Boat Quay is no stranger to some of Singapore’s most popular bars, so this new izakaya (despite being the first Daruma-themed) has some serious contenders.
That said, I’m confident they’ll do just fine, as they’re bound to attract a loyal crowd of followers over time. And, it’s all due to how good the food is and how drinks seem to be served aplenty here (perfect for semi-alcoholics like myself!).
Getting to Shakō-Ba may be a little confusing for first-time visitors as they’re hidden on the second floor of The Offshore Building. Not gonna lie, it took me some time to find the entrance as it’s somewhat located in a back alley.
As soon as I stepped into the bar, I was greeted by the bar counter and the man behind the show — Chef Patrick. Chef Patrick boasts more than 25 years of experience crafting izakaya dishes and it definitely shows through his creations.
For starters, I was presented with Otoshi (S$5 for a plate, S$8 for two plates), a small appetiser that helped me get started for a night of eating and drinking. The dishes are seasonal, so it depends entirely on what ingredients are available that day.
My selections of Otoshi include Potato Salad, Chuka Kurage (seasoned jellyfish), and Kombu Tsukudani (simmered kombu). Each dish was expertly crafted, delivering a strong, piquant flavour that tantalised my taste buds.
I was also served the Pitan Crab Tofu (S$12). Delicate silken tofu is drizzled with a rich century egg sauce and finished off with a sprinkle of tobiko. Unless you love century eggs, you might find the flavours of this dish a bit too bold and pungent.
Moving onto what I personally regard as the star of the show — Salmon Treasure Box (S$28). This dish is beautifully displayed, showcasing minced salmon sashimi crowned with ikura in a wooden box.
While you can enjoy the sashimi on its own, I loved it as a topping on the crispy seaweed tempura for an added crunch. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish is incredibly indulgent, so it’s no surprise it was a huge hit with my dining companions as well.
The Minced Tuna Belly Crispy Rice (S$18 for two) was another standout dish, delivering a delightful textural experience with its crunchy rice paired with creamy tuna belly.
For the utmost fulfilment, opt for the Shakoba Premium Maki (S$48 for four) that’s further topped with sea urchin and caviar.
Mains-wise, I found the Tempura Prawn Rice Bowl (S$14) a bit on the bland side, so I enhanced it by adding a sprinkle of their Enoki Mushroom Karaage (S$8) on top. Feel free to steal my trick as this pairing was phenomenal — providing a nice crunch and umaminess.
The food served here is undeniably great but since Shakō-Ba is an izakaya through and through, drinks are equally essential to the experience. I kicked things off with a glass of Original Suntory Highball (S$10), which was soon complemented by shots as the night progressed.
Despite being a weeknight, I wallowed in a couple of their uniquely concocted shots (S$10 per shot, S$90 for 12 shots). Mint Chocolate and Yuzu are my favourites, but since they’re so easy to sip on, it’s wise to keep yourself in check if you want to avoid getting drunk.
And, yes, the drinks can be quite strong here.
If you stay long enough, you may even receive a little treat from the owner himself — Reuben. These treats are none other than free shots. What does he want from you? A friendly game! If you lose, it’s drink-up time — though who would mind that?
In fact, you can be generous yourself by buying him and Chef Patrick a drink or two.
What I love about dining at Shakō-Ba goes beyond the delicious food; it emphasises a communal experience. With games and lively conversations, you’re bound to leave with a new friend.
Are you planning to come down this weekend?
Shakō-Ba
Instagram | Website
📍12 North Canal Road, #02-01, Singapore 048825
🕐 5pm–12am (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
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