Recently opened along East Coast Road, Taishu Yakiniku Horumon Mokurin is a down-to-earth Japanese yakiniku spot that channels the lively, no-frills spirit of neighbourhood grills in Osaka. The space is warm, smoky and welcoming, with retro touches like a bright red counter and casual table layout that feel nostalgic without tipping into gimmickry. From the outside, it’s easy to miss, but step in and the atmosphere immediately shifts into something unmistakably Japanese.
The menu is where Mokurin truly stands out. While classic yakiniku cuts such as kalbi and harami are available, the spotlight is firmly on horumon – beef tongue, offal, cartilage and other lesser-seen cuts that form a core part of yakiniku culture in Japan but are rarely the focus here. With over 30 beef and chicken options, the selection caters equally to the curious and the committed. For those unsure where to start, curated moriawase platters offer an easy entry point, while confident diners can mix and match their preferred cuts at leisure.
Designed with both groups and solo diners in mind, the restaurant features rows of tables alongside coveted counter seats where guests can watch the chefs prep and plate the meats up close. Each seat comes with its own retractable exhaust hood – a thoughtful detail that keeps the experience comfortable even at peak smokiness. Located right beside 328 Katong Laksa, Mokurin isn’t about special occasions or polished theatrics. It’s simply good meat, cold drinks and the pleasure of grilling at your own pace in a space full of personality.
