Transport Yourself to Japan @ Wakuwaku Yakiniku (Halal), Singapore

In this COVID era, are you dreaming of VTL-ing to Japan for their tasty grilled meat?

Wakuwaku Yakiniku is a halal Yakiniku.  You get to order premium cuts of beef and grill it yourself to your desired degree of doneness.  

Alternatively, there are also donburis where the meat (and rice) is already prepared for you.

Wakuwaku is heavily reminiscent of Japanese izakayas.  Hugely popular, the place was nearly full house when I arrived on a weekday evening.  The place is not big so reservations are a must.  I have personally seen walk-ins asked to wait for a table.

Though the decor may not suggest it, there are some real gastronomic gems to be discovered here.  Wakuwaku has a nativel Japanese chef, which may account for the excellence of its dishes.

For the main event (the meat), you can choose the cut you like or go for a platter which includes a variety of cuts.

Misuji (Top Blade) $18

This cut is a little too dry for my liking.  They provide garlic butter which you heat up and melt and then use as a dipping sauce for this cut.

Nakaochi Karubi (Ribs Finger) $14

This one is a little too chewy.

Sagari (Hanging Tender) $12

Finally, Goldilocks found her favorite cut of beef.   This is so tender.  You can have the meat on its own or dip into their housemade yakiniku sauce.  Their yakiniku sauce is absolutely delicious.  It is feels lighter than the other yakiniku sauces out there.

Unagi $18

The unagi is expertly grilled — it remains plump and juicy.  

Truffle Yakiniku Don $18

I am glad the chef did not go overboard with the truffle oil (probably got to do with Japanese sense of aesthetic).  The beef was very tender, the firm mushrooms provide textural balance to the rice, the pickles provide balance. Even the rice was delicious.

Kimchi $4

This is the best kimchi I have tasted.  It is freshly made every day.  In other words, what you are served and eat was made that day.

Most kimchi is simply too strong and jarring.  Every bite is like a punch to the senses.  This kimchi is a lot milder and has the right balance of sweetness and spiciness.

This kimchi works great as an appetiser or as a side dish.

Yakko Green Chilli $6

This is incredible.  The green  chilli has been marinated overnight in miso so it has a very muted zing of chili but also the savoury and umami of miso.  Paired with cold tofu, cold shoyu and bonito flakes, it works as a great side dish or palate cleanser.

Lime Mint Soda $6.50

You need something citrusy to counter the inherent fat of the beef. 

Wakuwaku Yakiniku

27 Bali Lane Singapore 189683

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