Izakaya…
So we’re on a bit of a Japan/South Korea roll right now. This one is keeping with the theme except… it’s Japanese but not in Japan. But it’s REALLY like Japan! (did that make any sense?) π
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Believe it or not – we first posted about Hararu Izakaya before their doors were even open (and I misread it as HARARO LOL) wayyyy back in March 2017! And when they finally opened, there was a really big buzz because we’re talking about the first-ever Muslim-owned / Halal Izakaya here in SG (more on why that’s a big deal later)!
With that buzz, of course came a lot of customers. As usual, you know lah how it goes.. we waited and waited and although I’ve visited once for lunch awhile back (that time full menu not even available yet), it’s more than a year later that we’re finally having a full meal there.
How did it go? Well, I wish we had visited sooner!
What exactly is an Izakaya anyways?
In it’s simplest terms, an Izakaya (ε± ι ε±) is kinda like a Japanese pub where people enjoy drinks with snacks (kinda like pub grub or bar snacks etc). Since this is a Halal version, we can definitely eliminate the alcohol for sure (although they do have some interesting mocktails) but there is plenty of good food to be savoured!
With the modern Izakaya, it’s not just traditional Japanese faves to be found but also some with modern twists. But don’t knock ’em til you try ’em! Some of them are really good!
Case in point – the Edamame Aglio Olio. We absolutely LOVE Edamame and we thought they were great on their own either boiled or grilled. But with some olive oil and garlic WOW SEDAP GILER! A must-have and a great start to our maiden meal at Hararu Izakaya.
Gyoza is a classic Japanese snack and the ones at Hararu are more than decent. Filled with chicken/shrimp and with a nice slight char on the outside. If you’re looking for some other fried delights, the Age Tori Kawa (Deep fried chicken skin) might be a good idea π
Quite a few salads on the menu too like the Sashimi Salad and the Maguro Avocado Salad among others. We went with the Beef Kinoko Salad which features tender beef chunks, mushrooms and a spicy kick!
A classic Izakaya offering is Kushiyaki and of course, the legendary Izakaya mainstay of Yakitori. Assorted meats, vegetables and a few surprises on skewers either grilled or deep-fried is always a treat.
PLENTY of inviting choices but we decided on a special set they had. 6 of their best chicken skewers including the classic Yakitori. How do we know these are authentic? Because we had the exact same thing at Halal Izakaya in Osaka not too long ago!
When we head back to Hararu, we’re going to have Gyu Kushi Ponzu (beef ponzu), Asapa Gyu Maki (beef & asparagus), Negima (chicken thigh & leek), Uzura (quail egg), Yaki Tofu (tofu with mentaiko) and the Kawa Negima (chicken skin & leek). But I reckon a lot of you will also fancy the Bonjiri (Bishop’s Nose aka tongkeng).
I was literally going to enter my order for my favourite Tori Katsu (Breaded Chicken Cutlet) when one of the friendly staff recommended I try the Tori Nanban instead. And boy was he spot on!
The Tori Nanban is a chicken cutlet that’s battered (poor chicken) and given the #DeepFriedGoodness treatment. Top that all off with a little light Teriyaki for that sweet-salty-umami power!
Looks like I have a new favourite! (Sorry, Katsu!)
Would you believe me if I told you that we’re only NOW getting to the mains? LOL
After all, snacks tend to be the popular order at an Izakaya right? But if you’re looking for something more filling…
Quite a few Rice Bowls aka Don to choose from. We went for (what I think is) the Chirashi Don but perhaps you might prefer the Unagi Bara Chirashi or Tempura Don? There are also a few fried rice options (look out for the one at the end).
Speaking of classics – Soba is always a big hit and I think it’s been gaining popularity with the local crowd here. There are a few types but the Ten Zaru Soba is a one-stop meal. You get your buckwheat noodles plus some Tempura on the side. Win-Win!
Hararu has got other noodles too like Udon and a whole list of Ramen too.
As promised, here’s a peek at that rice dish we ordered. The Gyuniku Fried Rice has got morsels of beef and plenty of sedap in this stir-fried rice combo. As usual, Nasi Goreng is quite a safe go-to even when it comes to Japanese food π
Ikura (Salmon Roe) Fried Rice and Ninniku (Garlic) Fried Rice also caught our eye. They even have Japanese Porridge choices too which sounds really interesting! (btw we heard their Onigiri is really good).
Hararu actually has plenty of other dishes on the menu too. But I think we shall leave that for the next visit π
Don’t forget to try some of their special mocktail concoctions to wash down all that delicious food. But our star find at Hararu Izakaya was the much coveted Choya Ume Plum Soda!
Those of you who have visited Japan may have come across this beverage. It’s certified Halal in Japan (not sure why the there’s no logo on the ones at Hararu though) and while it’s common in Japan, it is not common outside of Japan because of exporting issues. Well, not sure how they did it but Hararu has managed to bring this treasure here! I’m pretty sure it’s limited stocks so if you see it, grab it!
Besides implementing tech (ordering via iPad!), I’d also like to give a big thumbs up to the effort put into the decor and vibe at Hararu. There is a lower level which is kinda more pub-by like in feel and even an outdoor seating area. But when I went upstairs, it really reminded me of the Izakaya we visited in Japan. From the seating to the murals on the wall.
We will be posting about our visit to the Izakaya in Japan in the future but I’ll be honest and say – if we can’t make it back to Japan soon, Hararu Izakaya more than fulfills what we’d expect out of an Izakaya experience. A Halal one of course π
η§γ―εΌ·γγγγγε§γγγΎγ!
HARARU IZAKAYA
16 Bussorah Street S 199437
Tel: +65 62915373
www.hararuizakaya.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hararuizakayaSG
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hararu.izakaya
Operating Hours:
12.00pm til 11.00pm DAILY
(last order at 10.00pm)
This meal we visit ourselves (like macam anonymous ah) and pay own money one.
All information (including prices, availability of item on menu and Halal status of establishment) are accurate at the time of posting. All photos used in this site are property of The Halal Food Blog unless stated otherwise.
