Yakitori Singapore: A Guide to the Best Grilled Skewers in the City

If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine, you’ve probably heard of yakitori. This popular dish consists of skewered chicken grilled over charcoal and seasoned with a variety of sauces and spices. In Singapore, yakitori has become a beloved culinary tradition, with many restaurants offering their own unique takes on this classic dish.

A sizzling yakitori grill with skewers of chicken, beef, and vegetables, surrounded by bustling street food stalls in Singapore

Exploring Yakitori in Singapore is a must for any foodie looking to experience the best of Japanese cuisine. From casual eateries to upscale restaurants, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional chicken skewers or more adventurous offerings like grilled beef tongue or pork belly, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.

The cultural and culinary impact of yakitori in Singapore cannot be overstated. This dish has become a staple of the city’s food scene, with many restaurants putting their own spin on this classic dish. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, yakitori is a must-try dish that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Exploring Yakitori in Singapore

Smoke rises from sizzling skewers at a bustling Yakitori stall in Singapore, as diners chat and savor the aroma of grilled meats and vegetables

If you’re a fan of grilled meat and Japanese cuisine, then you’ll definitely want to try yakitori in Singapore. Yakitori is a type of Japanese dish that consists of skewered and charcoal-grilled chicken, vegetables, and other meats. In this section, we’ll explore what yakitori is, popular yakitori joints, and the varieties and specialties of yakitori.

What is Yakitori?

Yakitori is a chicken-centric dish that originated in Japan. The word “yakitori” literally means “grilled chicken” in Japanese. The dish is typically made by skewering small pieces of chicken onto yakitori sticks and grilling them over charcoal. The chicken is usually seasoned with tare sauce, a sweet and savoury sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. Yakitori is often served in izakayas, which are Japanese bars that serve food and drinks.

Popular Yakitori Joints

Singapore has many restaurants and izakayas that serve delicious yakitori. Some of the most popular yakitori joints in Singapore include Bincho at Hua Bee, Sumire Yakitori House, and ToriYard. These restaurants offer a range of yakitori varieties and specialties, as well as other Japanese dishes like karaage, sashimi, and asparagus maki.

Yakitori Varieties and Specialties

Yakitori comes in many varieties and specialties, depending on the cut of meat, the seasoning, and the cooking method. Some popular yakitori varieties include tsukune (chicken meatballs), negima (chicken and scallion skewers), tebasaki (chicken wings), and bonjiri (chicken tail). Yakitori can also be made with other meats like beef, pork, and seafood, as well as vegetables like shiitake mushrooms and asparagus.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try some of the more unusual yakitori specialties, like chicken hearts, soft bone, foie gras, and quail eggs. These dishes may not be for everyone, but they offer a unique and authentic Japanese yakitori experience.

Overall, yakitori is a quick, convenient, and delicious dish that is perfect for sharing with friends over drinks. Whether you’re a fan of chicken skewers or just looking to try something new, yakitori is definitely worth exploring in Singapore.

Cultural and Culinary Impact

A bustling street in Singapore with colorful food stalls serving sizzling yakitori skewers, surrounded by diverse cultural influences

Yakitori and Singapore’s Food Scene

Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene is a testament to this. Yakitori, a Japanese dish consisting of skewered grilled chicken, has made its mark in Singapore’s culinary landscape. This dish has become a popular choice for diners seeking a casual dining experience with a touch of Japanese flair.

Pairing Yakitori with Drinks

Pairing Yakitori with drinks is an essential part of the dining experience. Izakayas, Japanese bars that serve drinks and small plates of food, are the perfect place to enjoy Yakitori and drinks. Sake, a Japanese rice wine, is a popular choice for pairing with Yakitori. However, you can also opt for beer, shochu, or whiskey.

The Art of Yakitori Grilling

Yakitori grilling is an art form that requires skill and precision. Each skewer is carefully assembled, and the chicken is grilled over charcoal to achieve the perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness. The grilling process is also an opportunity to infuse the chicken with different flavours. Side dishes such as Nikuzume Shiitake, Ton Toro, and Miso Barbecue Sauce are commonly served with Yakitori to enhance the overall dining experience.

Yakitori has become a popular dish in Singapore, and it is no surprise that many outlets have sprung up across the island. Some notable places to try Yakitori include Birders, Jibiru, Mikawa, Kawa, Nanbantei Japanese Restaurant, Jinzakaya, Yakitori Lounge Hibiki, and Bincho at Hua Bee. These outlets offer a range of Yakitori skewers, side dishes, and drinks that cater to different tastes and budgets.

If you are looking for a Bib Gourmand restaurant that serves Yakitori, head over to Shunjuu Izakaya in Robertson Walk. Helmed by Chef Bunji Hibiki, this restaurant offers a range of Yakitori skewers, including Sakura Chicken and Japanese Pork. Another Bib Gourmand restaurant that serves Yakitori is Burning Oak in Orchard Road, which offers a unique Robatayaki-style grilling experience.

In conclusion, Yakitori has become a staple in Singapore’s food scene, and it is not hard to see why. Its simplicity, versatility, and deliciousness make it a crowd-pleaser for all. Whether you are in Chinatown, Far East Plaza, or Orchard Road, there is always a Yakitori outlet waiting for you to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

A bustling yakitori stall in Singapore, with smoke billowing from the grill as skewers sizzle over hot coals. Customers line up eagerly, while the aroma of grilled meats fills the air

Where can I find the best yakitori in Singapore?

Singapore has many great restaurants that serve delicious yakitori, but if you’re looking for the best, we recommend checking out Bincho at Hua Bee. They offer authentic Japanese-style yakitori that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Which place offers the most authentic yakitori experience in Singapore?

For the most authentic yakitori experience in Singapore, we recommend Bincho at Hua Bee. They use traditional Japanese grilling techniques and offer a wide variety of skewered meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal.

Are there any affordable yakitori spots in Singapore?

Yes, there are many affordable yakitori spots in Singapore. Some of our favourites include Yorimichi Yakitori Izakaya, ToriYard, and The Salted Plum.

If you’re looking for a good yakitori restaurant in Orchard, we recommend checking out ToriYard. They offer a wide variety of skewered meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal, as well as other Japanese dishes.

What are some highly-rated yakitori places in Tanjong Pagar?

Some highly-rated yakitori places in Tanjong Pagar include Bincho at Hua Bee, ToriYard, and The Salted Plum. Each of these restaurants offers delicious and authentic Japanese-style yakitori.

Where in Robertson Quay can I enjoy delicious yakitori?

If you’re looking for delicious yakitori in Robertson Quay, we recommend checking out The Salted Plum. They offer a variety of skewered meats and vegetables grilled over charcoal, as well as other Japanese dishes.