Step into Wagyu beef heaven and marvel at the plethora of Wagyu cuts ranging from ribeye and karubi (short rib) to even gyutan (tongue). Not sure what to pick? Go with the luxury Wagyu platter featuring the best that Wa-En has to showcase and hear this, it will only set you back $158. On the platter lies a well-marbled trio of Miyazaki Wagyu – sirloin, ribeye and karubi – and premium Australian thick-cut Wagyu beef tongue.
In case you were wondering, Wa-En Wagyu Yakiniku hails from Hong Kong and is over a decade old. It is best known for serving up high-quality Wagyu beef – think Miyazaki A4/5 Wagyu – at rather approachable prices. Making it into the prestigious Hong Kong Michelin Guide back in 2016 and 2017, the brand has a serious following. Now, it has set up its first Singaporean outpost at Jewel Changi Airport, blessed with impressive views of the rain vortex – also known as the world’s tallest indoor waterfall – to go along with your grilled meats.
Want more bang for your buck? Indulge in the other Wagyu platter ($158, pictured above) that boasts seven different cuts from both Miyazaki and Australia. In case you haven’t got the meat sweats, the restaurant has other indulgent meats such as succulent Kagoshima pork belly ($18) and plump Hiroshima oysters ($18). It doesn’t just stop here – the menu also has sushi, salads, rice bowls, noodles and desserts for you to choose from.
Other things we liked about the cosy joint – besides the extensive variety – are the odourless grills and the intimate pocket bar. Masked away from plain sight, the latter is exclusive to Singapore and sits just nine thirsty adults – perfect for a quick swig before boarding. Highlights from the crafted cocktail menu were a smoky sweet ginger-spiced Campfire Penicillin ($21) and an ultra-silky Miyazaki Wagyu Fat-washed Old Fashioned ($24, pictured below) cheekily garnished with a sliver of Miyazaki wagyu.
The wine list has a good mix of old and new world wines to satisfy the oenophiles. But don’t discount the whiskey list. Sure, there are the usual suspects of Suntory, Yamazaki and Hibiki but take a closer peek and you’ll uncover some interesting finds. We enjoyed an elegant dram of Amahagan World Malt Whisky that was aged in Mizunara casks ($18) followed by a punchy dram of Singapore’s first cask-strength whiskey distilled using Thai Hom Mali rice ($18).
