Yakiniku Like at Junction 8 Bishan
What Makes Yakiniku Like Special
See all Singapore outlets → Yakiniku Like chain page
About Yakiniku Like at Junction 8 Bishan
Yakiniku Like at Junction 8 is a concept that did not exist before 2018: a yakiniku restaurant designed entirely for solo diners. In Japan, yakiniku (焼肉, grilled meat) has traditionally been a group activity — friends and family gather around a shared grill, ordering large platters of meat to cook together. Yakiniku Like flipped this model by giving each diner their own personal smokeless grill, pre-portioned individual servings, and a quick-service format that eliminates the need for a group. The result is democratic: anyone can enjoy high-quality grilled beef, at any time, alone, without judgment. The Junction 8 outlet at #01-40 has been one of the busiest in Singapore since opening, driven by Bishan's large student population and office worker crowd.
The menu is focused and efficient. The core offering is beef sets in three sizes (200g, 250g, 300g) with rice and kimchi. The kurabi (short plate) at S$8.80 for 200g is the entry point; the harami (skirt steak) and wagyu tongue options are for those willing to pay more for premium cuts. Combo sets let you mix beef types. Sides include kimchi (included), corn butter, garlic rice, and Japanese-style salad. The 50-minute time limit during peak hours (12-1:30pm, 6-8pm) keeps the queue moving — this is designed for quick, satisfying meals, not leisurely dining. Card payment and self-ordering kiosks are standard.
Recommended For
Menu Highlights
Before GST. Subject to change.
| Kurabi Set (200g short plate + rice + kimchi) | S$8.80 |
| Kurabi Set (300g) | S$11.80 |
| Harami Set (200g skirt steak) | S$12.80 |
| Wagyu Tongue Set (100g) | S$14.80 |
| Mix Combo Set (2 meats + rice) | S$15.80 |
| Premium Wagyu Set (150g) | S$18.80 |
| Garlic Rice (upgrade) | +S$1.50 |
| Corn Butter Side | S$3.00 |
| Egg (raw, for dipping) | S$1.50 |
| Soft Drink | S$2.50 |
Practical Info
- Daily: 11am–10pm (50-min limit during peak hours)
Dietary Info
Not halal. Halal Japanese at Junction 8: Milan Shokudo (☪️ JFH halal-certified).
The Yakiniku Like Experience
Queue & Order
Junction 8 Level 1, #01-40. During peak lunch and dinner, expect a 10-15 minute queue. Use the self-ordering kiosk to browse the menu, select your set, customise (rice type, add-ons), pay by card, and receive your order number. The kiosk is available in English and Chinese. If the queue is long, consider visiting during off-peak hours (2-5pm, after 8:30pm) for immediate seating.
Sit at Your Personal Grill
Each seat has its own electric smokeless grill, a suction hood above, and a tray setup with condiments (tare sauce, salt, lemon). The grill is already heated when you sit down. Counter-style seating faces forward — solo diners can eat without feeling self-conscious. Some tables accommodate 2-4 people with individual grills per seat.
Grill Your Meat
Your meat tray arrives within minutes. The kurabi (short plate) is pre-sliced into thin strips — lay them flat on the grill, wait 30-45 seconds per side, and eat. The key is not to overcook: thin beef slices need just a brief sear. Dip in tare sauce or sprinkle with salt and lemon. The rice is served in a separate bowl — alternate between meat bites and rice for the authentic yakiniku rhythm. The kimchi cleanses the palate between rounds.
Finish Within 50 Minutes
During peak hours, there is a 50-minute dining limit. Most solo meals take 20-30 minutes, so this is rarely an issue. When done, simply leave — the table is cleared by staff. The average bill for a satisfying meal: S$10-15 for a standard kurabi set with a drink, or S$15-20 for a premium combo. For students: the weekday student pricing makes this one of the most affordable quality meals in Bishan.
The Solo Yakiniku Revolution
Yakiniku (焼肉, literally "grilled meat") is one of Japan's most beloved dining traditions, with roots in Korean BBQ adapted for Japanese tastes. For decades, yakiniku in Japan was exclusively a group activity — families and friends gathering around large shared grills, ordering platters of marbled beef, tongue, and offal. Eating yakiniku alone was considered unusual, even slightly sad. Yakiniku Like, founded in Tokyo's Shinjuku district in 2018 by Yusuke Arinaga, challenged this social norm directly. The concept: give every diner their own personal smokeless grill, serve individual portions instead of shared platters, and create a space where eating alone is not just accepted but celebrated.
The concept exploded in Japan, resonating with a growing "ohitorisama" (solo activity) culture where young Japanese increasingly embrace dining, traveling, and entertaining alone. Within two years, Yakiniku Like expanded to over 40 outlets in Japan and began international expansion. Singapore was an early overseas market, with 11 outlets now operating across the island. The success here reflects a similar cultural shift: Singapore's young professionals and students are increasingly comfortable dining alone, and Yakiniku Like provides a premium solo experience at budget prices.
Editor's Note
Yakiniku Like at Junction 8 is the most radical concept in Bishan's Japanese dining scene — and it works brilliantly. The S$8.80 kurabi set is objectively the best value beef meal in the area: 200g of decent short plate beef, grilled to your preference, with rice and kimchi. The personal grill format is genuinely liberating — no negotiating temperatures or timing with dining partners. The meat quality at the base price is honest: it is not wagyu, it is solid imported beef that grills well. The premium sets (harami, wagyu tongue) are where the quality steps up noticeably. Downsides: the 50-minute time limit feels pressured during peak, the drinks arrive slowly (staff shortage issue noted in reviews), and the seating near the entrance can be uncomfortable. But for a solo lunch under S$12 that involves grilling your own beef on a personal smokeless grill — nothing else in Bishan comes close.
Compare: Japanese at Junction 8
| Restaurant | Price | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genki Sushi | S$15–25 | BYOD Sushi | Families · Tech |
| Watami | S$15–25 | Izakaya | Groups · Drinks |
| Aburi-EN | S$15–22 | Wagyu Don | Wagyu bowls · Quick |
| Yakiniku Like | S$8.80–18 | Solo BBQ | Solo · BBQ · Cheapest beef |
| Milan Shokudo ☪️ | S$8–15 | ☪️ Halal | ☪️ Halal · Budget |
| MOS Burger | S$8–14 | Japanese Burger | Quick · Kids |
Photos
