What is Yakiniku? Guide to Japanese Grill Singapore
Ready to Grill? Everything You Need to Know About Yakiniku Japanese BBQ in Singapore
Ever heard of Yakiniku? Of course you have. It's basically Japan's delicious take on barbecue, and it's a ton of fun. It’s a super social way to eat bite-sized pieces of meat right at your table. where you and your friends get to grill up thin slices of marinated meat and fresh veggies right at your table. The best part? It’s all about appreciating the high-quality cuts and making them even more amazing with a variety of savory dipping sauces. This style of dining is a huge hit in Singapore, and this guide is here to teach you everything you need to know, so you can grill like a pro on your next outing.
What is Yakiniku?
Yakiniku, which literally translates to "grilled meat," is Japan's delicious answer to barbecue. More than just a meal, it's a unique and social dining experience where you and your companions grill thinly sliced, marinated meats and fresh vegetables over a charcoal or gas flame right at your table. The focus is on appreciating the natural flavors of premium cuts, enhanced by a selection of savory marinades and dipping sauces. In Singapore, this communal and flavorful activity has become a beloved dining trend.
The Allure of Yakiniku: A Story of Culture and Cuisine
The tradition of grilling meat actually has roots in Korean cuisine, but Japan adapted it to create what we know as Yakiniku. People love the concept because it turns a meal into a shared experience. The sizzle of the meat, the delicious aroma, and the act of cooking together makes it a "feel-good" meal that’s perfect for families and celebrations. It's this communal vibe that makes many Yakiniku places so popular.
On the Menu: Everything You Need to Know
When you sit down at a yakiniku restaurant, the menu is all about the meat. The star is always the beef, especially premium wagyu with its beautiful fat marble. But you can also find a variety of other delicious cuts of beef and pork.
The Ultimate Yakiniku Experience
Cuts of Meat: The focus is on quality. You'll order various cuts of grilled beef, from tenderloin to short rib.
The Sauces: The secret to a great Yakiniku meal lies in the yakiniku sauce. It's a delicious mix of soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sesame, often with some sesame oil. Every diner gets to customize their experience with different sauces.
Side Dishes: You can also order a variety of side dish options to complement your meal, from fresh vegetables to savory kimchi.
It’s all part of the reason this style of Japanese food has become a global favorite.
Where to Eat Yakiniku and Experience Japanese Grill in Singapore?
If you're looking for a really authentic Japanese grill experience, you have to check out Tajimaya Yakiniku. This place offers a fun, hands-on dining experience, letting you be the chef and grill your own delicious meats right at your table. And what's a good Yakiniku meal without a drink? Tajimaya has a fantastic selection of top-quality Sake and Shochu to complete your feast.
Plus, you won't leave smelling like a barbecue. Thanks to their high-performance exhaust system, you can enjoy all the sizzling goodness in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.
Also read:
The A5 Wagyu Experience at Tajimaya Yakiniku
When it comes to Yakiniku, the meat is everything, and Tajimaya is serious about it. They get their Japanese meats from top-tier farms in places like Kagoshima and Miyazaki, and their skilled chefs prepare it fresh every single day.
On Tajimaya's à la carte menu, all the wagyu beef is A5 grade. Think of A5 as the "best of the best". It's the highest quality you can get, known for its perfect texture and incredible marbling. That's what gives it that famous melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The Tajimaya Experience: Exploring the Best Beef Cuts
While Tajimaya has an amazing buffet, the à la carte menu is where you can truly dive deep into the world of Yakiniku. It’s perfect for those who want to try a wide variety of premium cuts and customize their meal exactly how they like it.
Yakiniku Set Menus
If you’re not sure what to get, these sets are a fantastic way to try a little bit of everything. They're perfect for sharing!
Yakiniku Platter Set for 2 - $228.90
A5 Miyazaki Striploin
A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank
A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye
A5 Miyazaki Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs
A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger
A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade
A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap Zabuton
Hokkaido Pork Belly
Hokkaido Pork Collar
A5 Kagoshima Karubi Set Set for 2 - $238.90 (all cuts come in 70gm)
A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Ribs
A5 Kagoshima Sankaku Bara Chuck Short Ribs
A5 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank
A5 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap Meat
A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger
Australian Wagyu & Japanese Wagyu Set Set for 2 - $198.90 (all cuts come in 80gm)
MS6-7 Australian Short Rib
MS6-7 Australian Oysterblade
A5 Miyazaki Striploin
A5 Kagoshima Chuck Flap
Sake Pairing: Gekkeikan Horin Junmai Daiginjo
Australian Wagyu Set Set for 2 - $158.90 (all cuts come in 80gm)
MS6-7 Australian Short Rib
MS6-7 Australian Oysterblade
MS6-7 Australian Short Plate
MS6-7 Australian Flap Meat
Hokkaido Pork Set Set for 2 - $118.90 (all cuts come in 80gm)
Hokkaido Pork Belly
Hokkaido Pork Collar
Hokkaido Pork Jowl
Hokkaido Pork Loin
Set Menu comes with House Salad, San Chu, Sashimi (Daily Selection)/Tempura, Chawanmushi, Miso Soup, and Garlic Fried Rice.
Yakiniku À La Carte Cuts
For a more personalized meal, you can order these premium cuts by the portion.
Japanese Wagyu Beef 100gm per portion
A5 Kagoshima Nakaochi Karubi Ribs Finger - $68.90
A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye - $88.90
A5 Kagoshima Nami Karubi Boneless Short Rib - $88.90
A5 Miyazaki Sirloin - $88.90
A5 Kagoshima Misuji Top Blade - $88.90
Australian Wagyu Beef 100gm per portion
MS6-7 Australian Wagyu Short Ribs - $39.90
MS6-7 Australian Wagyu Short Plate - $39.90
MS6-7 Australian Wagyu Flap Meat - $39.90
MS6-7 Australian Wagyu Oysterblade - $39.90
À La Carte Steaks 150gm per portion
Wagyu Gyutan Tongue - $68.90
A5 Miyazaki Sirloin - $138.90
A5 Miyazaki Rib Rosu Shin Ribeye - $138.90
Negi-Shio 100gm per portion
A4 Kagoshima Sasabara Flank - $88.90
Wagyu Gyutan Tongue - $48.90
A4 Kagoshima Kainomi Flap Meat - $88.90
Hokkaido Pork 100gm per portion
Japanese Hokkaido Pork Belly - $28.90
Japanese Hokkaido Pork Collar - $28.90
Japanese Hokkaido Pork Jowl - $28.90
FAQs: People Also Ask About Yakiniku BBQ
What is the difference between yakiniku and shabu shabu?
The main difference lies in the cooking method. Yakiniku is a dry-heat cooking method where you grill thin slices of meat directly over a flame or griddle. Shabu Shabu, on the other hand, is a hotpot dish where you quickly swish thinly sliced meat and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth
What kind of food is yakiniku?
Yakiniku is a style of Japanese cuisine that is a form of barbecue. It's a social and interactive meal where diners grill their own bite-sized pieces of meat and vegetables on a grill built into the table. The food is typically served raw and cooked by the diners themselves.
What is the difference between yakiniku and yakitori?
Yakiniku and yakitori are both grilled Japanese foods, but they differ in preparation. Yakiniku involves grilling various cuts of meat (often beef) in thin slices. Yakitori, however, is specifically grilled chicken skewers. While a yakiniku restaurant might offer chicken, the term "yakitori" is reserved for skewered chicken.
What is the difference between yakiniku and teppanyaki?
Yakiniku is a self-grilling experience where diners cook their own food. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine where a chef cooks food on a large iron griddle in front of the diners. The chef handles the cooking, often with a flair for performance, while diners watch.
Are yakiniku and samgyupsal the same?
While similar in concept, yakiniku and samgyupsal are not the same. Yakiniku is a Japanese style of grilling that typically focuses on a variety of meats, particularly beef. Samgyupsal is a very specific type of Korean barbecue that centers on grilling thick slices of pork belly.
Is yakiniku sweet or savory?
Yakiniku is predominantly savory, with a rich, umami flavor. The savory taste comes from the marinades and the grilling process. However, the classic Yakiniku sauce often has a hint of sweetness from ingredients like mirin and sugar, creating a balanced flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Is yakiniku pork or beef?
Yakiniku can feature a variety of meats, but it is most famous for its beef. You will find a wide range of beef cuts on the menu, from common cuts to highly marbled Wagyu. Pork, chicken, and even seafood are also very common offerings, so you can enjoy a mix of meats.
How do you eat yakiniku?
Eating yakiniku is a simple and social process.
Order your food: You select your choice of meats, vegetables, and side dishes from the menu.
Grill the meat: Using a pair of tongs, you place a few pieces of meat on the hot grill. It's best to grill only a few pieces at a time to ensure they cook evenly.
Dip and enjoy: Once the meat is cooked to your liking, you dip it in the special Yakiniku sauce to make Yakiniku more flavorful and you enjoy it with rice or other side dishes.
What does yakiniku taste like?
Yakiniku tastes like rich, tender grilled meat with a smoky aroma. The flavor is enhanced by the sweet and savory sauce, creating a perfect balance. The high-quality fat in beef cuts like Wagyu melts during grilling, making the meat incredibly juicy and flavorful.
What goes well with yakiniku?
Yakiniku pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Rice: Steamed white rice is a staple that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the meat.
Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions are excellent choices.
Kimchi: The spicy, fermented Korean side dish provides a zesty contrast to the rich meat
Is yakiniku spicy?
Traditional Yakiniku is not spicy. It relies on a savory, sweet, and umami-rich sauce. However, many restaurants offer spicy variations of the sauce or will include spicy options on their menu, often influenced by Korean barbecue traditions
Mastering the Art of Ultimate Yakiniku Experience in Singapore
Our guide to Japanese barbecue has shown you that yakiniku today is a beloved Japanese dining tradition. It's an interactive dining experience where the simple act of cooking thinly sliced beef on the grill at the table creates unforgettable memories. The premium cuts of wagyu beef and other yakiniku beef at places like Tajimaya Yakiniku Singapore show why the meat used for yakiniku is so important.
Ready to Grill?
Ready to put your knowledge to the test? Use this guide to find the perfect spot and experience the joy of grilling meat at the table for yourself. Your delicious Japanese barbecue adventure awaits!
Great World 1 Kim Seng Promenade #B1-115 Singapore 237994 - 3125 8832
Vivocity 1 Harbourfront Walk #01-102/103 VivoCity Singapore 098585 - 3125 8831