HK Teppan Chain Opens In SG With Hotstone Steaks From $22.90++—Here’s Our Verdict

Bari Bari Steak opens in Singapore with premium teppan

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Easties have a new spot to check out: Bari Bari Steak has opened its first Singapore outlet at Tampines One, marking the brand’s debut outside Hong Kong! Known for its affordable teppan-style steaks served on hot stones, the concept lets diners finish cooking their beef to their preferred doneness at the table. 

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We recently made our journey to the East for a taste of their hotplate steaks. Here’s our honest review!

Food at Bari Bari Steak

Here’s what makes Bari Bari Steak different: each steak is served medium rare, seared on an iron grill, then presented on a hot stone pellet heated to 300°C. Diners can continue cooking their meat on the stone to their ideal doneness.

Their competitive prices are another draw, the cheapest cut being the Australian Flank Steak Teppan ($22.90++ for 160g, $24.90++ for 200g). To add even more value, all teppan sets grant access to a free-flow salad bar, which is also available a la carte for $12.90++ per adult and $6.90++ per child.

Our 200g Australian Flank Steak was the first to arrive at the table. Despite being a lean cut, it delivered a rich, beefy flavour. Tender and juicy in the middle, it felt like excellent value for money, especially at under $30 for a generous portion with unlimited sides from the salad bar. 

Speaking of the free-flow salad bar, it offers more than just fresh greens and dressings.

During our visit, there were ready-to-eat items at the counter, including onion rings and macaroni salad, which were handy for snacking while waiting for our order.

The vegetables were fresh, and there was a decent range of toppings to customise your salad, so there were no complaints on that front.

As a side note, the potato wedges on the hotplate felt unnecessary, as if they were there just to fill space rather than add value.

While the flank steak was decent, it leaned a little too beefy for my liking. I much preferred the Argentinian Oyster Blade Steak Teppan ($25.90++ for 160g, $27.90++ for 200g). Also known as marucha, this cut was thick and flavourful, with fine, even marbling that made it easy to enjoy without feeling jelak.

Searing the meat on the hot stone was really satisfying. The sizzling action was visually enticing, and it helped create a nicely charred crust that added a smoky note. That said, the restaurant could use better ventilation, as the smoke tended to cling to hair and clothes.

If you are a serious Wagyu fan, consider the Japanese A4/A5 Miyazakigyu Teppan ($58++ for 160g), the most premium option on Bari Bari’s menu. Highly prized for its exceptional marbling and buttery flavour, this cut is a four-time winner of Japan’s prestigious National Wagyu Award.

I generally shy away from fatty cuts, so it became a little too rich for my palate after a few bites. That said, it works well as a sharing option for the table.

Those who want more variety can opt for the Chicken Leg & Wagyu Hamburg Steak Teppan ($23.90++), a value-for-money set combining a giant fried chicken thigh with a hamburg steak.

All teppan sets also came with complimentary pairing sauces and condiments, including the Signature Homemade Bari Bari Sauce and Miyazaki Yakiniku Sauce, both of which paired well with the juicy steaks.

The chicken stood out for being impressively crispy and juicy, especially for a restaurant that specialises in steak.

The hamburg steak, however, was rather lacklustre and forgettable.

Besides teppan dishes, Bari Bari also offers a small selection of donburi rice bowls. We tried the Premium Buta Don ($16.90++), which features thin slices of grilled chestnut pork loin and shimeji mushrooms served over rice.

The pork was tender and well-seasoned, though it did not quite stand out when compared to the steaks. That said, the portion was generous, making it a filling option for lunch.

Ambience at Bari Bari Steak

While Bari Bari delivered on the steak front, its ambience was somewhat lacking. The casual setting was not an issue. The restaurant occupies the former Aburi-EN space, so the colour palette feels familiar. What detracted from the experience was the poor ventilation. A strong barbecue smell lingered upon entry and became more pronounced once the hotplates were served at our table.

Bari Bari Steak is conveniently located for Easties. The steakhouse sits on the ground floor of Tampines 1, right next to Tampines MRT Station’s Green Line exit.

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Despite its shortcomings, our experience at Bari Bari was a fairly good one. The value-for-money teppan sets, paired with juicy steaks and a free-flow salad bar, make this teppan spot worth a second visit.

For more food recs in the area, check out our ultimate Tampines food guide. Alternatively, read our guide to the best JB food places if you’re crossing the causeway this weekend!

Addresss: 10 Tampines Central 1, #01-24/25/26, Singapore 529536
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 6937 9488
Website
Bari Bari Steak is not a halal-certified eatery.

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Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was a media tasting at Bari Bari Steak.