When meat cravings arise, yakiniku (the Japanese term for “grilled meat”) always gets the job done. As someone who daydreams about fatty, juicy, and perfectly marbled A5 Miyazaki wagyu on a monthly (sometimes weekly) basis, the mere thought of Japanese yakiniku makes me salivate. What better than to write about one of my all-time favourite parts of Japanese cuisine?
From affordable, no-frills concepts to fancy dining experiences that’ll impress the most seasoned of Japanese BBQ aficionados, here are 15 yakiniku places in Singapore you need to check out.
Yakiniku Warrior
Yakiniku Warrior prides itself as offering Singapore’s first coffeeshop-style yakiniku. All sets at both outlets are prized from S$6, and come with rice and assorted vegetables. The Karubi Set (S$7 for 100g) boasts melty US beef short plate, while the BeatBox Set (S$12 for 250g) comes with garlic shoyu beef, pork, and chicken.
Carb lovers should check out the dedicated don menu, all of which are topped with onsen eggs. The Warrior Don (S$14) is a meat lover’s dream of karubi, harami, and gyu tan, and you can even add on extra Premium Karubi for just S$6.
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đź“Ť 164 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 150164
🗓️ 11.30am–2pm, 4pm–10pm (Mon to Wed, Fri), 3pm–10.30pm (Sat & Sun), Closed on Thu
đź“Ť 121 Geylang East Central, Singapore 380121
🗓️ 12pm–10pm (Mon to Wed, Fri), 3pm–10pm (Fri & Sat), Closed on Thu
Yakiniku Kura
North-siders looking for an affordable charcoal grill experience can head to Yakiniku Kura in Woodlands. Choose from a wide selection of set meals, platters, and a la carte options, like the “Shiok” Rib Set (from S$14.80) and Hokkaido Snow Pork Belly Set (from S$9.80).
The bestselling Premium Beef Platter (from S$35.80 for small) features generous servings of shortplate, chuck eye roll, oyster blade, beef tongue, meltique striploin, and shortrib, with the option of topping up an additional S$15 for 100g of premium wagyu.
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đź“Ť 785E Woodlands Rise, #01-16, Singapore 735785
🕒 2.30pm–10.30pm (Daily)
Ryo Yakiniku
Ryo Yakiniku is Singapore’s first Muslim-owned coffeeshop yakiniku joint. Aside from the usual beef and chicken, you can also find air-flown New Zealand lamb in the form of Lamb Shoulder (S$6 for 100g). Pair it with Prime Karubi (S$6 for 50g), Gyutan (S$5 for 50g), or Kata Rosu (S$6 for 100g) for a grillin’ good time.
Dining in a group of two or more? Order the Deluxe Set (S$40) consisting of 200g karubi, 50g prime karubi, 50g gyutan, 200g sliced chicken, a mushroom platter, onsen eggs, and rice.
Reservations can be made here.
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đź“Ť 61 Tai Seng Ave B1-02 @ Nam Wah Coffeeshop, Singapore 534167
🕒 5pm–10.30pm, (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
đź“Ť 50 Gambas Crescent, #01-01 @ Proxima Coffeeshop, Singapore 757022
🕒 5pm–10.30pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
Wano Niku
Wano Niku is a Japanese-owned hawker stall in Tanjong Pagar serving 100% A4 Japanese wagyu and Kumamoto pork directly imported from Japan. There are three flavours of signature yakiniku to choose from: Original, Special Spicy, and Shiro (salt), all of which are priced at S$8 for 100g.
Order one (or both) of the Party Platters if you’re dining in a larger group — the more premium version at S$42 comes with premium steak, karubi, pork belly, and pork collar.
Visit during lunch for donburi like the A4 Premium Yakiniku Don and Kumamoto Pork Collar Don served with Niigata rice.
Reservations can be made here.
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đź“Ť 243 Cantonment Road Store 2 Singapore, Singapore 089770
🕒 11am–2pm, 5pm–9pm (Tue to Sat), 5pm–9pm (Sun), Closed on Mon
Mr Yakiniku
A visit Mr Yakiniku is likely to leave you feeling spoilt for choice — they offer pork, beef, chicken, seafood, and even plant-based meat (they’re the first coffeeshop concept to do so in Singapore).
Set meals (from S$8.80 for 100g) come with rice, salad, and soup, with the option of a la carte add-ons like Karubi Prime (from S$8), Pork Jowl (from S$4), and Saikyo Miso Tai (S$8 for 100g). Do note that yakiniku is only available for dinner from 5pm onwards.
For lunch between 11am and 2.30pm, you can find DIY Donburi like Karubi (S$8) and Pork Belly (S$7.80), with the option of rice, Japanese ramen, or salad, and topped with corn, mushrooms, and an onsen egg.
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đź“Ť 179 Ubi Avenue 4 408793
🕒 11am–3pm, 5pm–11pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
Whack-Yu Yakiniku
Unlike the typical charcoal or hotplates used at most yakiniku restaurants, the meat and seafood at Whack-Yu Yakiniku is grilled on a unique lava hot stone that ensures a super even distribution of heat.
Head straight for the signature platters, including the all-encompassing Whack-Yu 4896 (S$48.90) consisting of seafood, chicken, pork, vegetables, and three different cuts of wagyu. Add on an extra side of Aburi Tamago Cheese (S$3.50) or Foie Gras (S$13.90) for an extra indulgent treat.
Drop by for lunch (11am to 2.30pm) for the Beef Set (S$9.50), Pork Set (S$7.50), or Whack-Yu Set (S$11.90), the latter of which comes with all three proteins (beef, garlic chicken, pork belly), rice, miso soup, and an onsen egg.
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đź“Ť 18 Sin Ming Ln, Midview City, Singapore 573960
🕒 5pm–10pm (Mon, Sat & Sun), 11am–3pm (Tue & Wed), Closed on Thu & Fri
Yakiniku Like
One can’t write about yakiniku without mentioning Yakiniku Like, a perennial favourite of meat-loving Singaporeans. With outlets in AMK Hub, Clementi Mall, Compass One, PLQ Mall, and Vivocity, this quick-service, solo diner-friendly chain from Japan is known for their affordable meal sets cooked on electric smokeless grills.
You won’t go wrong with the Karubi & Harami Set (from S$13.80 for 100g), a bestseller in Japan, or the value-for-money Karubi Set (from S$10.80 for 100g). Bulk up with a la carte options including Garlic Butter Karubi (S$6.90 for 100g), Gyu Tan (S$12.90 for 100g), and even A5 Wagyu Supreme Karubi (S$29.90 for 100g).
Seasonal and/or limited edition sets are also offered periodically — keep a lookout on their socials for updates.
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đź“Ť Multiple outlets
Japanese BBQ Tora
Japanese BBQ Tora is an express yakiniku joint in Alexandra (right beside IKEA) offering individual beef, pork, and chicken sets from S$7.90.
All sets are served alongside rice, soup and salad or kimchi. You can rely on the crowd favourite Prime Karubi Set (from S$13.90 for 100g) or Tora Set (from S$15.90 for 150g) which features beef short plate, loin, and skirt steak.
Although the variety of beef cuts may not be the most extensive, diners have commended the restaurant for its speedy service and efficient online ordering system.
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đź“Ť 321 Alexandra Road, #01-01 Alexandra Central Mall, Singapore 159971
🕒 11.30am–3pm, 5pm–10pm (Mon to Fri), 11,30am–10pm (Sat & Sun)
Yakiniku Shokudo
Yakiniku Shokudo is a halal Japanese yakiniku concept in IMM serving up set meals from just S$9.90, including the likes of the Beef Karubi Set (from S$9.90 for 100g) and Beef Karubi Chicken Set (from S$9.90 for 100g).
Large groups can go for the Shokudo Set (S$22.90 for full beef steak), and add on a Hokkaido Beef Curry Rice (S$12.90) or ramen-inspired Beef Soup Noodle (S$10.90).
Do note that at the time of writing, the Lot 1 and Northpoint City outlets are still undergoing halal certification.
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đź“Ť IMM: 2 Jurong East Street 21 #02-53, Singapore 609601
🕒 11am–9.30pm (Mon to Tue, Fri to Sun), 9.30am–9.30pm (Wed & Thu)
Yakiniku Jan Jan
Looking to feast on a quality yakiniku buffet? Yakiniku Jan Jan in Orchard has an all-you-can-eat Buffet (S$68++ for Mon to Thu, S$78++ for Fri to Sun & PH), with the option of an additional S$30 for free-flow drinks.
Take it up a notch with the wagyu version (S$98++ for Mon to Thu, S$108++ for Fri to Sun & PH) — you’re treating yourself after all.
You can also opt for the a la carte menu, which features uncommmon cuts of meat like Hachinosu, (S$16), beef honeycomb tripe, and Saikoro Steak (S$38), or try a bit of everything with the JanJan Special Meat Plate (S$98 for full).
Reservations can be made by contacting +65 6908 9968.
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đź“Ť 43 Cuppage Road, Cuppage Terrace Singapore, Singapore 229463
🕒 5.30pm–11pm (Tue to Sun), Closed on Mon
Yakiniku Wa Don-Don
Dining at Yakiniku Wa Don-Don in Tanjong Pagar will remind you of the cramped yet cosy yakiniku joints in Japan. The menu features every cut of beef and pork you can possibly imagine, alongside wagyu sashimi, tartare, and flavour-packed side dishes like potato salad.
The Ox Tongue with Spring Onion (S$22), Tenderest Tenderloin (S$35 for 100g) and Spicy Rib Eye (S$19.50) are must-orders, but feel free to ask the staff for recommendations.
Reservations can (and should) be made here.
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đź“Ť 61 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089525
🕒 1pm–10.30pm (Daily)
Wagyu Express
As its name suggests, Wagyu Express specialises in imported Japanese wagyu grilled over shiro zumi (Japanese white charcoal) at reasonable prices. Order the Wagyu Jo Karubi Steak G Butter (S$25), which I’ve personally tried and loved, and the WX Negishio Tongue (S$20), or go for the Wagyu Moriawase (S$38) if you can’t decide.
Don’t overlook the unassuming Wagyu Kiritoku (from S$22 for 150g), a platter of fatty and lean cut-off ends of premium wagyu packed with flavour.
You can find S$9 donburi like the Wagyu Kone Don and Hokkaido Buta Shogayaki Don during lunch, but if you’re in the mood for something a little more indulgent, the Wagyu Sukiyaki Karubi Set (S$18) or Wagyu Akami Mori Set (S$33 for 2 pax) will do nicely.
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đź“Ť 108 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-01, Singapore 088526
🕒 11.30am–2.30pm, 6pm–11pm (Mon to Fri), 6pm–11pm (Sat & Sun)
Yakinikutei Ao-Chan
For a more peaceful yakiniku experience in town, head to Yakinikutei Ao-Chan, a relatively low-key restaurant tucked away in Concorde Hotel. Choose from an old-school menu with classics like the Japan Wagyu Stick Karubi (S$28), Ox Tongue Prime (S$17.80), and Iberian Ton Toro Karubi (S$15.80).
The AoChan Special Set (S$31.80++) consisting of belly tender prime, ox tongue prime, bibimbap, seaweed soup, kimuchi, potato salad, and fruit is ideal for business lunches (or those wanting to brighten up a gloomy weekday).
Reservations can be made by contacting +65 6735 6457.
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đź“Ť 100 Orchard Rd, #02-22/26 Concorde Hotel, Singapore 238840
🕒 12pm–2.30pm, 6pm–10.30pm (Mon to Fri), 4pm–10.30pm (Sat & Sun)
Beef Yakiniku Dining Yakiniquest
Yakiniquest takes it to the next level with a fine dining omakase experience conceptualised by a Japanese husband-and-wife duo. The restaurant serves beef from Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Iwate, using exquisitely marbled cuts that deliver on both flavour and presentation.
Prices start at S$88++ and S$138++ for lunch and dinner respectively. All you need to do is sit back and enjoy while the staff grill your beef to perfection.
From niku soumen to yakisuki, you can expect to be dazzled by the array of courses on offer.
Reservations can be made here.
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đź“Ť 333A Orchard Rd, Mandarin Gallery #04-08/09/10, Singapore 238897
🕒 12pm–3pm, 5.30pm–10.30pm (Mon to Sat), Closed on Sun
Yen Yakiniku
Yen Yakiniku dishes up a modern Yakiniku dining experience artfully crafted with farm-to-table premium Japanese wagyu, USDA, and Australian grass-fed cuts. Don’t miss out on the Beef Short Ribs (S$28 for thin, S$38 for thick), Japanese Wagyu A4 Oyster Blade (S$68/100g), and Ox Tongue (S$19).
If you’re celebrating an extra special occasion, go the extra mile by pre-ordering in-house dry-aged cuts like 30 Days A5 Striploin and 100 Days A5 Striploin, which have seasonal prices.
Reservations can be made here.
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đź“Ť 15 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069695
🕒 6pm–11pm (Daily)
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I would gladly desert you for dessert.