Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku Singapore Review

Recommended in the Michelin guide in 2016 and 2017, Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku flagship restaurant has been operating in Hong Kong for more than 10 years. Specialising in premium and delicate A4 and A5 Wagyu from Miyazaki, Japan, these cuts are perfect for yakiniku.

Wa-En’s first outlet opening in Singapore is located at the heart of Jewel Changi Airport, positioning its menu to focus on premium Japanese Yakiniku together with an exquisite Wa-En bar experience.

The interior and architecture of Wa-En use delicate Japanese wood tones to feature a minimalist and elegant composition. The dining space is designed for comfort and privacy with booth seats and private rooms. The Yakiniku grill, imported from Japan, uses a furnace structure with net surface and downdraft exhaust, to avoid a heavy cooking smell.

Away from the grill, you can dine or have cocktails at the Wa-En Bar, flawlessly designed to boast an assortment of wines, best paired with Yakiniku meats and Japanese whiskeys, sakes and artfully crafted cocktails using Miyazaki fats infused in whiskey. The bar also recommends non-Yakiniku dishes with delectable Japanese small plates to pair with drinks.

We dropped by one evening and started with some pre-dinner drinks at the bar. We had a Suntory Premium Malts beer and a Nietschke Shiraz from Barossa Valley. The restaurant offers a superb view of the HSBC Rain Vortex, which is the world's tallest indoor waterfall.

After drinks we were ushered to our table at the main dining area. We ordered the set menu for 2 pax.

We were served the Miyazaki Wagyu Beef Tartare, Tofu Salad and assorted Kimchi.

Next the crew served us the Yakiniku Platter, consisting of Premium Miyazaki Wagyu Karubi, Chuck Roll, Australian Wagyu, Hokkaido Pork Belly, Chicken Thigh and Fresh Lettuce.

Miyazaki Wagyu is a premium, award-winning Japanese beef (A4/A5 grade) from Miyazaki Prefecture, renowned for its intense, delicate marbling and low melting point, resulting in a buttery, "melt-in-your-mouth" texture. As a multi-time Wagyu Olympics winner, it is considered some of the best, most luxurious beef in the world.

We grilled the Wagyu slices for around 10-15 seconds each side to medium rare and paired with the different condiments which elevated the flavours and texture.

Overall Verdict:

Rosette Media rating: 9.1/10

The price is higher than other mass-market Yakiniku restaurants, but considering the quality and the freshness of the Miyazaki Wagyu, we felt it was excellent value for money. The smokeless grill concept was indeed true to its claim as we left the restaurant without any smell of food on our clothes.

Location:

78 Airport Boulevard

Jewel Changi Airport

#01-224

Singapore 819666

Tel: 6246 7488

Opening Hours:

Mon to Sun: 11am to 10pm

Last order:Yakiniku 9.15pm

Signatures/Rice/Noodles 9.30pm