I’m always on the hunt for that one spot that transports you straight to Japan where the smoke hits you the moment you walk in, and the menu is full of specialized chicken parts you rarely see elsewhere. I recently visited Yakitori Yatagarasu Hanare, a popular yakitori restaurant on Circular Road, hoping to find exactly that. I’d heard whispers about their superbly grilled yakitori, and honestly, after a long week, all I wanted was a casual dinner with some ice cold highball action.
My expectations were high. Singapore has plenty of yakitori places, but finding one that balances authenticity with accessibility is tough. Did this store live up to the hype? Well, it was a mix of fantastic food and some surprising service quirks.
Atmosphere Wise: A True Izakaya Joint
Walking in on a Thursday evening around 7 PM, the first thing I noticed was the vibe. It feels like a true izakaya joint, similar to the ones tucked away in the alleyways of Tokyo—a true izakaya joint similar to those you’d find in Japan. The lighting is dim, the decor is undeniably Japanese with more photos on the wall than I could count, and there’s a cozy, almost cramped energy that I actually love. It’s intimate.
The operator lists about 38 seats, so it’s not huge. I was glad I made a reservation, this isn’t really a place you can just stroll into, especially if you’re visiting with friends. I sat at a table rather than the counter, but the smell of grilled meat still drifted over, making my stomach grow instantly. The atmosphere is definitely geared towards the after-work crowd, loud enough that you don’t feel awkward laughing, but quiet enough to actually talk.
I started my meal with a frozen hand towel (oshibori); a small touch, but crucial in Singapore’s humidity. It really helps you settle in before diving into the menu.
The Food: Yakitori Yatagarasu Hits and Misses
Let’s get to the important part: all the food. I spent some time scanning the menu, which is focused heavily on various chicken parts. If you’re a diner who only likes breast meat, you might need to explore a bit outside your comfort zone here.
Coriander Salad: The Unexpected Star
It sounds strange to rave about a salad at a meat joint, but the coriander salad ($6++) is genuinely one of the most popular dishes here. It shows up on tables everywhere. It acts as the perfect palate cleanser. The freshness cuts right through the grease of the skewers. It was nicely seasoned, not overpowering, and I found myself going back to it constantly between bites of meat. It’s one of those unexpected favourites you have to order.
Onion Salad: Another Refreshing Choice
Alongside the coriander salad, the onion salad also stands out as a refreshing and crisp appetizer that complements the smoky flavors of the skewers. This dish is another popular dish that diners rave about, balancing the richness of the grilled chicken parts perfectly.
The Skewers: Liver and Tail
I ordered an array of yakitori skewers, but two stood out. First, the liver. I know liver is polarizing, but here, it was creamy and unctuous. It wasn’t chalky at all. The texture was custardy, which tells me the chef is taking care to cook it precisely with the right tare sauce.
Then there was the tail (bonjiri). This is a fatty, juicy cut. It was perfectly seared exterior with a juicy inside. Some guests might find it too fatty, but for me, the taste was spot on. I’d read that Yatagarasu Hanare sells out of this early, so I made sure to snag some quickly.
However, I have to be honest, some sticks were a bit salty. While I enjoyed the chicken thigh (momo), which was meat tender and delicious, the salt levels were high. One of the skewers I tried was heavily perfectly seasoned—almost too much. It pairs well with drinks, but if you’re sensitive to salt, you might be disappointed.
Other Bites
I also tried the chicken broth at the end. It was comforting, rich, and deeply savoury. Conversely, I skipped the green pepper cheese pork roll as I’d heard it was a “skip” from others, and honestly, the menu had enough better appetizers.
Service Experience at Yakitori Yatagarasu
Here is where things got a little tricky. Service starts okay, but it can be a mixed bag. The staff were efficient, but I wouldn’t exactly call them warm. There’s a bit of a “strict” vibe. I felt slightly rushed at times, and I’ve seen other guests speaking about rude encounters online. On the positive side, Guang Lin, one of the staff, was attentive and helpful during my visit.
The wait for food was also noticeable. I ordered my first round, and there was a significant gap before the first skewers arrived. It’s a slow-paced meal. We were seated for quite a while before the last stick landed. If you’re engrossed in conversation, it’s fine, but if you’re starving, the pacing might frustrate you.
One massive heads-up: watch out for the “rules.” There were mentions of strict policies regarding pax changes and deposits. I didn’t encounter a confrontation, but the service lacks that consistent hospitality you might expect from a restaurant of this caliber. The excellent service many expect sometimes falls short here.
Practical Information
Here’s what you need to know before you go:
- Price: Be prepared to pay. My bill came to around $80 per person, but we ordered plenty of drinks (ice cold highballs are around $9++, beer $13++). If you stick to a set, you might get away with spending less, but à la carte adds up fast.
- Booking: Booking is essential. You often have to do it online, and sometimes weeks in advance.
- Timing: I visited on a weekday. To avoid the worst of the slow service, try to go right when they open at 6 PM.
- Location: It’s near Boat Quay on Circular Road. Parking is a nightmare, so take a cab or train to Clarke Quay.
Final Verdict
Yakitori Yatagarasu Hanare serves good yakitori, some of the best yakitori places in Singapore would be proud of. The food wise is solid, especially if you stick to the hits like the liver, tail, and that surprisingly good coriander salad.
It’s best for yakitori purists who want authentic flavors and don’t mind a bit of grit in the service department. It’s a great atmosphere for close friends to catch up over sake. Just don’t expect a quick meal or overly pampering staff. It’s a place that demands you play by its rules, but usually, the skewers are worth it.
Highly recommended for the adventurous eater, but proceed with caution if you need top-tier hospitality.
Note: Prices and details reflect my experience at the time of time visiting.
For those interested in exploring more options, check out our guide to the best yakitori Orchard restaurants to discover other top spots in Singapore offering delicious skewers and authentic flavors.
