Introvert-Friendly ‘Solo Dining’ Yakiniku Joint from Japan Coming To Singapore

Originating from Tokyo, Yakiniku Like is also known as a “hitori yakiniku” or “one-person barbecue” due to its individual electric smokeless grills. The yakiniku (meaning “grilled meat”) restaurant has a quick-service concept, and brands itself fast food-style as it claims to serve orders within three minutes. It boasts an array of meats at wallet-friendly prices and has a total of 29 outlets across Asia.

Sadly, there aren’t any partitions between each counter seat to block out the view of your neighbour, like at Ichiran Ramen. However, thanks to the individual grills and setup, customers at Yakiniku Like won’t feel the pressure of having to dine with other folks like at other traditional barbecued meat joints. The whole point of this place is it caters to solo diners craving a fuss-free yakiniku meal that’s quick and won’t break the bank. And without the judgement of indulging in a usually communal meal all by your lonesome self. If you’re not that sad and plan to go with a friend, shared grills are also available for a maximum of two diners. The Singapore outlet seats 42 pax, with 13 tables for two people and 16 tables for solo diners.

Mostly beef, imported from Australia and USA, plus pork belly, pork jowl and chicken thigh. More upmarket stuff includes wagyu, harami (beef skirt steak) and prime karubi (boneless short rib). The cheapest thing on the menu is the Pork & Chicken Set ($7.80), which gets you slices of pork belly, chicken thigh, rice, soup and a choice of kimchi or salad. If you’re feeling fancier, indulge in the Wagyu Steak Set ($29.80), which has a marbling score of seven to eight (out of nine) and is equivalent to Wagyu Grade A4 (out of A5).

On the restaurant’s opening day on February 3, there’ll be a special one-day-only promotion: the Karubi Set will go for $2.90 instead of its usual $12.80. Why $2.90? Because the numbers two and nine in Japanese are pronounced “niku”, which translates to “meat”. In keeping with the number theme, the promotion is limited to the first 290 customers. Don’t say bojio.

Yakiniku Like opens on Feb 3. #B1-28 Paya Lebar Quarter, 10 Paya Lebar Rd, S409057. Open daily 11am-10pm, last orders at 9.30pm. http://yakiniku-like.com/