Michelin-recommended Restaurant Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku Brings Premium Wagyu from Miyazaki to Their Newest Outlet in Singapore

CONTENT: Michelle Ng

Jewel Changi Airport is home to many Japanese restaurants, but their latest addition will have beef lovers heading straight to the airport. Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku is well-known for its top-grade, premium wagyu beef that comes from – not Kobe – but the Miyazaki region. Kobe comes to the top of mind for most people when you mention wagyu, but true wagyu aficionados will know that the wagyu from Miyazaki is the top grade beef in Japan.

The Singapore outlet is Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku first overseas branch, and the Hong Kong branch has even been recommended in the MICHELIN guide for their exquisite beef barbecue.

The Wagyu Beef Platter (S$138) has a selection of five premium cuts like karubi and chuck roll, and is food to share between 2-3 people. The slices of beef came with exquisite marbling, and only needed a bit of grilling to bring out the full flavour of the Miyazaki wagyu. Even without any dipping sauce, the beef melted in our mouths and were full of flavour – a sign of premium meat. For further indulgence, there’s also Miyazaki Wagyu A4-A5 Ribeye (S$75) and Miyazaki A4-A5 Wagyu Sirloin (S$68), as well as other meats like Kagoshima Pork Belly (S$18) and Premium Iberico Pork Jowl (S$22).

We were a bit apprehensive of the smell at first, especially since some people might be catching a flight or transiting through and the last thing you’d want to be is smelling like the inside of a barbecue pit. But we had nothing to worry about as suctions hidden around the sides of the grill sucked all the smoke and smell away! There was also no need for bulky smoke extractors hanging from the ceiling, which made the dining experience so much more enjoyable.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try the beef tongue that comes either sliced thinly or in sticks. The Thinly Sliced Beef Tongue (S$40) is slightly tougher to chew, and is full of flavour and gaminess that the other cuts are missing.

The cocktail menu has been crafted to complement the yakiniku meats, and the Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-Washed Old Fashioned (S$24) immediately piqued our interest. The cocktail has been made with the melted down Miyazaki wagyu fat and Okinawan brown sugar for a sweet twist on the classic Old Fashioned. Served with a piece of chilled aburi wagyu, the drink has a sweet aftertaste that is slightly refreshing after a hearty portion of beef.

For those who feel like indulging in some wagyu beef along with a tipple before their flight, the Wa-En bar has a wide selection of Japanese whiskies, craft beers, and wines. A small bar menu has wagyu dishes that are good for snacking on to share – the Wagyu Foie Gras Tacos (S$22) comes in bite-sized servings of pulled beef and foie gras on top of deep-fried dumpling skin, or the simple yet satisfying Wagyu Tsukimi (S$22) with an onsen egg and ikura on the side.

For reservations, call +65 6246 7488 or book online 

Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku
#01-224 Jewel, Singapore Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Operating Hours: Daily from 11am – 10pm