Bincho at Hua Bee A Contemporary Yakitori Speakeasy in Singapore

Restaurant Bincho is a contemporary Japanese yakitori restaurant located in the back of the 70-year-old kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) Hua Bee (featured in the 1995 movie Mee Pok Man). The entrance to this hole-in-the-wall speakeasy is through a lit up back door, next to the trash cans, under an array of air conditioning vents, in the dark alley behind the mee pok shop. Through a small hatch in the door, we could get a glimpse of the industrial-looking restaurant on the other side. Inside, we were seated at the counter right in front of the action (highly recommended if you can book it). We selected the omakase menu, and chef Asai Masashi whipped up one amazing chicken dish after the other, using every part of the animal. Flames from the binchō-tan grill, using traditional Japanese white charcoal, often reached all the way to the ceiling.

Looking for more great spots for food and drinks in Singapore? Check out our foodie map of Singapore.

The entrance to Bincho in a dimly lit back alley
The entrance to Bincho in a dimly lit back alley
Michelle is peeking through the door hatch to make sure we are at the right spot.
Michelle is peeking through the door hatch to make sure we are at the right spot.
Looking through the hatch of the speakeasy restaurant Bincho.
Looking through the hatch of the speakeasy restaurant Bincho.
Chef Asai Masashi. Book the chef counter if you can!
Chef Asai Masashi. Book the chef counter if you can!
Chicken neck salad
Chicken neck salad
The menu on the wall at Bincho
The menu on the wall at Bincho
Grilled seasonal vegetables at Bincho
Grilled seasonal vegetables at Bincho
Flames hitting the ceiling over the binchō-tan grill
Flames hitting the ceiling over the binchō-tan grill
Chicken leg
Chicken leg
Tsukune (chicken meatball) & egg yolk
Tsukune (chicken meatball) & egg yolk
Matcha cake & strawberries
Matcha cake & strawberries

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