The moment I stepped out of the lift on the fourth floor of Cuppage Plaza, the unmistakable scent of charcoal smoke hit me, a smoky invitation that teased my senses before I even saw the sign. This old building near Somerset, usually filled with faint aromas of soy and sizzling food, suddenly felt alive with the primal allure of chicken fat kissing open flame. My stomach didn’t need any convincing; it was already ready for what promised to be a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Drawn by the perfect smoky char wafting through the narrow doorway, I found myself pulled into a cozy, intimate space where every skewer told a story of tradition and skill. Without hesitation, I sat down, eager to experience the bold flavors and textures that only a true yakitori izakaya can deliver.
Skewers Yakitori: A Cuppage Plaza Intimate Space
Skewers Yakitori Izakaya isn’t big. A handful of tables, some counter seats facing the grill, just enough space to remember you’re sharing air with strangers.
It’s the kind of room that fills up fast and gets a little warm. The grill runs hot, the conversations run close, and by the second skewer you stop noticing the tightness. That’s the point. This isn’t a place to spread out. It’s a place to lean in.
I got there for the early seating, around six. Quiet, still. Staff were prepping, coals were glowing, and I had the counter almost to myself. If you want that stillness before the room hums, come early, especially on a Saturday.
Delicious Skewers: The Must-Try Chicken Parts
People typically associate yakitori with simple grilled chicken. Skewers goes further. The menu lists every chicken part by name — chicken thigh, chicken heart, chicken gizzard, liver, neck skin, tail, and more — with each skewer treated as its own thing.
I started with the Chicken Oyster ($7.90), because everyone told me to.
They were right. It’s a small cut, taken from near the thigh, and it holds its juices in a way the leaner parts don’t. Tender, slightly fatty, deep in flavour, juicy tenderness you feel in every bite. The char on the outside gave it a whisper of bitterness that made the richness underneath sing. One stick, and I understood why diners come back for this one.
Then kawa — neck skin, crisped hard over charcoal, a little chewy beneath, smoky all the way through. It could’ve been greasy. It wasn’t. Just clean, honest skin done to perfection.
I went adventurous after that. Cockscomb: gelatinous, oddly springy, more curious than delicious. Windpipe: all crunch, very little else. The chicken gizzard had a satisfying chew and good char. The chicken heart was firm, well-seasoned, quietly excellent. I’m glad I worked through the menu. That’s part of what this yakitori izakaya offers: grilled skewers labelled by part, the freedom to be brave or stay safe.
I finished with the Mini Ramen ($13). After a run of smoky, charred bites, that small bowl of warm chicken broth felt like a soft landing. Order it last. Trust me.
The Best Yakitori Restaurants Don’t Need to Perform
The service here doesn’t perform.
No long explanations, no upselling, no hovering. I ordered, the skewers came, the plates cleared. Efficient in the way a small kitchen has to be when the grilling never stops. Nobody smiled much, but nobody needed to. The food said enough.
There’s an honesty to a place that just does the work and lets you eat. Japanese chefs who take their craft seriously rarely need theatre to back it up. Skewers is that kind of spot.
Singapore 228796: Practical Info Before You Go
Reserve. I mean it. There are only two seatings: 6 to 8:15pm, then 8:30 to 11pm. The address is 5 Koek Road, #04-01, Singapore 228796. Walk in on a Friday without a booking and you’ll likely be turned away.
Budget around $30 to $50 per person for a proper dinner with several skewers and a drink or two. Sticks start around $5.90, so a lighter meal costs less, but the good cuts and the beers add up. That’s the nature of izakaya dining: one more skewer, one more round.
Somerset MRT is a short walk away. Parking exists around Cuppage Plaza but thins out on busy evenings.
Yakitori Izakaya vs. Far East Plaza, East Plaza, Robertson Walk, Shirokane Tori Tama
Singapore has no shortage of yakitori restaurants. You’ll find options at Far East Plaza, East Plaza, Robertson Walk, and spots like Shirokane Tori Tama drawing their own loyal crowds. Some have earned recognition, including a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient or two among them.
Skewers sits in a different register. Less polished, more personal. It’s a popular spot for diners who want a yakitori experience that feels closer to a Tokyo neighbourhood bar than a curated concept restaurant. Talented locals and yakitori lovers who know their cuts tend to find their way here.
Would I Go Back?
Yeah. Knowing what it is.
This isn’t refined Japanese dining. It’s a cramped, smoky room where the charcoal does the talking and every chicken part gets treated with real respect. The focus is on authenticity and pure yakitori enjoyment, not elaborate presentations or fancy sauces. If you love yakitori, want to explore unusual cuts, or need a couple of hours over delicious skewers and drinks with a small group, this is your spot. The intimate, unpretentious atmosphere encourages shared experiences over the grill, highlighting the craft behind each skewer from careful seasoning to precise grilling that enhances every cut’s natural flavor.
If you need space, quiet, or heavily sauced grilled meat, look elsewhere. But if you don’t mind a tight table and a bit of smoke in your shirt, the chicken oyster alone is worth the climb to the fourth floor. This juicy, tender cut captures what makes yakitori beloved. Paired with a cold drink, it’s a simple pleasure that stays with you. I left smelling of charcoal, full, and quietly glad I’d followed my nose. The experience was honest and satisfying, a reminder that sometimes the best meals come from places focusing purely on food and craft.
If you’re still weighing your options, this roundup of Japanese izakaya restaurants worth visiting in Cuppage Plaza is a good place to start. It offers a broader look at the yakitori scene in the area and helps you find the perfect spot to suit your mood and taste.
Whether you are a seasoned yakitori fan or new to the delights of grilled chicken skewers, Skewers Yakitori Izakaya provides an authentic and memorable experience that captures the heart of this beloved Japanese tradition.