Suiraku

There are few places in Singapore as dedicated to sake and shochu as Suiraku. Opened by the same folks behind bottle shop Kurara, this polished izakaya leans closer to an upscale omakase counter than a rowdy drinking den. But don’t mistake that for stiffness. The sake sommeliers are refreshingly down-to-earth, offering a distinctly Singaporean take on sake, often hand-carrying back exclusive, hard-to-find bottles just so that we can have a taste of them on our sunny island.

The vibe

A handsome wooden counter anchors the room, much like a sushi bar, but the atmosphere is warm and inviting. It’s watched over by the original Suiraku signboard, gifted by the proprietress of the Japanese izakaya whose spirit this place revives.

This is the kind of place where one round of sake turns into three. With so much on offer, and sommeliers who are genuinely excited to share their knowledge, it’s easy to get swept up in it all. Prices are reasonable, too, so you can explore without blowing your budget.

Commissioned artwork, including Ryoko Kimura’s ‘Three Tipsy Dragons’, adds a playful, slightly whimsical edge that mirrors the restaurant’s philosophy: serious drinks, relaxed fun.

The food

Chef Jing’s menu leans into Japanese technique with Singaporean and Chinese nostalgia threaded through it. Dishes from seasonal or event menus, like shrimp-stuffed spring rolls sharpened with ume, or smoked Japanese daikon folded into a delicate dashi tamago, show a chef unafraid to reinterpret familiar flavours.

The minced meat noodles arrive glossy and deeply savoury, built for slurping, while the braised pork belly bun channels kakuni richness into a pillowy, indulgent bite. It’s izakaya food with a playful, personal twist rather than strict authenticity.

The drink

The headline here is the drinks programme: more than 300 sake and shochu labels spanning crisp spring releases to deeper, savoury bottles built for food pairing. The team clearly loves education – masterclasses spotlight honkaku shochu and awamori, and staff are happy to guide you through flights depending on your mood. Cocktails exist, but this is a place to lean into sake discovery.

Time Out tip

Ask for seasonal sake pairings. The team often brings in limited bottles that don’t stay on the list for long.