Charcoal Grill Shinpachi, with over 100 stores in Japan, opens in Nex; saba & salmon sets for under S$20
Nex has a new spot for those who love juicy grilled fish and Japanese food: Charcoal Grill Shinpachi is opening its first-ever overseas outlet at the Serangoon mall!
The Japanese chain (known as Shinpachi Shokudo in Japan) has over 100 outlets in Japan, and specialises in charcoal-grilled fish.
There’s even a little window where you can even watch the kitchen team in action.
This new addition is located in Nex’s &Joy Japanese Food Street at B1 of the mall, and opens officially tomorrow (August 15).
The little Japanese-food enclave also houses a wide assortment of other casual restaurants, such as the ever-popular Yakiniku-Go.
Set meals from S$8.90
Keeping things affordable, Charcoal Grill Shinpachi has set meals available from S$8.90.
The more popular grilled fish set options are priced between S$10 and S$20, though — a reasonable price point, regardless.
Those who enjoy old-school, homely Japanese flavours, definitely shouldn’t miss out on the signature saba bunka boshi set (S$15.90).
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a well-grilled saba (Pacific mackerel) with a light, crispy skin, flaky flesh, and that distinct earthy flavour profile.
It also pairs incredibly well with the sambal chilli (available upon request), which Charcoal Grill Shinpachi has concocted exclusively for its Singapore diners — it’s similar to our local sambal, but a tad milder in spice and umami.
The fragrance and heat of the sambal really accentuate the saba’s earthiness!
As for salmon fans, Charcoal Grill Shinpachi offers two different options: the thick cut coho salmon set (S$15.90) and salmon harasu set (salmon belly, S$18.90).
While the basic thick-cut salmon is pretty solid, we much preferred the salmon belly, which was fattier and more buttery.
There’s even an unajyu set (S$35.90) if you are feeling fancier, and looking for some of that glazed and smoky unagi (eel) action.
Also, while there might be plenty of fish in the sea, sometimes you just don’t feel like fish.
On those occasions, Charcoal Grill Shinpachi also has a bunch of other proteins, such as the chicken shoga yaki set (S$9.90).
Shoga yaki is traditionally a pork dish, but this rendition features tender chicken slices infused with a sweet and gingery soy sauce — and it goes well with the Japanese mayo on the side.
Charcoal Grill Shinpachi also makes full use of its charcoal grilling facilities, with the grilled beef tongue set (S$28.90), where you are served a huge piece of grilled beef tongue that you can cut and portion as you like.
The grill was a bit inconsistent, though: Some parts were dry and tough, but other parts were soft and bouncy.
Charcoal Grill Shinpachi opening promos
To top it all off, Charcoal Grill Shinpachi is also offering up to 53% off three bestselling signatures, with a special S$8.80 promo on the opening weekend from August 15 to 16:
- Saba bunka boshi set (U.P. S$15.90)
- Hokke set half (U.P. S$11.90)
- Salmon harasu set (U.P. S$18.90)
S$5 Asahi beer (500ml) will also be available if you would like a glass of ice-cold Japanese beer to wash down your meal!
If you are in the Serangoon area and looking for some decent and affordably priced Japanese food, consider this for your next lunch spot!
This was a hosted tasting.
For more ideas on what to eat, read our stories on the 2026 return of McDonald’s Samurai burgers and Korean fast-food chain Mom’s Touch re-entry into Singapore.
Tue 11am - 10pm
Wed 11am - 10pm
Thu 11am - 10pm
Fri 11am - 10pm
Sat 11am - 10pm
Sun 11am - 10pm
- Serangoon
Evan started off writing about food on Instagram, before joining outlets such as Buro and Confirm Good to pursue his passion. His best work usually comes after his first whisky shot in the morning.
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