Singapore’s dining scene thrives on diversity, and its love affair with Japanese cuisine has birthed a vibrant yakiniku culture. Among the many styles of Japanese barbecue available, Yakiniku Like stands out with a formula designed for speed, privacy, and convenience. This is Japanese BBQ stripped to its essentials, made for those who want a personal grill, a quick service time, and a smokeless meal that leaves no lingering scent.
A Concept Built for Solo Dining
Originating from Japan, Yakiniku Like reimagines Japanese barbecue for the individual diner. Each customer is given their own compact electric grill, eliminating the need to share or coordinate with others. This setup not only reduces social pressure but also makes it an inviting choice for those dining alone. Orders are placed via QR code, arriving in as little as three minutes, creating an efficiency level rarely seen in barbecue restaurants.
The design is functional and minimal. Hidden drawers store cutlery and napkins under each grill, tables are compact yet comfortable, and the smokeless technology ensures you can return to work or leisure without smelling like a grill pit. Locations in malls such as Paya Lebar Quarter, Suntec City, and VivoCity make it easy to fit a yakiniku session into a busy day.
Menu Built for Value and Choice
The menu focuses on set meals that balance affordability with quality. Each set typically includes meat, rice, soup, and either kimchi or salad. Popular picks include the Karubi Set featuring beef short plate, and the Like Set which combines several cuts such as beef tongue, skirt steak, and beef short plate. Pork and chicken options are also available, alongside à la carte items for those who want to curate their own combinations.
Dipping sauces play an important role in personalizing the flavor profile. Choices like original BBQ, garlic soy, and spicy miso give each bite a distinct edge, encouraging diners to adjust the taste to their liking.
Singapore’s Yakiniku Spectrum Beyond the Like Model
While Yakiniku Like has cemented its place in the fast and solo dining category, the broader yakiniku landscape in Singapore caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets.
Premium Wagyu and Omakase Experiences
- Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku at Jewel Changi Airport specializes in A4 and A5 Miyazaki Wagyu. The setting is upscale with booth seating for privacy, and some tables offer views of the HSBC Rain Vortex. Their Luxury Wagyu Beef Platter allows diners to sample multiple cuts, and the cocktail menu includes a Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned.
- Ushiyama Yakiniku is the only place in Singapore to offer Ohmi beef, one of Japan’s most prestigious wagyu brands. This rare offering caters to serious wagyu enthusiasts willing to pay for exclusivity.
- Yakiniquest takes a chef-led approach with its omakase menu, selecting and grilling premium wagyu cuts at the table. This format removes decision fatigue and lets diners experience a variety of textures and marbling grades in one seating.
Casual and Budget-Friendly Options
- Yakiniku-GO operates across many heartland malls with set meals starting under S$10. Their Yakiniku-GO Set includes three types of beef, rice, kimchi, and soup, with house-made dipping sauces created by a Japanese head chef.
- Hey! Yakiniku in Bugis Junction offers affordable menus without GST or service charge. Beyond beef, they serve Marumi pork from Miyazaki, noted for its odorless sweet fat, along with chicken options.
- Yakiniku Warrior brings Japanese BBQ into a coffeeshop environment. Prices start from S$6, making it one of the most affordable yakiniku spots in the city. The open-air setting can be smoky, but the combination of price and novelty keeps customers coming back.
Halal Yakiniku for Inclusive Dining
- Yakiniku Shokudo offers halal yakiniku at accessible prices. Their Beef Karubi set is a favorite, served in a clean and modern dining space.
- Ryo Yakiniku is Singapore’s first Muslim-owned coffeeshop yakiniku. Located in Tai Seng, it serves beef, chicken, and lamb, with entry prices as low as S$6.90 for 100 grams.
- Wakuwaku Yakiniku in Kampong Glam focuses on halal wagyu and aged meats. Co-founded by Sheikh Haikel, the restaurant aims to provide a comprehensive selection of premium halal cuts.
Why Yakiniku Like Resonates with Singapore Diners
Singapore’s fast-paced lifestyle values efficiency, and Yakiniku Like taps into that need without sacrificing the satisfaction of grilling your own meat. The model appeals to those seeking:
- Speed – Meals can be ordered and served within minutes.
- Privacy – Solo grills create a personal dining zone.
- Cleanliness – Smokeless technology makes it work-friendly.
- Affordability – Prices are set to be accessible for regular visits.
A Dining Experience That Matches the City’s Rhythm
The appeal of Yakiniku Like lies in how well it fits into Singapore’s everyday routines. Office workers can enjoy a satisfying lunch without lingering smells. Shoppers can recharge with a quick meal before continuing their errands. Solo diners can enjoy the barbecue experience without feeling out of place.
At the same time, the city’s broader yakiniku scene ensures there is an option for every preference, from a quick meal at Yakiniku Warrior to a wagyu tasting at Wa-En. This layered landscape keeps Japanese barbecue fresh, relevant, and deeply ingrained in the local dining culture.
Yakiniku Like may have started as a niche concept, but in Singapore, it has found a sweet spot between convenience and quality. In a city that thrives on variety and efficiency, the personal grill model has secured its place as a dining format that satisfies both appetite and schedule.
