TLDR;
Satori is a yakitori speciality restaurant in Telok Ayer with affordably priced skewers starting from $3.80. Their skewers are charcoal-grilled with over 50 types available, including chicken, beef and pork.
Satori is a yakitori concept in Telok Ayer helmed by the same team behind fellow Japanese concepts Sapoto and Shinrai, focused on a no-frills, casual grill experience. Keeping the same vibey aesthetics, Satori offers a waller-friendly skewer spot in the CBD that doesn’t compromise on variety or quality of ingredients.
Vibey, Red-Themed Interior
Satori has a straightforward layout but adds its own stylish twist. You’re greeted by a photo spot in the entryway with a retro TV-camcorder setup, flanked by an alcohol bar on the left.
A red neon light snakes across the ceiling, guiding you to the main seating area. Choose from the counter seats where you can watch the chefs prepare the skewers, or choose the communal seats closer to the wall.
They have two private rooms that can be merged together, alongside a karaoke system! Perfect for casual, intimate gatherings with friends.
Satori Menu
Chef Wilson, a disciple of Chef Shyong, the yakitori master behind Sapōto, helms Satori. The menu selection includes over 50 types of skewers, priced affordably at $3.80.
Every skewer is grilled fresh over charcoal, and if you get a counter seat, you can watch the chefs prepare the food for you.
Chicken is their speciality and you can look forward to over 10 types of chicken cuts, including:
- Momo (Thigh), $5.80
- Sasami (Tenderloin), $5.80
- Negima (Thigh with Leek), $6.80
- Furisode (Shoulder), $8.80
They also offer special cuts like Hatsumoto (aorta, $4.80), Nankotsu (Soft bone, $4.80) and even Saezuri (Wind pipe, $4.80).
Other meat cuts include Pork Belly with Enoki ($6.80), A5 Wagyu ($18.80) and a variety of vegetables like Eringi (King Oyster Mushroom, $5.80).
There are sides and dishes to bulk up your meal, such as the Truffle Salmon Pasta ($19.80) and Garlic Fried Rice ($6.80).
Yakitori is designed to be enjoyed with alcohol, and Satori has a wide selection of Japanese beers and sake to complement the meal.
Review Of What We Tried At Satori
Our experience started with their Truffle Seafood Chawanmushi ($9.80). Served with a generous spoonful of truffle sauce and roe, this was silky and umami-forward.
It was also filled with crab meat, making it feel quite indulgent! Unfortunately, we did find two pieces of shell within the chawanmushi but it didn’t affect the experience significantly.
For skewers, we got the Yakitori Set ($29.80), which comes with a Chef’s Selection of 7 skewers: 4 chicken, 2 vegetable and 1 organ.
Our favourite was the Seseri (Neck). When prepared correctly, this underrated cut can be more tender than a chicken thigh.
Satori’s iteration was well-executed, with a nice crisp from the grill while retaining the juiciness and tenderness of the meat.
Their Tebasaki (Mid Wing) was also memorable, expertly filleted to allow more surface area on the grill. The fragrance of the charcoal permeated into the meat, giving it a pleasant smokiness, but we found it plain flavour-wise.
You can spice up your skewers with the provided condiments of soy sauce and shichimi pepper.
We liked the savoury-sweet glaze on the Tsukune (Meatball), but we found them a tad dry.
We reset our palettes with bites of juicy, blistered Cherry Tomato and crispy Shishito Peppers, simple and a good way to get your greens in.
Their unique cuts of Sunagimo (Gizzard) and Bonjiri (Tail) were also surprisingly well done! There was no gameiness and a pleasant, crunchy texture.
The restaurant got very smoky at peak periods, which left a residual smell on our clothes. We wished there was better ventilation to help avoid this!
Verdict: Is Satori Worth It?
Yes, Satori is worth visiting for its wide variety of affordable charcoal-grilled skewers. While the flavours may not be particularly groundbreaking, the quality of the ingredients stood out and offered good value for the wallet-friendly prices. The cosy and casual ambience also makes it a suitable spot for gatherings and date nights.
Check out more Japanese restaurants in Singapore or more casual eats in Telok Ayer!
FAQ About Satori
What is yakitori?
Yakitori is a Japanese dish of bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered on bamboo sticks and cooked over an open flame, typically charcoal.
What meats are commonly used in yakitori?
Yakitori commonly uses chicken cuts such as thigh, skin, wings, and meatballs, though some restaurants also serve beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables on skewers.
Is yakitori usually expensive?
Yakitori can range from affordable casual dining to premium omakase-style experiences, depending on the ingredient quality and grilling techniques used.
What is traditionally served with yakitori?
Yakitori is often enjoyed alongside drinks such as beer, sake, or highballs, and may be paired with side dishes like rice, salads, or grilled vegetables.
What is Satori known for?
Satori is known for its affordable charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, modern Japanese tavern atmosphere, and omakase-inspired grilling techniques.
How much do the skewers at Satori cost?
Skewers at Satori start from $3.80, with over 50 varieties available on the menu.
Does Satori have a private dining room?
Yes, Satori features a private dining room equipped with karaoke, making it suitable for gatherings and celebrations.
Satori
89 Amoy Street, Singapore 069908
Mon-Sat, 3pm -11pm
Closed on Sunday
*Follow MiddleClass.sg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for more food, travel, and trending stories