On 7 May 2025, the partnership of Singapore-based Ebb & Flow Group with celebrated Tokyoite Chef, serial restaurateur and Master of Wood-fire Makoto Suetomi sees the much-anticipated launch of Firebird by Suetomi at Mondrian Singapore.
As the first overseas offshoot of Makitori Shinkobe, the avidly sought-after yakitori restaurant with a one-year waiting list in Japan, Firebird presents an intimate tori-focused wood-fire omakase in the truest Japanese spirit of excellence and profound respect for nature.
Possessing a quiet ambition that fuels a passion for food and learning, Chef Suetomi gravitated towards wood-fire cooking with a resolve to read and manipulate its primal force, developing a ‘sense’ of the element. His appreciation for tori was cemented when he tasted the freshest chicken at a robatayaki restaurant inspiring him to marry the humble chicken’s endless possibilities with his fervour for wood-fire cooking.
The same respect for this versatile ingredient and nature’s bounty are embraced by Firebird’s Japanese Head Chef Yoshiki Furukawa, who trained at Makitori Shinkobe in Japan. Chef Furukawa is ably assisted by local Sous Chef Alvin Leong who boasts strong experience in Japanese and French fine dining.
Under the tutelage of Chef Suetomi himself, the team works a grill modelled after the original at sister-concept Makitori Shinkobe. Meticulously sourced chicken and seasonal ingredients are used, with techniques ranging from grilling to roasting, sautéing and smoking with wood-fire, enhancing intrinsic flavours.
The tori-focused wood-fire omakase menu ($188++) highlights 13 courses alternating between skewers of various tori parts and dishes – all kissed by fire – while daily specials add to the occasion. Each part of the bird receives tailored, individual elaboration – all layered with complexity though seasoned and paired minimally with select accompaniments, and dishes are further elevated with creative global touches and inspirations. To complete the meal, Firebird has handpicked a selection of sake, shochu, wines, spirits, beers, and highball cocktails.
Firebird by Suetomi offers an intimate dining setting with a 12-seater counter for up-close and personal interactions with the chefs, a cosy 8-seater private dining room inspired by a hidden ‘house within a house’ concept, and a welcoming 5-seater bar.
From the showcasing of humble tori at its finest, to the meticulous presentation of perfection on a plate, and the genuinely warm service, Firebird shines with sincerity and thoughtfulness. This dedication culminates in an exceptional tori-focused wood-fire omakase experience that resonates transcendence, and heralds a new dimension of dining in Singapore.
