I wanted a change of scenery for TGIF, so I hopped on the Red Line and rode to Novena for dinner.
It’s one of those stations where the energy feels just right, plenty of shops and eats, but not as intense as Somerset or Orchard. The evening weather helped too: warm, dry, and breezy enough for a relaxed stroll. I stayed outside the mall for a bit because that curvy facade is such a good subject for my photography. The wavy canopy, painted a bright, almost playful green, makes the entrance impressive. It’s the kind of design that makes a place memorable!
Inside, the mall showcase familiar brands and a nice mix of casual restaurants.
There were tempting options in every direction, but my heart was set on Japanese BBQ. Tori-Q it is! And the moment I saw the delicious skewers behind the glass, I knew I’d made the right pick. I like the Tori-Q format: choose your sticks, get that glossy tare glaze, and let charcoal do its magic. The aroma alone could convert a salad lover, LOL.
I went with a box over rice because I love how they cover the rice with shredded seaweed and spoon on that special teriyaki sauce. The seaweed adds a subtle ocean flavor while the sauce brings sweet-savory taste, sticky, shiny, and ready to blend with every bite. It’s simple, but made me really happy tonight.
For skewers, I had to control myself not to order everything (self-control on Fridays is hard, okay hahaha). I finally settled on Pork with Asparagus, Chicken with Onion, and the classic Chicken Balls. The pork-asparagus combo was my surprise favorite: crisp asparagus that stayed tasty and crunchy, wrapped in pork that picked up a light char from the grill. Each bite is delicious, vegetable freshness with smoky meat. The chicken-with-onion skewer gave me exactly what I crave from yakitori: juicy chicken, edges just caramelized, and onions soft enough to be sweet but still crunchy. Then the chicken balls, glossy little balls, were all about texture and comfort. The inside was tender and well-seasoned, and the outer glaze is flavorsome, so every slice with rice tasted complete. I almost grabbed quail eggs (my usual weakness) but decided to control because my box was already generous. Finishing the whole set happily proved I made the right call, hahaha.
What I appreciate about Tori-Q is the balance: you get variety and that grilled-over-charcoal flavor without feeling weighed down. The rice carries the sauces well, the seaweed keeps things interesting, and the little side of pickles resets the palate between skewers. It’s the kind of meal that feels both treat-worthy and practical, easy to order, quick to serve, and consistently satisfying.
Overall, this Novena stop was exactly the Friday reset I wanted. A pleasant walk, a memorable building with its wavy green canopy, and a satisfying yakitori box that delivered on flavor and texture. I left full but not heavy, and genuinely happy with my choices. I’ll be back for the quail eggs next time (and probably another round of pork-asparagus because that combo is a keeper)*. If you’re riding the Red Line and want a calmer alternative to the busier stations, Novena is a nice pick, and Tori-Q is a reliable way to make your evening taste like a small celebration.*
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