Tucked away inside Capitol Theatre mall, Ka EN Grill & Sushi Bar has just launched something special that's worth considering for your dinner plans.
Their new Yakiniku Kurabu outdoor BBQ experience is where you become the chef, and I reckon you'll love every minute of it.
Location That Surprises
Don't let the mall location fool you. Ka EN is situated in a prime spot right next to the Kempinski Hotel, surrounded by other top-quality bars and restaurants. The moment you step inside, the authentic Japanese furnishings transport you straight to Tokyo. But the real magic happens when you head to their alfresco dining area. It's a hidden courtyard amid the city's hustle and bustle.
The Game-Changing Concept
Here's what makes Ka EN special: they've brought the traditional Japanese "cook-it-yourself" BBQ experience to Singapore. Using gas-powered versions of the classic ceramic "shichirin" tabletop grills, you get to cook premium cuts of meat exactly how you want them. The best part? Dishes start from just $5, making this high-quality experience surprisingly accessible.
The Sides That Steal the Show
Let's talk about those $5 sides because honestly, they're anything but ordinary. The Corn Ribs with Shoyu Butter and Aonori completely caught me off guard. These are meaty, charred pieces that pack serious flavour. The shoyu butter creates this incredible taste journey where creamy richness gives way to deep umami notes. It's the kind of dish that makes you want to figure out the recipe immediately.
The Kani Koura Yaki is pure indulgence. Creamy crab roe and miso grilled right in the crab shell, mixed with tender crab meat and rich dashi. They serve it with mini toasted baguette slices for dipping. You get a smoky, ocean-fresh taste that makes you close your eyes and savour the moment.
Even simple dishes get the Ka EN treatment. Their Shingjyaga Garlic Shoyu transforms ordinary fried potatoes into something addictive with shoyu, butter, and furikake. They're small enough to pop in your mouth, and flavourful enough to keep you reaching for more.
The Kawari Agedashi Tofu proves that vegetarian options don't have to be boring. The cornstarch coating creates this perfect crispy shell while keeping the tofu silky smooth inside. The slightly sweet sauce ties everything together beautifully.
The Main Event: Premium Meats Done Right
The meat platters are where Ka EN really shows off. The Pork and Chicken Platter features pork jowl, pork belly, and chicken thigh and here's the thing about grilling your own meat: it cooks in under a minute. The pork belly, usually reserved for slow cooking, becomes tender and flavourful on the grill. The fully marbled pork jowl practically melts in your mouth. A simple dash of pepper is all these quality cuts need.
But the Luxury Wagyu Beef Platter? That's the show-stopper. Five different cuts of Miyazaki Wagyu including Deluxe Marbled Karubi, Premium Chuck Roll, and Sukiyaki-style sliced chuck roll. The sukiyaki dipping sauce with egg yolk brought back fond memories of my authentic Tokyo dining experiences. When you're grilling premium Wagyu yourself, watching the marbling slowly render, you realise this is an experience.
Don't skip the vegetables either. Their Assorted Vegetable Platter includes Japanese pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, corn, tomatoes, shishito peppers, and brown beech mushrooms. Grilled shiitakes retain their familiar earthy flavours that are not tainted by oils or fats. Yes, vegetables take longer to cook than the tender meats, but the patience pays off.
Smart Timing and Value
Ka EN has thought through every detail. Happy Hour runs from 5-8pm daily with $8 Suntory Kakubin Highballs and $3 oysters with any alcohol order. Right now, through September 14th, you can get a second meat platter at 50% off, which is perfect for trying multiple varieties without breaking the bank.
The restaurant offers multiple menus, ranging from weekday lunch sets priced from $15 to $45, the evening BBQ experience, and a Supper menu available on Fridays, Saturdays, and the eve of public holidays from 9.30pm to 12:00am, where you can choose to enjoy ramen, sushi, or a variety of grilled meat dishes.
The Social Element
Ka EN's concept shines when you're with friends or colleagues. The cook-yourself format naturally creates conversation while you're all gathered around the grill. The outdoor setting adds a relaxed ambience that makes both business dinners and casual hangouts feel special.
The staff understands the timing perfectly. They'll guide first-time grillers without hovering, and the quality of ingredients means even novice cooks will produce restaurant-quality results.
Bottom Line
Ka EN has created something unique in Singapore's crowded dining scene: an authentic Japanese BBQ experience that's accessible, social, and genuinely fun. Between the premium ingredients, the interactive cooking concept, and that central city location, this is the kind of place that turns a regular dinner into a memorable evening.
a. 15 Stamford Rd, #01-82 Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski, Singapore 178906
w. ka-en.com.sg
fb. www.facebook.com/kaengrillsg
Did You Know?
Japanese BBQ, known as yakiniku, has its origins in Korean barbecue but evolved into a distinct culinary tradition in Japan during the 20th century. Today, it is celebrated worldwide for its focus on premium cuts, interactive grilling, and communal dining. Singapore diners can now enjoy this authentic experience at Ka EN, where tradition meets accessibility.
