This Clarke Quay Cafe Has Singapore’s First Matcha Shabu Shabu

Hachi Cafe at Clarke Quay has matcha shabu shabu and tapas

Novel dining concepts pop up ever so often these days, but taking the prize for first of its kind in Singapore thus far is Hachi Cafe x Izakaya Torikin in Clarke Quay that’s started serving—your eyes deceive you not—matcha shabu shabu.

The Matcha Shabu Shabu Set ($58++ for one) comes with Kurobuta pork loin and assorted vegetables, though the highlight is the bright green matcha broth. Do note that this is part of the dinner menu, served from 6pm daily.

In spite of its shocking green hue, you’ll find the bonito-based broth actually pretty slurpworthy, with the high-quality matcha powder used here lending the soup an appetising tinge of bitterness.

To complete the experience, dredge your slices of meat in the accompanying matcha-sesame dip. Like the matcha broth, this nicely viscous sesame dip proves to be pretty tasty too.

If the serving of Kurobuta pork is not enough, you have the option to add on A4 Miyazaki Wagyu ($80++), Kagoshima Pork Loin ($32++), or Kagoshima Pork Belly ($28++). Finish it off with Udon ($6++) or Porridge ($6++)—where Japanese rice is cooked into the matcha broth for a comforting ending.

Torikin is famed for their Hakata-style chicken collagen hotpots, and you’ll be able to order those here too, with prices starting from $28++ for a single serving of Hakata Akamaru Torinabe, with a minimum order of two servings.

To dial up the novelty even further, Hachi Cafe also serves a spread of Japanese and Spanish tapas. Start with Spanish Ham and Guindilla ($15++), a kind of pepper. Best had with drinks is a Hakata Roasted Mentaiko ($10++), where an entire lobe of the roe is toasted and served with Japanese mayonnaise for a savoury nibble.

On the classic side of things, order some Hakata Fried Gyoza ($15++) as a satisfying finger food; otherwise, Chicken Tsukune ($12++) sees smoky, grilled chicken patties in a moreish yakitori glaze, and a golden egg yolk to dip them in.

Of course, Hachi Cafe’s savoury offerings aren’t only limited to dinner service. Come at lunch, and you’ll find two- and three-course sets, priced at $25++ and $29++ respectively. Mains that you can choose from include Buddha Bowl ($22++ a la carte), Hakata Mentaiko Spaghetti ($21++ a la carte), Iberico Pork Chop Black Pepper Sauce ($8++ top-up, $36++ a la carte) and more.

Hachi Cafe hasn’t forgotten their roots as a matcha specialty cafe, and whether you’re having desserts as part of your set meal, or just here for a matcha snack, they’ve got lots to choose from. Whichever your dessert, it’s made with 100% single-origin Uji matcha from Kyoto.

The Matcha Tiramisu with Warabimochi ($16++) is an a la carte item, though you can have the Matcha Tiramisu with your set for a $6++ top-up, or the Matcha Ice-cream with Warabimobi.

For something less complicated, opt for a Matcha Latte (from $8.80++), with a verdant green shade that nods to the quality of the matcha used. If you’re up for a change, try Matcha Latte and Fruits ($9.80++), where a fruit compote forms a third layer beneath fresh milk and whisked matcha. Give it a good mix before sipping on this!

If you’re in the area and looking for other food to eat, check out Un-Yang-Kor-Dai, a Michelin-approved, Northen Thai eatery just at Clarke Quay MRT Station. For other Japanese eats, One Prawn & Co has just launched a 12-course omakase menu with abalone pao fan and free-flow Japanese sake!

Address: 35 North Canal Road, #01-01, Singapore 059291
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 12pm to 11pm
Tel: 6226 1182
Website
Hachi Cafe is not a halal-certified eatery

Photos taken by Zi Hui Tan.
This was a media tasting at Hachi CAfe.