Haruki: A Hidden Gem for Sushi in Singapore’s Keong Saik
I’ve eaten a lot of sushi in Singapore, but every now and then, a spot pops up that makes me pause and think, “Okay, this one’s special.” That’s exactly how I felt when I walked into Haruki, a cozy restaurant sitting quietly on Keong Saik Road. It doesn’t shout for attention from the outside, but once you step in, the vibe immediately changes—calm, elegant, and just a little mysterious.
The counter seats gave me the best view in the house, with Chef Andy Wong right in front, crafting sushi and kappo dishes with the kind of quiet confidence that only comes from decades of experience. You know you’re in good hands when even the smallest detail—like how he brushes soy sauce over a slice of fish—feels intentional.
The Vibe
Haruki isn’t huge, and that’s what makes it special. The interior is warm, minimal, and designed to let the food shine. Sitting at the counter, you can hear the gentle clink of knives, the sizzling of a grill, and the chef explaining little details about the ingredients. It felt less like a restaurant and more like being invited into someone’s private dining space.
It’s relaxed too—not stiff or overly formal. I didn’t feel like I had to whisper or sit perfectly still. Instead, I got to just enjoy the rhythm of the meal, course by course.
The Food
Here’s what I loved most about Haruki: it’s not just sushi. Chef Andy blends omakase and kappo dining, which means you’ll get delicate sashimi and nigiri, but also comforting cooked dishes sprinkled in between.
The menu changes with the seasons, so no two visits are the same. My meal started with a few light appetizers, then moved into pristine slices of sashimi flown in straight from Japan. The sushi was simple but perfect—the kind that makes you stop mid-conversation just to appreciate it. Then came a kappo dish, warm and savory, almost like a reset button before the next round of nigiri.
That back-and-forth between hot and cold, raw and cooked, made the whole experience feel dynamic. It kept me curious about what would land in front of me next.
Lunch vs. Dinner
If you’re thinking of visiting, here’s the lowdown:
-
Lunch Omakase: A little lighter, with a mix of sushi, sashimi, and a hot dish or two. Great if you’re looking for something indulgent but not over the top in the middle of the day.
-
Dinner Omakase: The full experience. More courses, more variety, and a slower pace. If you want to get the best sense of what Haruki can do, dinner is the way to go.
One tip—make a reservation. There aren’t many seats, and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Why I’d Go Back
What stuck with me most was how personal it all felt. Chef Andy isn’t just behind the counter, silently making sushi. He chats, shares little tidbits about the fish or his process, and makes you feel part of the meal instead of just a spectator. It’s the kind of warmth that makes the food taste even better.
Sure, it’s not the cheapest sushi in town, but compared to some of the flashier omakase spots in Singapore, Haruki feels more intimate, thoughtful, and quietly confident. It’s not trying to be loud or trendy—it’s just good food done really, really well.
Final Thoughts
If you love sushi but want something a little more than the usual omakase experience, Haruki should be on your radar. It’s got the elegance of a fine-dining sushi bar, the comfort of kappo cuisine, and the kind of service that makes you feel at ease. For me, it’s one of those places I’d happily return to—whether for a quiet solo meal, a date night, or just to treat myself to one of the best sushi experiences in Singapore.
Practical Info
Lunch: 11:30 am–2:30 pm (last seating 1:30 pm)
Dinner: 6:00 pm–10:00 pm (last seating 8:15 pm)
- Closed Sundays🚗 Parking: Keong Saik Road, Jiak Chuan Road, Neil Road, or Duxton Hill
Comments
Post a Comment