You can find one-of-a-kind matcha shabu shabu, Spanish fusion tapas & more at this cafe by day, Japanese bar by night

If you’ve been wondering what’s going on with Cafe Hachi along Clarke Quay, look no further.

The speciality cafe from Fukuoka, which used to specialise in matcha desserts and vegan-friendly mains, has undergone a transformation into HACHI x Izakaya Torikin — a cafe by day, a Japanese bar by night.

Interior-wise, nothing much has changed. The concrete walls, wooden accents, and mood lighting still give off old-school kissaten vibes.

However, HACHI is now open for both lunch and dinner, offering a completely revamped menu featuring bar bites, hearty hotpots, and set lunches with Japanese and Spanish influences.

Set lunches

Those who visit during lunch from 12pm–3pm can choose between the 2-course Set (S$25++), comprising an appetiser and a main, or the 3-course Set (S$29++), which comes inclusive of dessert.

Appetisers include the Galician Style Octopus (U.P. S$7) and Flamenco Egg (U.P. S$9), best enjoyed with mains like the Hakata Mentaiko Spaghetti (U.P. S$21), Lamb Chops (U.P. S$28), and Eggplant and Bacon Tomato Spaghetti (S$22).

Complete the course with irresistible matcha desserts like Matcha Cheese Cake (U.P. S$9), Milk Pudding with Matcha Syrup (U.P. S$8), and Matcha Roll Cake (U.P. S$9).

Other desserts exclusive to the a la carte menu are not to be ignored, such as the Matcha Affogato (S$15), Matcha Tiramisu with Warabimochi (S$16), and Matcha Parfait (S$19) — in all their bittersweet and earthy glory.

Dinner eats & bar bites

Those who wish to take their love for matcha up a notch can drop by for dinner (from 6pm onwards) during which HACHI shifts into a casual Japanese bar, and order the cafe’s novel matcha shabu shabu, the first of its kind in Singapore.

Don’t get me wrong — I absolutely adore anything matcha — but shabu shabu? That’s a first.

Each Matcha Shabu Shabu Set (S$58 for 1 pax) comprises a very green bonito-based matcha broth, served alongside Kurobuta Pork Loin and Assorted Vegetables. You are encouraged to savour the flavourful, umami-laden broth with a comforting bowl of porridge, or matchazuke (rice in matcha shabu shabu broth, S$6).

You can even choose to add on A4 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef (S$80) and dip each fatty, gloriously marbled slice into the accompanying matcha and sesame dipping sauce.

All we can say is — don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!

But if that’s a little too out there for you, alternatives include the Hakata Akamaru Torinabe (S$28 for 1 pax), a spicy miso-based chicken hotpot, and the rich Hakata Motsunabe with Shoyu (S$38) or Mentaiko (S$45) — yes, authentic hotpot with offal is becoming increasingly popular in Singapore.

Otherwise, you can turn to HACHI’s extensive selection of tapas-style bar bites and snacks, such as the Bread Tapas with Homemade Potato Salad (S$8), Spicy Octopus Ajillo (S$12) and Crab Cream Croquette (S$12).

Even better — why not pop by during Happy Hour (5pm–7pm on weekdays, 3pm–6pm on weekends & PH) for a Draft Beer, Highball, Matcha High, Lemon Sour, or Glass of Wine for just S$8 each?

In the mood to make merry with matcha, motsunabe, and/or mentaiko-topped tapas? Reservations can be made here.

HACHI x Izakaya Torikin
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???? 35 North Canal Road, #01-01, Singapore 059291
???? 12pm–3pm, 5pm–10pm (Mon, Wed to Sun), Closed on Tue

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Photos by Christabel Tan