HONCHO SG
Opened since: 2/10/2022
Style/Kind: Lifestyle venue, Western Japanese cuisine, Bespoke cocktails
Area: Ann Siang Road
Owner’s motto: We are more than just a restaurant, it’s a place to connect people through music, food and drinks.
Wayne Liu and Amos Poh
Text: Atsuko Tanaka / Edit: B SABURO / Photo: HONCHO SG
The name "HONCHO" comes from the Japanese word "本庁" meaning headquarters. The name reflects a desire to create a spot for like-minded artists, DJ’s and designers to meet and collaborate. The three story building includes a roof top bar, a basement club/meeting area and a restaurant on the main floor. The menu is inspired by Japanese flavors and features dishes like "Momotaro Salada" "Umeshu Asari" "Awabi Zosui”.
The owners are Wayne Liu, a turntablist known as DJ KoFlow and Amos Poh, who built a career in Fintech. The two have been close friends for years and were even in a hip hop/rock hybrid band called Chou Pi Jang. While many bars and restaurants were closing during the pandemic, they decided to open their doors and provide a safe space for creativity to blossom.
-Please tell us what inspired you to open the restaurant.
I’ve been DJing for 23 years and one thing I noticed is that clubs bring people together and create conversations. With the pandemic, all the clubs were closed and people couldn’t get together to inspire each other. So we decided to create a space where creatives could hang out and enjoy good music, food and drinks.
-What is the concept of your restaurant?
HONCHO is a place that caters to a creative lifestyle. My hope is that this place will be a hub spot where people from different areas of life, from talented artists to investors can connect and find future business opportunities.
-I see your menu is influenced by Japanese cuisine. Why Japanese?
I’ve always been a fan of Japanese food. Japanese are very particular about the quality and ingredients of their cuisine.
-What do you recommend from the menu?
There are quite a few, but the first thing I recommend is the Foie Gras scallop Nigiri. It's my absolute favorite. Sometimes I see customers try this and then blinking their eyes in disbelief. Our Awabi Risotto is very popular with people who like seafood. The Saikyo Miso Cod, which is marinated with cranberry juice and baked with Saikyo miso is delicious. The sweetness and aroma melt in the mouth. Kaeru Shiso Pesto is also popular. We eat frog legs in Singapore so this dish definitely became the talk of town. Big up to my chef Terence for coming up with such exquisite dish! Devil’s Tongue is my recommendation for a cocktail. The punchy chili paddy is an unforgettable flavor, so if you are looking for a new experience you should try that. The Crazy for Coconut cocktail is a unique combination of glameraka and miso that makes you feel like you’re in the tropics. It will help you beat the heat and is a must try for any coconut fan!
-Is there anything interesting or crazy that has happened in your restaurant so far?
So far, every weekend has been fun. A fair amount of craziness happens every week, too much to recall!
-Do you DJ there and show off your skills as a turntablist?
We can’t DJ in Singapore right now due to the pandemic restrictions, but we will start once the restrictions ease up. In the meantime please check our Instagram and you’ll see me showing off my routines!
-What is the neighborhood like?
It’s a cool hipster spot located in a world heritage area nearby Chinatown. There is a lot of character and fair amount of great restaurants and bars around like, “Junior the pocket bar” and “Low Tide.”
-Do you have a message for any customers who are thinking of visiting your restaurant for the first time?
Please come for dinner and then head up to the rooftop bar. Also ask our staff if you can visit the basement where we have a lot of rare whisky and wines on the menu. You won’t be able to keep still while you chill because the music is such an important part of our atmosphere. It’s not a stiff sit down dinner experience. We’re all about creating a casual yet energetic vibe!
HONCHO SG
Address: 12 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069692
Phone Number: 8779-9537
Website: https://honcho.sg/
Instagram: @honchosg