SIN: Yayoi

Affordable set meals with some free-flow items!

With a history that goes back to 1886 in Tokyo, Japan, Yayoi Ken is a branch of restaurants that's well-known for teishoku (lit. set meals). In Singapore, it's stylised as Yayoi. While I've never been to any of the branches in its country of origin, I've been to quite a few here, the latest being the one at Bugis+. At the point of writing, the cheapest set meal costs S$9.90.

Ordering a teishoku allows you to have free refill of rice, miso (Japanese fermented rice, barley and/or soybean) soup and pickles.

Sukiyaki Teishoku S$18.90

(Kaijiru Upgrade) +S$1.90

Taste: 8/10

The sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot dish of simmered meat and vegetables) set meal includes rice, onsen tamago (lit. hot spring egg), pickles and miso soup, which my friend upgraded to include clams that lent a nice tang of the sea. Served in a cast iron pot was a delicious medley of adequately tender beef and vegetables in a rich and sweet broth. Pika's advice: It's possible to opt for sliced pork instead of beef.

Wafu Hamburg Teishoku S$15.90

Taste: 6.5/10

Another friend went for two pieces of ground beef patties seasoned with a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar and vegetable oil. Accompanied by sad-looking potatoes and French beans, they were tender, but not as juicy as expected. There was no onsen tamago in the set, but the salad was fresh and crisp.

Buta Yakiniku Teishoku S$11.90

(Add Onsen Tamago) +S$1.00

Taste: 7/10

My choice of main course was the sliced pork belly, which could be tenderer, sitting on a bed of beansprouts that still retained some crunch. Two slices of the meat were a bit burnt, but I didn't really mind that. The miso-based dipping sauce that was thick and flavourful enough for my liking. It was apprent that the potatoes and French beans were less dehydrated on my hotplate.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 7.5/10

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 7/10

Overall: 7/10

What's your favourite teishoku? 

Yayoi

201 Victoria Street

#01-08 Bugis+

Singapore

(Daily: 10.30am - 9.00pm)

*Prices quoted are subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)