Yakitori Uma: Quaint and Elusive Grub

Negima (Grilled Chicken with Leek)

Often, great food are sometimes elusive and difficult to hunt down. But with a little effort and networking, it rewards the adventurous and the initiated with tastes not found elsewhere.

In situations like these, it is always wise to enlist the help of one who is well-versed and in the know of such places. Enter in a friend who has spent years studying and working in Japan and in Singapore, where he frequently brings his Japanese colleagues and clients alike to places such as Yakitori Uma for a reminiscent taste of home.

However, what struck me out as unique was that the size of the restaurant was spacious and comfortable, as compared to the normally assumed tight and squeezy "hole-in-the-walls" of authentic Japanese establishments. With multiple booths and a large circular counter taking centre stage, it is a suitable place for large group gatherings and for families to chill and relax over beer and skewers.

Quail Eggs Kushikatsu

Leaving the ordering up to my friend who's a regular, we started off with the Negima (Grilled Chicken with Leek) and the Quail Eggs skewers. The negima was just as I had envisioned it to be: Tender and juicy, with a crispy charred exterior. The leek was smoky and fragrant without the unpleasant sharpness that can happen when it is not grilled properly.

Tsukune (Minced Chicken)

Always a firm favourite here, I really cannot think of any reason why people would dislike a safe and easy-eating option such as minced chicken. Seasoned with a little tare (sauce) and salt, it was scrumptious and comfort food at its best, especially when paired with a frozen glass of Sapporo beer.

Nankotsu Karaage (Fried Chicken Cartilage Skewers)

Deciding to stray away from the usual trodden paths and in search of the uncommon, we tried the nankotsu, (yakitori shop terminology for 'chicken cartilage'). It is not exactly a must-have and a favourite item, but the crunchy (almost too crunchy) texture and liberal seasoning made for some good jaw exercises and chewing, all washed down with more beer.

Grilled Tofu with Daikon and Ginger

For the vegetable options, we went for the grilled tofu. Silken, tender tofu topped with a generous dose of daikon and ginger. And when I say generous, the ginger proved to be a little too much as I started to feel the burn which I dislike. But that said, the sauce that came with it gave it a lift and hint of saltiness which was much needed.


Simple and straightforward, it is an authentic place with a native Japanese chef in charge of the electric grill serving up izakaya style grub for the salarymen and people looking to wind down an honest day's work.

Yakitori Uma
#01-26/27/28
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road

6734 8368

Operating Hours:
Open from Mondays to Saturdays.
Lunch: 12pm to 2pm
Dinner: 6pm to Midnight

Closed on Sundays

Nearest MRT Station: Orchard