Looking for your next spot to have a nice lunch with your colleagues in the Central Business District (CBD)? YEN Social‘s newly-launched full lunch service will be sure to impress you with its reasonable prices and quality dishes.
The restaurant, which is helmed by Taiwanese yakiniku master Chef Jones Chen, is the sister concept of the MICHELIN-rated restaurant YEN Yakiniku. Located within DUO Galleria, YEN Social was previously only open for dinner, but on 27 Jun 2023, it unveiled a brand new lunch menu with fancy Wagyu dishes. Plus, you can even get specially curated wine pairings with your meal!
Whet your appetite with starters like the Lemon Thyme Fennel Salad with Apple-flavoured Quinoa (S$16++) or the Caesar Salad with Wagyu Bits & Shaved Parmesan (S$16++). Instead of the usual bacon bits, the Caesar Salad with Wagyu Bits & Shaved Parmesan comes sprinkled with pieces of Wagyu fat, giving the salad bits of indulgent and rich flavour.
For something a little more atas, the Smoked Scallop Carpaccio with Yuzu Vinaigrette (S$14++) is a starter option to choose.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with YEN Social’s lunch mains, such as their YEN Chargrilled Wagyu Burger & Fries (S$25++), a gigantic burger containing a patty made with fresh minced meat from specially selected Wagyu cuts, two types of cheese, mushroom and shredded red cabbage. The burger even comes with rocket salad and Social Wagyu Fries.
For just S$25++, the YEN Chargrilled Wagyu Burger & Fries offers a real bang for your buck, with its generous portions and great taste. You’ll definitely be filled up and satisfied after consuming this dish.
My personal favourite was the YEN Steak & Wagyu Fat Fries (S$40++), which features a chargrilled medium-rare prime USDA striploin that has been trimmed of its tendons. What results is a stunning dish that is buttery and tender, and packed full of meaty flavour.
Like the previous dish, you’ll receive a serving of Wagyu Fat Fries to go with your steak.
The cheapest main is the Wagyu Lu Rou Fan (S$18++), which puts a twist on the popular Taiwanese dish. Instead of braised pork, it is topped with braised A5 Wagyu, an egg yolk and daikon. I was impressed with the nice balance of sweetness and savouriness from the beef, and the egg yolk was a lovely touch that provided the dish with some creaminess.
Seafood fans can try the Chargrilled Seafood Bucatini Pasta (S$25++), containing sashimi grade octopus, jumbo prawns and scallops imported from Japan. The thick bucatini pasta was al dente with a nice smokiness to it.
For the best value, YEN Social’s 2-Course Meal gives you the choice of 1 starter and 1 main, starting from S$25++, with different top-up prices depending on the dishes you choose.
Additionally, for the month of Jul 2023, diners will get to enjoy a complimentary upgrade to a 3-course meal from S$25++, meaning that you’ll get to savour an appetiser, a main and a dessert for the price of a 2-course meal.
If you’re dining with a group of friends or colleagues, the Sharing Set (S$100++) is a deal to consider, coming with the choice of 3 starters, 2 mains and a YEN Social Signature Steak (250g).
Wano Niku Yakiniku, Tanjong Pagar: Fresh-flown Japanese A4 Wagyu at just S$8
Price: $ $
Our Rating: 4 / 5
YEN Social
7 Fraser Street, DUO Galleria, #01-25/26, Singapore 189356
YEN Social
7 Fraser Street, DUO Galleria, #01-25/26, Singapore 189356