya Torikin is a pop-up concept at Cafe Hachi which is opening on 20 October 2022. This collaboration between Cafe Hachi and Torikin is in celebration of Torikin’s 8th anniversary (November 2022). Moreover, the existing bar menu at Cafe Hachi has been greatly popular, hence the owner decided to take it up a notch by transforming Cafe Hachi into a full-fledged izakaya by night. Look forward to an extensive menu featuring delicacies from Hakata and Kyushu regions, including signature nabe(hotpots) from Torikin, complemented by Cafe Hachi’s signature matcha desserts.

Opening Promotion: Nabe Course + Free flow drinks*(2 hours) at $150 nett
(Valid from 20 October 2022)

Nabe Course: Bowl of the Day (small), Edamame, Seafood Sashimi Salad, Hakata Mentai Ajillo, Miyazaki Chicken Nanban, Daily Special Nabe, Chanpon (noodles)
*The all-you-can-drink menu includes a selection of alcoholic beverages.

Nabe options include Hakata Akamaru Torinabe and Hakata Motsunabe (Shoyu).
Please check with the store on details of the menu. 

Hakata Akamaru Torinabe $28

Hakata Akamaru Torinabe is slightly spicy, boasts a good mix of spicy bean sauce and miso in the soup base. Chicken is simmered in the hot soup, along with generous portions of vegetables including mushrooms and tofu. The vibrant reddish soup might bear some resemblance to kimchi jjigae but it tasted nothing sour like preserved kimchi. In fact, the soup delivered a good balance of spiciness and sweetness from the chicken.

Note: This is an exclusive dish served at Cafe Hachi X Izakaya Torikin, it is not available at Torikin.

Hakata Collagen Torinabe $32

Hakata Collagen Torinabe would certainly be a hot favourite among ladies; chicken is nourishing and collagen is essential in beautifying the skin. The chicken was fresh and tender, complemented by the rejuvenating soup with leek, potatoes and goji berries. In our opinion, this was “chicken soup for the soul”, warming us up on a cold and rainy day.

The chef also prepared a dipping sauce which is made up of garlic chives, garlic, homemade spicy seasoning and french mustard. We then poured homemade ponzu in the saucer and gave it a good mix. The tender chicken went very well with the aromatic dipping sauce which brought a burst of umami to our palates.

Hakata Mentai Motsunabe $45

Hakata Mentai Motsunabe is a popular hotpot dish from Torikin. This pot of goodness consists of Fukuoka Mentaiko, Kagoshima Wagyu intestines, garlic, chives, tofu, Japanese taro, goho (burdock) and white sesame. We enjoyed the chewy large beef intestines together with umami salted cod roe, fresh cabbage, and garlic chives.

Chef Recommendations | Appetisers and Bar Bites

Besides the signature nabe selection, you can expect several Western fusion dishes and delectable izakaya snacks which pair well with the wide variety of Japanese alcoholic drinks available in-store.

Octopus Galician Style $25

Octopus Galician Style is actually a popular tapas in Spain. Although this dish is simple, and only consists of octopus, potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt and paprika, finding the octopus’ optimal cooking time actually requires quite a bit of practice. We were not big fans of octopus but the octopus here was cooked to perfection; the chewiness level and seasoning were spot-on.

Char-grilled Lamb $28

Char-grilled Lamb is a Spanish-inspired centrepiece at Izakaya Torikin, . We loved the charred fire-kissed flavour of the lamb, with barely any hints of gaminess. The potatoes were well roasted, soft and fluffy inside, crispy and golden outside.

Appetisers and Bar Bites

Start your meal with fresh greens! Torikin Salad $16 is a classic salad with greens, tomatoes, egg and sesame dressing. Prefer sashimi in your salad? Check out the Seafood Sashimi Salad $25 and brace yourself for a slight punch from the wasabi. Sesame Kanpachi $18 is a Kyushu dish featuring kanpachi (amberjack), a close member of the yellowtail family. Savour the premium fish dipped in sweet sesame sauce. We recommend to pair this appetiser with a glass of sake.

Featuring the star protein of Torikin, chicken! Grilled Chicken Seseri (chicken neck) $18 is a traditional Japanese kuwayaki dish prepared with chicken meat from the neck area as the main ingredient. 鍬焼き Kuwayaki refers to a grilled dish in which meat and vegetables are dipped in sauce and grilled on an iron plate. This izakaya dish is pretty uncommon as there is a limited amount of neck meat per chicken. Similar to chicken tail, this meat cut was very flavourful and chewy. We strongly recommend that you try this rare grilled chicken neck!

Homemade Chicken Tsukune (meatballs) $12 at Izakaya Torikin features a raw egg yolk on top of the usual dipping sauce. Mix the egg yolk with the sauce well and dig in! We certainly enjoyed the chicken meatball and egg combo!

Desserts

Forget simple and boring desserts typically served at izakaya. The bonus about Cafe Hachi X Izakaya Torikin collaboration is that you get to complete a hearty meal with quality matcha desserts from Cafe Hachi.

Matcha Tiramisu with Warabimochi $16.80 and Matcha Roll Cake with Ice-cream $14.80 are two of our favourite matcha desserts at Cafe Hachi. You might also want to check out new items such as Matcha Milk Pudding $6.80 and Matcha Affogato $15.80!

Check out the full menu of Cafe Hachi X Izakaya Torikin.

About Torikin
Torikin celebrates its 8th anniversary on 1 November 2022. The brand is known for its scrumptious and comforting nabe; such as Hakata Mizutaki and Motsunabe. Chicken is the main ingredient in Hakata Mizutaki as well as menu favourites such as Chicken Nanban. Read "A Steamy Interview with Kyota Ishida: The Man Behind Torikin Singapore” for the full story!

Cafe Hachi X Izakaya Torikin
Location: 35 North Canal Road, #01-01 Singapore 059291 (Cafe Hachi)
Nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay
Operating Hours: 5pm-11pm (Wed-Mon), 12pm-11pm (Sat & Sun)
(Closed on Tue, will close on Wed if Tue falls on a public holiday)
Reservation: 6226 1182 (Party reservation for 20 to 30 pax is welcome)
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*This is an invited media tasting event.

Vernicia

Avid fan of all things Japanese. Reminiscing her work-study-play life in 日本。

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