Tori Yard is a new Japanese yakitori joint that opened recently in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Helmed by Tokyo chef Hasegawa Isao, this restaurant serves authentic grilled skewers of all kinds, in a causal, idyllic setting of the park.
The restaurant boasts a decent seating area – both indoors and outdoors. You can watch the chefs work their magic at the open concept grill station at the side of the restaurant.
Start off with the Sashimi Salad ($19++), which comes with salmon, swordfish, sweet shrimp and tuna sashimi slices, topped off with ikura and drizzled with wafu and goma dressing. The other starter that was really interesting is the Onsen Tamago Cocktail ($17++), which consists of an onsen egg, cooked at 63.5°C for a precise 45 minutes, a plump piece of charred foie gras, salmon roe and sea urchin. Break open the egg yolk and consume it with the foie gras and uni for a creamy texture and pleasurable sensation in your mouth!
Other starters include Tsukune Ohba Tsutsumi Age ($12++) – a deep fried chicken ball with perilla leaf – and the Tebasaski Gyoza ($15++), which is a gyoza stuffed in a chicken wing!
Before we start on the yakitori, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a counter full of sauces for you to choose your pick – ranging from Mentai Mayo to Yuzu Kosho to Ponzu sauce.
There are a number of chicken skewers, such as their signature Tsukune ($8++) (chicken meatball), Tebasaki ($4++) (chicken wing) and Momo ($7++) (chicken thigh). The chicken meatball comes with onsen egg and teriyaki sauce, and while it was very delicious, I thought the whole combination made it a bit too salty.
Overall I felt that their chicken meats are fresh and tasty, but would have preferred it to be cooked slightly longer.
Aside from the chicken skewers, ToriYard also serves up a variety of other grilled meats, such as the above Buta Kubi ($5++) (Canadian pork neck with seasalt) and Gyu ($8++), which is certified US Angus Ribeye steak. They were all char-grilled very well and you can taste the smoky flavour from each.
Those who prefer less meaty options can go for the Ebi ($6++) which is fresh and succulent, or the Shiitake ($4++) which comes with a hint of truffle.
If you still have space, try the Wagyu Fried Rice ($16++). It’s different from the usual Asian/Chinese style of fried rice as this rice was wetter, but nonetheless still satisfying and comforting especially if you love beef and rice.
End off your meal with this Jikasei Chiffon ($14++) – homemade matcha and red bean chiffon cake with warabi mochi and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cake was light and so was the matcha flavour.
This yakitori joint is perfect for after-work dinners with a drinks and good food, or a casual family lunch set amidst the lush greenery of Bishan Park.
Do note that the prices listed are per skewer.
ToriYard
Address: 1380 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Bishan Park 2, Singapore 569930
Opening Hours: weekday lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm, weekday dinner 6 – 10.30pm, weekend lunch 11am – 2.30pm, weekend dinner 6 – 11pm. Closed on Tuesdays
Telephone: +65 92965988
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toriyard/
