We visited Hello Arigato’s outlet at Bukit Timah Road, conveniently located right behind the bus stop Before Crown Centre (41031), just one stop after Botanic Gardens MRT.
The Ambience
This outlet offers a minimalistic yet cozy atmosphere. Though the indoor seating area was relatively small, it featured high ceilings which gave the space an airy and open feel. For a more intimate experience, the stairs lead up to a charming bar area where guests can enjoy their meal while seated on highchairs. The warm, dim lighting from beautiful lamps adds to the inviting and relaxed ambiance, creating a perfect environment for casual dining.
For those who prefer outdoor seating, there’s also a windy outdoor area where guests can dine al fresco.
What we have tried?
Iced Matcha Latte ($7)
The Iced Matcha Latte leans on the milkier side, offering a creamy, smooth texture that may appeal to those who prefer a less intense matcha flavor. However, the matcha powder doesn’t dissolve as well as expected, leaving a slight graininess in each sip. It’s a decent option for a quick matcha fix, but perhaps not for those who enjoy a stronger, more refined matcha experience.
Mentaiko Fries ($12)
The Mentaiko Fries are an absolute bomb and hands down one of the most worthwhile dishes to try here. The fries, topped with rich aburi mentaiko mayo, furikake, and fresh scallions, are super crispy — even with the sauce slathered on top. The top layer for the fries are generously coated with the mentaiko sauce which is decadently rich, adding a creamy, umami-packed flavor that perfectly complements the fries. Crisp, savory, and with a hint of freshness from the spring onions and sesame seeds, it is a dish that’s ideal for sharing among 3 to 4 people.
Chicken Katsu Sando ($16)
The Chicken Katsu Sando is a flavorful, messy delight that is best enjoyed with your hands. The generous portion of crispy chicken katsu, paired with homemade tonkatsu sauce, pickled apples, and slaw, creates a satisfying big bite of deliciousness.
The crispy chicken has a slightly sweet edge that complements the richness of the sauce. The cabbage slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while the pickled apples are an unexpected but welcome surprise, adding a touch of tang and depth that elevates the overall flavor profile. The fluffy, light Japanese milk bread is the star of the show, enveloping everything in a soft, pillowy embrace. Overall, it’s a hearty, flavourful sandwich that packs a punch in every bite.
Yakiniku Gyu Sando ($20)
We also tried the outlet-exclusive Yakiniku Gyu Sando. This hearty sando features sautéed US beef shortplate, drizzled with a rich homemade yakiniku sauce, and topped with pickled Spanish onions.
The beef has that familiar, tender texture of Japanese-style thin-cut beef, complemented by the sweet and savory yakiniku sauce. The purple-pink pickled Spanish onions add a delightful sour contrast, cutting through the sweetness of the beef. The mayo and sauce work together to gel everything together, while the fluffy Japanese milk bread holds it all in place. It’s a big, satisfying bite that offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Mentaiko Pasta ($22)
The Mentaiko Pasta is a unique twist on the classic Japanese pasta dish, featuring al dente spaghetti paired with Hokkaido scallop sashimi and a light mentaiko sauce. The pasta has a slightly thicker texture than usual, with a bit of chewiness that adds to its satisfying bite. The mentaiko flavor shines through with the addition of a generous portion of tobiko on top, offering little bursts of umami and texture. The scallops, while fresh, are sliced too thin, making it hard to really distinguish their flavor or texture amidst the sauce.
Pork Ragu ($22)
The Pork Ragu is a comforting dish that is perfect for those craving a rich, flavorful pasta. The slow-cooked Kurobuta pork, paired with a homemade tomato sauce, confit garlic, and miso butter, creates a deep, savory base that is both sweet and tangy.
The rigatoni pasta, however, is slightly hard, as if it’s not fully boiled, which might be a surprise to some. That being said, the generous portion of pork makes it a filling dish perfect for one.
Matcha Strawberry Basque Cheesecake Cube ($12)
The Matcha Strawberry Basque Cheesecake Cube, a collaboration between Hello Arigato and Paparch, is a decadent treat that offers a unique twist on the classic Basque cheesecake. The matcha flavor is noticeable, though it is a bit short-lived, with the stronger cheese flavor taking center stage.
The cheesecake itself is soft, creamy, and thick, delivering a luxurious texture with each bite. While the top layer has a slight burnt finish, it doesn’t carry the intense charred notes typical of a traditional Basque cheesecake, making it a more subtle version.
The strawberry jam in the center, however, does feel a bit out of place — its overly sweet, gel-like consistency contrasts with the rich, creamy cheesecake. The portion size might feel a little pricey for some, but it’s definitely an indulgent treat for those craving a unique dessert experience.
Verdict
In conclusion, Hello Arigato offers a delightful dining experience with dishes that, while the portions may not appear large at first glance, are actually quite filling and satisfying.
The staff were efficient and the food arrived quickly. The crowd on a weekday night was a lively mix of friends, colleagues, and a few families, creating a casual, vibrant atmosphere.
Be sure to make reservations through their website, as the indoor seating fills up quickly — even on a Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm, leaving us to settle for outdoor seating, which, unfortunately, came with a few pesky flies. Overall, Hello Arigato’s signature sandos and warm ambiance make it a great spot for a casual meet-up spot.
Hello Arigato
Address: 551 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269692
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday – Lunch (9am – 4pm), Dinner (5.30pm – 9pm)
Saturday & Sunday – Lunch (8am – 4pm), Dinner (5.30pm – 9pm)
Closed on Mondays.
Contributed by Lee Hoe Luan
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