Japan’s favourite yakitori chain is expanding its Singapore footprint with two new CBD locations, including a brand-new Express concept designed for quick weekday meals.

If your idea of a good weekday lunch involves Japanese comfort food, grilled skewers and very little waiting around, Torikizoku has some timely news. The Japanese yakitori chain is expanding its Singapore presence with two new CBD locations, following the success of its first Singapore restaurant at VivoCity. Its second outlet opened in August at 18 Cross, while a third location at One Raffles Place is set to open later this month, introducing something entirely new for the brand.

Called Torikizoku Express, the One Raffles Place outlet will be the chain’s first-ever kiosk concept anywhere in the world, created specifically around the pace and routines of CBD life. Think quick lunches between meetings, something easy to pick up during the afternoon, or a takeaway dinner on the way home, all while keeping the familiar flavours and approachable spirit that Torikizoku is known for.

Located at 1 Raffles Place, #B1-24/25, TORIKIZOKU Express is designed as a grab-and-go format rather than a traditional sit-down restaurant. The menu keeps things accessible, with Yakitori skewers and the new Tori Takikomi Gohan (Japanese Chicken Rice) Onigiri from $2.20+. For something more substantial, bento sets start from $10++, with diners able to customise their meal with three Yakitori skewers alongside a choice of rice or salad.

It is a noticeably different proposition from the convivial izakaya-style experience of TORIKIZOKU’s restaurants — but one that makes sense for a neighbourhood increasingly shaped by office workers, quick meals and grab-and-go dining.

Mr Tadashi Ōkura, TORIKIZOKU’s Founder, says: “Expanding into Singapore is a meaningful milestone to us as we continue to grow across the world. Singapore is a dynamic city with a strong appreciation for good food and value, which are two things close to our heart at Torikizoku. By launching our first-ever kiosk concept in Singapore, we hope to offer a new and convenient way for people to enjoy the flavours of Torikizoku, especially during the working day.”

The arrival of TORIKIZOKU Express is only part of the expansion. At 18 Cross, the brand is bringing its more familiar restaurant experience into the CBD at 181 South Bridge Road, #01-02/01-K1, Capri by Fraser, China Square. Here, diners can expect the signature yakitori alongside comforting Japanese dishes — making it the more leisurely counterpart to the quick-service One Raffles Place outlet.

Together, the two openings give TORIKIZOKU a wider presence across the CBD while catering to rather different dining occasions: a proper meal with colleagues or friends at 18 Cross, versus a quick skewer, onigiri or bento picked up on the move at One Raffles Place.

The expansion also comes with a refresh across all three Singapore locations from 17 September. The new Signature Picks range builds on TORIKIZOKU’s existing $3.90++ menu with a selection of heartier portions priced at $5.90++.

Among the dishes are larger servings of Chicken Kamameshi, Chicken Broth Ramen, Chicken Rice Porridge, Teriyaki Chicken Donburi and Ika Geso, alongside familiar favourites such as the signature KIZOKUYAKI skewers, Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam, Chicken Nanban and Grilled Liver with Sesame Oil.

For those who prefer to stick to the brand’s original value proposition, a wide selection of other YAKITORI skewers and sides will continue to be available at $3.90++.

Torikizoku’s appeal has always rested on the combination of value, generous portions and the easy-going atmosphere of Japanese izakaya dining. Its skewers are grilled to order and served with a signature sauce whose recipe has remained unchanged for more than 40 years.

The Singapore expansion takes that same idea and stretches it into new territory. At 18 Cross, it is about bringing the lively Torikizoku restaurant experience to another part of the CBD. At One Raffles Place, it becomes something faster and more flexible, a format designed around the reality that not every yakitori craving comes with an hour to spare.

And perhaps that is what makes the new Express outlet particularly interesting: Singapore is not simply getting another TORIKIZOKU. It is getting a concept that debuted here first, potentially changing how the Japanese chain serves diners in other cities around the world.

TORIKIZOKU – 18 Cross
181 South Bridge Road, #01-02/01-K1
Capri by Fraser, China Square
Singapore 058743

TORIKIZOKU Express – One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place, #B1-24/25
Singapore 048616
More information available here