COCONUTS HOT SPOT — Bishan residents rejoice, ’cause there’s a new opening in your ‘hood. Tucked away among the lush foliage of Bishan Park, Japanese yakitori eatery ToriYard is all about grilled meats washed down with sips of sake or house-flavored shochu. So those of you who regularly jog or stroll across the neighborhood park can count on one more option to fill your bellies after your brush with nature.
With breezy outdoor seats and an interior that offers a peek at the Japanese-imported charcoal grills, the restaurant exudes a casual, chill vibe, ideal for group gatherings and family dinners.
The menu starts with standard Japanese appetizers like agedashi tofu ($6) and sashimi salad ($19), alongside more unique ones such as tebasaki gyoza ($15, fried stuffed chicken wings) and onsen tamago cocktail ($17, with onsen egg, foie gras, salmon roe, and sea urchin).
As for the skewers, you’ll find everything from chicken, beef, pork, seafood, and veggies nicely grilled, with options such as chicken thigh ($7), chicken heart ($3), wagyu ($10), pork belly asparagus roll ($4), teriyaki prawn ($6), and abalone mushroom with truffle ($4).
Even if you’re not keen on chewing on a stick, ToriYard also offers udon, porridge, and donburi sets, with items like unagi don ($23) and wagyu foie gras don ($28).
As for desserts, it’s a rather limited selection of matcha and red bean chiffon cake with warabi mochi and ice cream ($14), warabi mochi and cornflake sundae ($13), or scoops of black sesame, sea salt, and matcha ice cream ($6 each).
Granted, prices teeter on the high side for the sticks of meat (which take a while to grill), but if you’re in the area and you’re nursing a serious craving for Japanese food, it’s worth a shot.
ToriYard is at 1380 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Bishan Park 2, 9296-5988. Weekdays 11:30am-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm; weekends 11am-2:30pm, 6pm-11pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
