Still My Favorite Yakiniku Restaurant @ Hey! Yakiniku, Singapore

I have been to Hey! Yakiniku once or twice before.  On my recent visit, I found that it is still my favorite yakiniku restaurant. 

Hey! Yakiniku is a budget-friendly yakiniku restaurant situated conveniently at one end of Bugis Junction, just across from the National Library.   As it is part of Bugis Junction, I can easily come up from Bugis MRT and reach the restaurant.  I remain dry, especially in this year-end monsoon season. 

The ambiance is inviting, with private booths and big communal “tables”.  I guess the biggest factor in deciding that Hey! Yakiniku is my favorite yakiniku restaurant is that it is so clean.  When a customer finishes dining and leaves, the staff comes with a cleaning basket and makes the table clean and pristine again.  The way the staff does it – with an organised cleaning basket – is so tidy and first world, and that is what I want, civilised dining experiences.

The concept is straightforward: use the provided QR code to order your choice of meats and enjoy grilling them at your personal grill right in front of you. The added bonus? The grills are smokeless, so there’s no need to worry about lingering smells affecting your plans for the rest of the day.

Since it is an electric grill, you can control the heat yourself using buttons.  The eating utensils and napkins can be found in your individual drawer.

On this recent visit, I found that Hey! Yakiniku has got new items that are available during weekday lunch only (Mon to Fri 11am – 5pm).

Niku Nabe (non spicy) $15.90

Comes with Japanese rice

The dish, priced at $15.90, offers that delicious succulent meat, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful broth that left me wanting more. The balance of flavors in this non-spicy version was just right for my palate, allowing me to savor the natural tastes of the high-quality ingredients.

What impressed me the most was the freshness of the ingredients. The vegetables were crisp and vibrant, while the meat was tender and sweet. The broth was rich and savory, providing a comforting warmth that was perfect for the occasion.

The presentation of the Niku Nabe was also noteworthy, served in a traditional hot pot that added to the overall dining experience. The attention to detail in both preparation and serving did not go unnoticed, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the meal.

Considering the portion size and the quality of the ingredients, the $15.90 price tag seemed reasonable, making it a good value for the money spent.

Karai Nabe (spicy)  $15.90 

Comes with Japanese Rice

If you prefer a kick, you can choose the spicy version of the Karai Nabe. 

The spice version of this hot pot dish is a spicy delight for the taste buds. The blend of spices and heat in the broth added a thrilling kick to the overall dining experience. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and a bit of heat, the Karai Nabe is a must-try.

The assortment of ingredients that accompanied the spicy broth was impressive. Fresh vegetables, firm mushrooms, slippery tofu, Japanese fish cake, tender meat, created a harmonious medley of textures and tastes. The inclusion of Japanese rice with the Nabe was a thoughtful touch, providing a perfect balance to the spiciness.

The spiciness level was just right for me—enough to excite the palate without overwhelming the other flavors. The heat builds gradually, allowing you to appreciate the complexity of the spices used in the broth.

Beef Yaki Udon $13.90

with miso soup

I recently had the pleasure of savoring another new dish, the Beef Yaki Udon and it was nothing short of a culinary masterpiece.

Priced at a reasonable $13.90, this dish combines the rich, savory goodness of beef with the comforting chewiness of udon noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that delighted my taste buds.

The generous portion of tender beef slices was perfectly seared, offering a delightful caramelization that added depth to every bite. The udon noodles, stir-fried to perfection, absorbed the savory flavors of the beef and the accompanying vegetables, creating a satisfying and well-balanced dish.

The umami-rich sauce that coated the Beef Yaki Udon tied everything together, elevating the dish to a whole new level. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and savory, complementing the ingredients without overpowering their individual tastes.

Pork Yaki Udon $12.90

with miso soup

There is also a pork version of the Yaki Udon available.

It featured succulent slices of pork, expertly stir-fried with udon noodle. The pork, perfectly cooked, offered a delightful combination of tenderness and a subtle smoky flavor, creating a savory dance on the palate. The udon noodles, stir-fried to perfection, absorbed the flavors of the pork, resulting in a satisfying and comforting dish.

The addition of miso soup complemented the meal wonderfully. Served piping hot, the miso soup was a bowl of umami goodness. The rich, savory broth was both soothing and revitalizing, providing a perfect contrast to the bold flavors of the Pork Yaki Udon.

The portion size was generous, offering great value for the price. Each bite was a harmonious blend of savory pork, toothsome noodles, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling and flavorful meal.

Curry Udon $13.90 

From the first enticing aroma to the last satisfying slurp, this dish proved to be a true extravaganza of flavors. The udon noodles, cooked to perfection, were generously immersed in a velvety curry broth that held the perfect balance of richness and spice.

What set this Curry Udon apart was the addition of succulent pork slices. The dish featured tender pork that was expertly cooked and infused with the savory essence of the curry. Each slice provided a delightful contrast to the soft udon noodles, creating a symphony of textures that made each bite a savory delight.

The curry itself was a masterpiece, with a depth of flavor that hinted at a meticulous blend of spices. The curry’s warmth and richness were enhanced by the pork, creating a fusion that was both comforting and indulgent.

The combination of the hearty udon noodles and velvety curry created a texture and flavor symphony that left me craving more.

Fresh Boston Lobster $24.90/pc 

Hey! Yakiniku has also introduced fresh premium seafood sourced from Japan and USA.

The flavor of the Boston lobster was a revelation. The grilling process had imparted a smoky essence to the lobster, enhancing its natural sweetness. Each tender bite was a symphony of delicate textures and a burst of rich, oceanic flavors.

Japanese Premium Oysters 

$9.90 – 2pcs 

$18.90 – 4pcs 

$27.90 – 6pcs 

From the first glance to the last exquisite bite, these oysters showcased the epitome of culinary excellence.

The Japanese Premium Oysters, plump and glistening, promised a taste of the ocean’s finest offerings. Priced at $9.90 for two pieces, the sheer size of these delicacies hinted at the indulgence that awaited. Each oyster was a burst of briny goodness, perfectly balanced in texture and taste.

The freshness was unparalleled. It was as if the oysters had just been plucked from the sea, delivering a pristine oceanic flavor that lingered on the palate. The natural sweetness was enhanced by a subtle creaminess, making each bite a revelation.

The accompanying garnishes, whether a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of tabasco sauce, provided the perfect counterpoint to the oysters.

The price of $9.90 for two pieces is an extremely fair investment for the quality and luxurious experience offered. It’s a price that reflects the premium nature of these Japanese oysters, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated and indulgent start to their meal.

Hey! Yakiniku

80 Middle Rd, #01-92/96 Bugis Junction, 188966

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