Housed in a two-storey shophouse in the heritage Kampong Glam district, Harāru Izakaya is Singapore’s first Muslim-owned izakaya. It specialises in charcoal-grilled dishes and donburi sets. The interior is modelled after a traditional Japanese izakaya, and the second floor is decked out in a traditional tatami dining set-up, providing diners with a soothing, authentic experience.

Harāru dishes out highly addictive deep-fried delights such as crispy sweet potato tempura, and savoury panko sosej, a dish of deep-fried breaded Japanese chicken sausage. Other items to order include the surume ika or grilled squid, which is lightly seasoned with a dash of sea salt to bring out the natural flavours of the dish; and the assorted yakitori platter, which features six flavourful chicken skewers that are either grilled or deep-fried. The succulent grilled scallops on shell with mentai and the niku jaga, a tantalising dish of stewed beef brisket and tendon, are also highly receommended.

Harāru Izakaya distinguishes itself as an upscale halal restaurant offering a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese izakaya offerings. Warm service caps off a pleasant dining experience.