Shako-Ba: Hidden Japanese bar at Boat Quay with fun vibes, neon lights and a button to buy shots for everyone
There are plenty of drinking options at North Canal Road and around Boat Quay, but there’s a new kid on the block that’s a bit more interesting.
Opened in August, Shako-Ba is an offbeat izakaya that’s hidden away on the second floor of a shophouse.
“Shako” is the Japanese word for “socialise” and that’s exactly what the team has envisioned: A fun, quirky bar where the guests can socialise and have fun, and a little different from your run-of-the-mill izakaya.
It’s headed by chef Patrick Tan, a seasoned chef with 25 years of experience. He trained at the esteemed Tatsuya, before going on to open his own Japanese concepts — with a few hidden gems amongst them — such as the now-defunct Boruto Sake Bar and Tamashii.
Shako-Ba actually takes over the second-floor space where Tamashii, a more formal robatayaki (a style of Japanese grilling) restaurant, used to occupy.
The whole space has since undergone a transformation. Now decked out in neon lights and modish vintage posters, it is more a bar than an izakaya.
In fact, to ensure the mood is extra fun, the team has put in activities such as games and even a button that you can push to buy whole bar a round of shots.
As one of the posters say: “Bo tah bo lam pa, tah liao superstar” (a cheeky, but crass saying to encourage people to drink). So press it, if you’re feeling extra baller!
Creative modern Japanese grub
Going along with the vibe, Shako-Ba’s food is more fun and more casual, as chef Patrick introduces a variety of interesting ideas.
For example, the pitan crab tofu (S$12) builds on the classic dish with an additional luxe element — crab. The result is a soft and silky mix of tofu and crab, nicely bolstered by a deluge of rich and punchy pitan (century egg) sauce.
Shako-Ba’s menu also features an interesting sushi alternative, where the ingredients are perched atop a slab of crispy rice instead of the usual rice-vinegar combination.
It’s available either with lobster (S$12), unagi (S$12), or minced tuna belly (S$18).
Another unique one is the tempura prawn rice bowl (S$14), which has a medley of tempura prawns and tempura bits mixed in to give it some extra texture, with an airy crunch.
The rice itself was slightly dry, but the crunchy tempura does alleviate that.
Other fun dishes at Shako-Ba’s menu include the salmon treasure box (S$28) that presents you with a lavish ensemble of minced salmon sashimi and ikura (salmon roe), which are meant to be shovelled onto pieces of seaweed tempura.
It’s a great mix of textures, with the silky and creamy salmon and briney ikura providing a delightful contrast with the tempura seaweed’s airy crisp.
S$10 highballs
Of course, as we all know, alcohol is the most effective social lubricant and Shako-Ba makes it a rule that every guest needs to order at least one drink.
Don’t worry though, there are plenty of affordable alcohol options. This includes S$10 Suntory highballs and taruhai (soju highballs), with flavoured versions available at S$11 (flavours include yuzu, lychee, peach, grape, and green apple).
There’s also a promo for ten original Suntory highballs at S$88 until Oct 31!
What else can you get for S$10? A 330ml pour of Asahi Super Dry and…shots.
Yes, shots. Shako-Ba serves up a whole assortment of fun shots, including mulberry watermelon, mint chocolate, salted caramel, and yuzu. Oh, there’s also Jagermeister, for those who like to live life a bit more dangerously.
If you want, you can also get 12 shots for S$90!
So if you’re looking for a hell of a time and want some izakaya food — this is the place to bring your gang.
This was a hosted tasting.
For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the must-visit hawker gems at popular Maxwell Food Centre and chef Teppei explaining the secret to Man Man Unagi’s popular unagi.
Do explore the new GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.
You can also book a ride to Shako-Ba at Clarke Quay for fun Japanese bar vibes.
Shako-Ba
2 North Canal Road, 02-01
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay and Raffles Place
Opens: Monday to Saturdays (5pm to 12am)
2 North Canal Road, 02-01
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay and Raffles Place
Opens: Monday to Saturdays (5pm to 12am)
Evan Mua
Author
Evan started off writing about food on Instagram, before joining outlets such as Buro and Confirm Good to pursue his passion. His best work usually comes after his first whisky shot in the morning.
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