YeYak, which means “reservation” in Korean, has relocated from Keppel Road to Neil Road, where it has been quietly building a following over the past year. The kitchen is helmed by a native Korean chef, while the front-of-house is managed by her Singaporean husband. Together, bringing a warm, personal touch to the dining experience. Many of the recipes are rooted in tradition, passed down from her grandmother.
The complimentary banchan here comes in three varieties – kimchi, cucumber and potato salad, served free-flow. A pleasant surprise is the japchae, which is served once at no additional charge, unlike many other restaurants. Fragrant with sesame oil, it’s incredibly moreish and hard to stop at just one serving.
Braised Short Ribs LA Galbi 4.8/5
We were recommended the LULA Set ($160), ideal for 3–4 diners. A highlight of the set is the Braised Short Ribs LA Galbi, featuring exceptionally tender beef slow-cooked for nearly 48 hours. The tteokbokki, soaked in the rich, slightly sweet broth, complements the dish beautifully. Interestingly, their version uses miltteok (flour-based rice cakes) instead of the usual rice variety, resulting in a softer, less chewy texture.
Original Spicy Stir-Fried Dakgalbi 3.8/5
Also included in the set is the Original Spicy Stir-Fried Dakgalbi, served bubbling hot with a generous mix of ingredients, including tteokbokki, cabbage, carrots, onions, and tender chicken pieces. The spice level is fairly mild, which is approachable for most, but we found ourselves wishing for a bit more heat and depth. It pairs well with rice, though a bolder flavour profile would further elevate the dish.
Deep Fried Pork Belly 5/5
The Deep Fried Pork Belly is a standout. Served with their signature “magic sauce,” garlic, marinated baby tomatoes, shiso leaves and lettuce wraps, it delivers on both texture and flavour. The pork is crisp on the outside, juicy within and notably free of any unpleasant porky aftertaste. That is such a detail we truly appreciated. Paired with the sauce, this dish is incredibly satisfying and easily one of our favourites.
Bacon Corn Cheese Pancake 4/5
The final item in the set is the Bacon Corn Cheese Pancake, generously layered with melted cheese. While it leans more indulgent than traditional, it’s a must-try for cheese lovers. The sweetness of the corn helps balance the richness of the cheese and bacon. For the best experience, enjoy it hot while the cheese is still perfectly melted.
YeYak Fish Cake Soup 4/5
We also added the YeYak Fish Cake Soup ($18 for 4 sticks), charmingly served in a teapot. While the fish cakes themselves are familiar, it’s the broth that truly shines – light, comforting and especially welcome between heavier dishes. A spray bottle of homemade soy sauce is provided, allowing you to customise the flavour to your liking.
Soy Sauce Marinated Crab 4/5
Another add-on we tried was the Soy Sauce Marinated Crab ($32 for 1, $56 for 2, $72 for 3), served with rice topped with seaweed and spring onions. Unlike other versions that can be overly salty, the marinade here leans towards a balanced sweet-savoury profile, making it more approachable. That said, this dish remains an acquired taste and may not appeal to everyone.
Honey Makgeolli 4.5/5
Sunyang Soju 4.5/5
No Korean meal is complete without drinks. We tried the Honey Makgeolli ($35) and Sunyang Soju ($20), both of which impressed us. The makgeolli, served in a charming pot with a ladle, carries a subtle honeyed fragrance, while the soju is smooth and slightly sweet. Both pair wonderfully with the bold flavours of the dishes.
Looking through their à la carte menu, we appreciate the flexibility in portion sizes, which cater to different group sizes, including solo diners.
The space itself is thoughtfully designed, evoking the charm of traditional Korean hanok village homes with a modern touch. There are also floor seating options that offer a more authentic dining experience, and the walls are adorned with charming artwork by the chef-owner.
What stood out to us during our visit was learning that many of the sauces used across the dishes are made in-house by the chef herself, adding a deeply personal and authentic touch to the overall experience. There are also plans to retail these sauces in the future, which is something to look forward to.
YeYak delivers not just on food, but on atmosphere and storytelling. We will definitely be back.
Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.
YeYak Korean Restaurant
39 Neil Road
Singapore 088823
Tel: +65 88287770/ 88282011
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)
Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm – 2am
Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]