Watami Japanese Dining at Junction 8 Bishan
What Makes Watami Special
See all Singapore outlets → Watami chain page
About Watami at Junction 8 Bishan
Watami at Junction 8 has been serving the Bishan community since the mall's early days, establishing itself as the neighbourhood's go-to izakaya for after-work drinks, family dinners, and student hangouts. Founded by Miki Watanabe, Watami has grown to over 450 restaurants across Asia with 6 outlets in Singapore, including this Bishan location. The restaurant occupies a comfortable mid-sized space on Level 1, with both table and counter seating. The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and refined — wooden interior touches, warm lighting, and the gentle hum of conversation create an authentically Japanese dining feel without the stuffiness of a formal restaurant.
The menu is one of the most comprehensive at Junction 8 — over 150 items spanning every major Japanese food category. Beyond the standard sushi and donburi, Watami excels at its izakaya specialties: yakitori skewers grilled to order, crispy karaage, takoyaki, edamame, and a selection of sake, beer, and Japanese cocktails. The Teriyaki Salmon Bento (S$16.57) and Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen (S$15.48) are consistent crowd favourites. For groups, the sharing platters and hot pot (nabemono) options make Watami particularly well-suited to celebrations and gatherings.
Recommended For
Menu Highlights
Before GST. Subject to change.
| Teriyaki Salmon Bento | S$16.57 |
| Chicken Cutlet Don | S$11.12 |
| Roasted Mackerel Bento | S$11.12 |
| Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen | S$15.48 |
| Teriyaki Chicken Bento | S$11.12 |
| Sashimi Moriawase (assorted) | S$22–38 |
| Yakitori Set (5 skewers) | S$14.90 |
| Karaage (fried chicken) | S$9.80 |
| Student Set (weekdays) | ~S$10 |
| Asahi Draft Beer | S$10.90 |
Practical Info
- Mon-Fri: 11:30am–10pm · Sat-Sun: 11:30am–3pm, 5:30pm–10pm
Dietary Info
Not halal. Halal Japanese at Junction 8: Milan Shokudo (☪️ JFH halal-certified, same mall).
The Watami Experience
Arrive & Get Seated
Bishan MRT Exit A into Junction 8 basement. Escalator up to Level 1, Watami is at #01-33 — look for the warm wooden signage and lantern-style lighting. Weekend dinners: book via Chope app in advance. Weekday lunch: walk right in. The interior seats about 60 with a mix of table booths (best for groups), window tables (best for couples), and counter seats (best for solo). Ask for a booth if celebrating.
Order the Izakaya Way
In a Japanese izakaya, you do not order one main dish — you order many small plates to share. Start with edamame and a round of drinks (the Asahi draft is solid, or try a highball). Then order 2-3 skewer items (yakitori, tsukune), a sashimi platter, and one hot dish (ramen or hotpot) to anchor the meal. Each person can also order their own bento if they prefer a complete set. The student menu (weekdays only, student ID required) offers the best value in the restaurant.
The Skewer Station
Watami's yakitori and kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are cooked to order over charcoal-style grills. The chicken thigh (negima), tsukune (chicken meatball), and bacon-wrapped enoki are consistent highlights. Each skewer is seasoned with either tare (sweet soy glaze) or shio (salt) — ask the staff which they recommend for each item. The skewer set of 5 (S$14.90) gives you the best sampling without committing to individual orders.
Linger Over Drinks
This is what separates an izakaya from a regular restaurant — the expectation that you will stay a while. The drinks menu at Watami is extensive: Asahi and Kirin draught beers, multiple sake options (hot and cold), highball whisky sodas, umeshu (plum wine), and Japanese cocktails. Non-drinkers have matcha lattes, yuzu drinks, and Japanese soft drinks. The Bishan outlet has a relaxed vibe in the evenings — office workers unwinding, students celebrating, families enjoying a longer dinner. A full izakaya experience with drinks typically runs 90-120 minutes.
Understanding Izakaya Culture
An izakaya (居酒屋) is Japan's answer to the pub — a casual, often lively establishment where food and drink are given equal importance. The word literally means "stay-and-drink shop" (居 = stay, 酒 = alcohol, 屋 = shop). Unlike a restaurant where food is the main event and drinks are an afterthought, an izakaya treats both as essential components of the experience. The food menu is designed for sharing: small plates, skewers, and dishes meant to be passed around the table while the conversation flows. In Japan, izakaya culture is deeply tied to social bonding — after-work drinking sessions with colleagues (nomikai), student gatherings, and casual dates are all izakaya territory.
Watami brings this izakaya spirit to Singapore with adaptations for local tastes. The menu includes items you would not typically find in a Japanese izakaya — like the student-friendly value sets — while retaining the core philosophy of shared eating and drinks-first ordering. The name "Watami" comes from "Wata" (和, harmony) and "Mi" (民, people), reflecting founder Miki Watanabe's vision of a place that brings people together through food. In Singapore, Watami fills a specific niche: it is more atmospheric and alcohol-friendly than fast-casual chains like Sushiro or Genki Sushi, but more affordable and casual than upscale Japanese restaurants.
Editor's Note
Watami at Junction 8 is the "slow down" option in Bishan's Japanese dining scene. Where Genki Sushi is about speed and technology, and Yakiniku Like is about solo efficiency, Watami invites you to take your time — order drinks, share plates, talk. The food is solidly good without being exceptional: the ramen is decent but not as rich as a specialist ramen shop, the sushi is fresh but not as refined as Genki's BYOD selection. What Watami does better than anyone else at Junction 8 is atmosphere. It genuinely feels like an izakaya — the wooden decor, the warm lighting, the sound of glasses clinking. The student menu is a standout value proposition. For an after-work drink with colleagues or a relaxed family dinner where nobody is rushing, Watami is the right call in Bishan.
Compare: Japanese at Junction 8
| Restaurant | Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genki Sushi | S$15–25 | BYOD Kaiten Sushi | Families · Tech · Kids |
| Watami | S$15–25 | Izakaya | Groups · Drinks · Students |
| Aburi-EN | S$15–22 | Wagyu Donburi | Wagyu bowls · Quick |
| Yakiniku Like | S$10–18 | Solo BBQ | Solo · BBQ · Budget |
| Milan Shokudo ☪️ | S$8–15 | ☪️ Halal Fusion | ☪️ Halal · Budget |
| MOS Burger | S$8–14 | Japanese Burger | Quick bite · Kids |
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