V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR
By the time I stepped into the newly reopened TANYU outlet at 313@Somerset, I was already bracing myself for some spice and spectacle. After all, this wasn’t just any reopening — it marked Singapore’s first-ever Self-Pick Chinese Skewer Experience.
And being a long-time fan of TANYU’s signature grilled fish, I was curious to see how they were reinventing themselves.
First Impressions: Where Modern China Meets Orchard Road
The ambience struck me first — modern Chinese aesthetics with just the right touch of street-style attitude. Neon signage, open grill counters, and the warm sizzle of skewers being fired up lent the space a vibrant, interactive energy.
You don’t just eat at TANYU — you engage.
As I entered, I was greeted by a colourful display fridge filled with over 40 types of raw skewers — glistening seafood, marbled beef, vibrant bell peppers, velvety mushrooms. It felt like a cross between a high-end yakitori counter and a Sichuan street stall.
The self-pick concept was surprisingly fun. I picked a selection from four skewer “series”: Pepper, Chinese-Style, Black Pepper, and Teriyaki — each promising a different flavour journey.
The Skewers: Smoked, Sizzling, and Seriously Good
Let’s start with the Black Pork Belly from the Chinese-style series — an absolute melt-in-the-mouth experience. Grilled just right, it came with a caramelised exterior and juicy fat marbling that reminded me of old-school Cantonese roasts but with a bold, peppery twist.
The Crispy Fish Slices, lightly battered and golden, had the perfect crunch. I dunked them in the house chilli oil and immediately went back for a second round. The Squid Skewers were another surprise — bouncy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned to showcase the sea without overwhelming it.
From the Black Pepper series, I chose the Beef Ribs with Bell Peppers — thick, satisfying, with a peppery punch. But the real highlight was the Teriyaki Chicken Thigh with Northern Scallion. Sweet, savoury, and lifted by the scallion’s aromatic sharpness, it was like Japanese izakaya meets Sichuan night market.
And what’s a Chinese grilled feast without a cold beer? I ordered a Laoshan Premium Lager — brewed with mountain spring water. Light, crisp, with hints of corn and barley — it was the ideal palate cleanser between spicy skewers.
A New Take on Grilled Fish
Of course, I couldn’t skip what TANYU is best known for — grilled fish. But this time, I opted for a personal-sized portion of the Foil-Grilled Stingray, available in their signature Mala and Fresh Green Pepper flavours.
I went for the green pepper — and wow, did it deliver. The heat was controlled, allowing the natural sweetness of the stingray to shine through, while the foil kept the flesh moist and flaky.
Stir-Fry Stars and Comfort Dishes
One of the best parts of the new menu is the addition of five all-new stir-fry dishes, perfect for sharing.
I tried the Dry Pot XO Organic Cauliflower — smoky, umami-rich, and addictive. The Buttermilk Corn was a buttery, sweet revelation, while the Fiery Chicken with Green Peppers packed a punch without overpowering the meat.
The Stir-Fried Luffa Gourd and Fried Egg with Velvet Mushrooms offered a gentle, almost nostalgic contrast — like something grandma might have made with a modern twist.
Designed for All: From Solo Diners to Celebrations
I was especially glad to see portion flexibility on the new menu. Whether you’re a solo diner seeking a hearty meal or a group looking to sample widely, the menu accommodates both.
With skewers starting under $2 and grilled fish dishes now available in smaller portions, you can design your own tasting journey without feeling overwhelmed.
Promotions That Pack a Punch
For those planning to visit soon, TANYU is rolling out a generous set of exclusive reopening promotions:
From 6–11 December, enjoy 12% off your bill, a scratch card for diners who spend $100+, and a word search challenge to win three free skewers.
From 12–14 December, enjoy massive discounts — 50% off on Day 1, 40% on Day 2, and 30% on Day 3 — plus prizes like a Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, dining vouchers, and limited-edition merchandise.
It’s the kind of offer that might just make you return a second or third time in the same week. And frankly, with a menu this fun, I wouldn’t blame you.
Final Thoughts: Skewers, Spice, and a Whole Lot of Sizzle
TANYU 313@Somerset isn’t just a reopening. It’s a full-blown reinvention of the Chinese grill experience in Singapore — interactive, high quality, and wildly satisfying.
Whether you’re craving fiery skewers, nostalgic stir-fries, or the unbeatable signature grilled fish, TANYU has turned its flagship outlet into a playground for the palate.
It’s not just a meal — it’s a flavour adventure. And I, for one, can’t wait to go back.
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TANYU is located at 313 Orchard Road, B3-30/31/32, Singapore 238895. For enquiries, call +65 6509 8887.
