The Place A fast food-style yakiniku concept suitable for solo dining? I checked out the few days old Yakiniku Like restaurant at Paya Lebar Quarter, the Japanese Brand’s first outlet in Singapore. With more than 30 outlets across Asia, the concept of Yakiniku Like is to serve quality meats in a quick fashion, and the restaurant comes with individual grills which breaks the norm of yakiniku as a group dining concept. There are quite a couple of Japanese

The Paya Lebar outlet is located at the basement of the mall, and can accommodate 42 pax. The setting is no frills, but definitely a good change from the usual smoky dining ambience of yakiniku restaurants. It is smokeless dining, and you won’t walk out like a smoky being.

The Food The competitive price is the main draw of Yakiniku Like. Choose from the set menu with various meat options or go ala carte. Prices for the set starts from S$7.80++ which is inclusive of meat, rice, soup and a choice of kimchi or salad. I also like the ordering system here, fast and efficient via a QR code.

My table started with a mix of the Prime Karubi and Misuji Set (S$15.80/100g). This combination of boneless short rib and top blade meats is a value for money combination if you like your beef to be on the juicy and tender side.

If you fancy going luxe, the most luxurious option on the menu is the Wagyu Steak Set (S$19.80/120g). The Australian Wagyu beef steak here comes in much thicker slice than the others on the menu, and the meat is succulent.

I also had a couple of the other types of meats via the ala carte order such as the Pork Belly (S$2.90/50g), Tontoro/Pork Jowl (S$3.50/50g) and the Harami/Skirt Steak (S$5.90/50g).

I am pleasantly surprised with the quality of the pork meats (both the belly and pork jowl) as well, which are very well-marinated and flavourful. Other than pork, there is also chicken meat on the menu.

No yakiniku experience is complete without the accompanying sauces and condiments. Pick from various sauces like the Spicy Miso Sauce, Like Original BBQ Sauce, Garlic Soy Sauce and Sea Salt Sauce.

Rants There could be more options for appetisers on the menu other than kimchi and salad.

Will I Return Again? The fuss-free concept of Yakiniku Like is quite a game changer for the yakiniku dining scene in Singapore. The quality of meats are fairly good for the price and if you are in PLQ, this is worth a try for sure.

This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 3/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 4/5

Yakiniku Like
10 Paya Lebar Road
#B1-28 Paya Lebar Quarter
Singapore 409057
Tel: +65 6970 7397

Opening Hours
Daily: 11am to 10pm

Ranted by The Ranter