From the team who brought you Meadesmoore, Fat Belly, Market Bistro and Elixir Coffee and Wine, Eleven Seventeen Capital’s newest concept, YARA, is a celebration of flavour, heritage, and connection. Drawing on Asian traditions and enriched with global ingredients, YARA turns charcoal-grilled signatures, hearty mains, and inventive small plates into soulful dishes that feel both familiar and exciting. Opening its doors today, each plate is a reflection of modern culinary storytelling — balanced, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.
“At YARA, we believe nourishment goes beyond just feeding the body. It’s about warmth, comfort, and bringing people together. Every dish is crafted with care and balance, so while the flavours may be inspired by traditions across Asia, at the end of the day, it’s just about honest, delicious food that is meant to be enjoyed,” says Executive Chef Victor Loy.
Modern Asian Comfort Food: Menu Highlights
Step into a new chapter of modern Asian dining at YARA, where the thoughtfully crafted menu weaves together refreshing light plates, charcoal-grilled delights, and deeply comforting mains.
The menu brings a fresh yet balanced touch through lighter plates such as the Haricot Vert Kerabu (S$18). A vegan and gluten-free favourite with roots in Malaysia, this crunchy and refreshing salad comes alive with a ginger flower and a fermented chilli dressing. The result is a bright, tongue-tingling heat that lingers just long enough to delight spice lovers without overwhelming the palate.
The Japanese-Inspired Soft Tofu Caprese (S$12) reimagines the familiar Caprese by layering juicy plum-marinated Cameron Highland tomatoes with silken tofu, and homemade ponzu vinaigrette for a delicate balance of savoury and tart.
From the grill, bold flavours take centre stage. Here, diners can look forward to highlights such as the ever-changing Grilled Fish of the Day (Market Price). Cooked over charcoal embers, the tender and flaky fish takes on a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with two vibrant and fragrant house-made sambals – the herbaceous Sambal Ijo and the zesty and aromatic Sambal Matah – each adding a different dimension of both heat and fragrance. Meat lovers can also look forward to a smoky Grilled Spiced Chicken (from S$26 for half a chicken) paired with Sambal Belacan for a fiery finish and the succulent Altair Grass-Fed Wagyu Picanha (from S$45 for 220g), which promises robust and beefy flavours, complemented with a punchy Asian-style chimichurri.
For mains, the delicate Yu-Tang Clam Bowl (S$24) brings together wild caught Balai threadfin, also known as Ngor Her (午鱼), and rice noodles bathed in a hearty, soul-warming broth, while the Koshihikari Rice Porridge (S$14) is gently simmered with mushroom dashi, ginger and garlic for an aromatic bowl that is both restorative and deeply satisfying. Meanwhile, the 12-Hour Pork Jowl Rice Bowl (S$20), is another hearty yet familiar main dish that sits on the menu at YARA. With juicy and tender pork that has been slow-cooked for 12 hours and finished on the charcoal grill, the robust bowl is crowned with a silky onsen egg, delivering depth in every bite to hit all the right notes.
To conclude, YARA’s desserts offer modern reimaginings of beloved classics such as the Brûléed Chocolate Brusciato (S$12) with bergamot-poached pear for a refined finish and the Chilled “Kueh Talam” Pudding (S$10), a refreshing take on the familiar layered kueh transformed into a delicate, cloud-like custard and topped with fleur de sel for the perfect finale to your meal.
An Urban Retreat
Spanning 2800 square feet, YARA exudes a stylish yet inviting ambience, where minimalist tones and light wood furnishings create a sense of calm. Large, open windows also flood the space with warm sunlight by day, making it an airy and welcoming backdrop for all gatherings. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts and the space transforms into a vibrant, convivial spot where the energy rises and conversations flow.
Designed to seat 74 diners indoors and 15 diners outdoors, YARA is a sanctuary for friends and family to gather for relaxing weekday dinners and leisurely weekend afternoons, as guests are invited to slow down and relish moments that fuel the soul in body, spirit, and community. YARA also welcomes private events of all kinds, from intimate gatherings to joy-filled weddings, offering a warm and elegant setting for unforgettable celebrations.
Set within The Initial Sama, YARA becomes part of the property’s reimagined charm. As the residence breathes new life into a storied landmark, the former Eusoff Ishak Malay College, YARA extends that sense of renewal to the table, offering a warm, modern space where guests can gather, recharge, and savour meaningful moments.
