Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria

Robata Hikari, opened July 2025 at DUO Galleria Bugis, is the new sister concept to the well-regarded Izakaya Hikari. It brings to life the centuries-old Japanese tradition of robatayaki, grilling over open binchotan charcoal flame.

Robata Hikari

What stands out is the open-grill counter: diners get a front-row view of the cooking, while fresh seafood and meats are displayed on ice. The signature theatrical “paddle service” where the chef presents the grilled dishes directly to your table on a long wooden paddle, adding flair and a sense of ceremony to every meal.

Open-grill Counter 

Elegant, interactive, and rooted in tradition, Robata Hikari offers more than just food; it delivers a full Japanese grilling experience.

Man At Work

We kicked off the meal with refreshing ume and yuzu drinks while waiting for the rest of the dishes to arrive. 

Yuzu Soda

The light sweetness and citrusy tang were the perfect way to awaken our taste buds and set the tone for the feast ahead.

Ume Drink

Appetizer 前菜

Kicking off with the appetizers, we tried their Mochi Tofu, a cream cheese tofu that was delightfully wobbly, with a subtle mochi-like texture that made each bite both silky and gently chewy. Drizzled with a light sweet sauce, it was simple yet surprisingly addictive, setting a comforting tone for the rest of the meal.

Mochi Tofu もち豆腐 - $7.90

We also had the Honey Yuzu Tomato, another addictive appetiser. The skinless tomato was coated in a sweet yuzu-infused honey glaze, delivering a refreshing balance of tangy citrus and gentle sweetness that really awakened our taste buds.

Honey Yuzu Tomato はちみつ柚子トマ - $5.90

To start on a refreshing note, we had the Cucumber with Sesame Sauce. Thinly sliced and delightfully crisp, the cooling crunch paired beautifully with the nutty sesame dressing, a light and invigorating opener to the meal.

Goma Kyuri (Cucumber with Sesame Sauce) ごまきゅうり - $5.90

Sashimi 刺身

We had the Sashimi Moriawase, featuring seven varieties delicately arranged on an ice bed. Each slice was fresh and beautifully presented: Salmon, Hotate (scallop), Mekajiki (Swordfish), Tsubugai (Sea Whelk), Ama Ebi (Sweet Shrimp), Maguro (Tuna) and hamachi (Yellowtail) offering a clean, sweet and ocean-fresh bite with every piece.

Sashimi Moriwase 盛り合わせ (7 Kinds) - $55

Agemono 揚げ物

Fish Cracker with Salmon Roe was a delight,  the crisp, crackling bite paired beautifully with the popping bursts of briny salmon roe.

Ikura Cracker イクラのせクラッカー - $8.90

We also had the French Fries with Mentaiko Sauce, an indulgent treat, generously coated in creamy, umami-rich mentaiko that made every bite irresistible.

Mentaiko French Fries 明太子フライドポテト - $10.90

Kushiyaki 串焼き

Next up, we tried two popular picks from the kushiyaki section, Buta Bara (pork belly) and Tebasaki (chicken wings), both grilled to smoky, caramelised perfection.

Buta Bara 豚バラ (Pork Belly) & Tebasaki 手羽先 (Chicken Wings) - $3.90 Each

Robatayaki 炉端焼き

We also had the Shishito (Japanese green pepper) from the robatayaki menu, glazed with a sweet sauce and topped with fluttering bonito flakes.

Shishito (Japanese Green Pepper) 獅子唐 - $7.90

The sweet corn arrived glossy and lightly charred, releasing a buttery fragrance with every bite.

Sweet Corn スイートコーン - $6.90

The sweet potato was soft and lightly caramelised, topped with creamy mayonnaise for a rich, comforting bite.

Sweet Potato

The Grilled Tiger Prawn was perfectly charred over the open flame, bringing out a beautiful smoky aroma. Each bite was firm, plump and juicy, with its natural sweetness shining through. Lightly seasoned, it allowed the freshness of the prawn to take centre stage, making it a simple yet satisfying standout from the grill section.

Grilled Tiger Prawn 大海老 - $6.90 Each

It was my first time trying the Hamachi Collar, and to my surprise, there was a generous amount of meat to enjoy. Grilled to perfection, the flesh was tender, juicy and naturally rich in flavour, especially around the collar where it’s at its most succulent. The slightly charred skin added a smoky edge, making this an unexpectedly satisfying dish that I would happily order again.

Hamichi Kama (Yellowtail Collar) ハマチカマ - $18.90

Cooked Food 調理食品

Even just hearing the word natto made me feel a little uncomfortable, but we decided to give this ingredient another try. Surprisingly, the flavour wasn’t as overpowering or pungent as expected. However, the sticky, stringy texture, especially when mixed with the udon, still wasn’t quite to my liking.

Nato Udon (Dry) 納豆うどん - $10.90

We tried the Hiyashi Chuka, a chilled Chinese-style noodle dish served dry. It came with a colourful mix of egg, ham, cucumber, crab meat and cherry tomatoes, and tasted best when paired with a hint of mustard sauce for a light, tangy kick.

Hiyashi Chuka (Chinese Chilled Noodle) 冷やし中華 (Dry) - $12.90

Dining at Robata Hikari was a delightful experience, made especially memorable by the traditional paddle service presented right before our eyes at the counter.

Robata Hikari @ Duo Galleria
Location: 7 Fraser St, #01-48/49/50 Duo Galleria, Singapore 189356
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