Seems like individual-style yakiniku restaurants such as Yakiniku Like and Yakiniku-GO are gaining popularity in Singapore, and all these #socialdistancing probably helps in such solo-dining concepts.
I happened to spot another express Yakiniku restaurant at Alexandra Central Mall.
Japanese BBQ Tora (which means “tiger” in Japanese) did seem rather promising for its price-point and offerings.
Though I must admit the mall overall looked rather sad with many unoccupied shops, and I personally haven’t been there after the unfortunate door-drop incident (The mall has replaced all glass doors since.)
The most affordable Buta Karubi Chicken Set with pork belly and chicken starts from $7.90 for 100g, with NO service charge and FREE parking (for now).
Where to find?
The other items were also considered inexpensive, with Karubi Beef Short Plate at $8.90 (100g), Karubi Loin Set with beef short plate and loin at $13.90 (100g), and Pork Belly at $8.90 (100g).
If you prefer something more ‘premium’, the American Wagyu Steak is priced at $19.90 (150g) and Beef Tongue, Short Ribs and Top Plate Set at $19.90 (150g).
Each set comes with a bowl of rice, choice of salad or kimchi, and miso soup.
There are two accompanying basic sauces, the Tora Original BBQ sauce or Wasabi BBQ sauce, while you can also add pink rock salt or pepper to your meats.
Though I thought the meats were marinated enough, so you can go easy on the sauces to prevent everything from becoming overly salty.
Even though I went with a friend, the good thing is we each had our own grill, though it can be slightly cramped in terms of sitting.
The meats somehow took comparatively longer to be cooked on the grill (when compared to other similar Japanese modern yakiniku restaurants), therefore not as ‘express’ as I would have liked.
However, for its quality, price, service and even sauces, I thought this is quite a value-for-money yakiniku restaurant in an air-conditioned mall without the long queues.
You may find it hard to choose something from the menu as many of the sets had either karubi (beef short plate) or pork belly in them. It will be good if there are more other beef cuts incorporated.
Japanese BBQ Tora
321 Alexandra Road, #01-01 Alexandra Central Mall, Singapore 159971
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 19pm (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 10pm (Sat – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Yakiniku Like (Paya Lebar Quarter)
Yakiniku-GO (The Seletar Mall)
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