This branch of BBQ Box is one of my go-to places when I feel like spiced BBQ skewers and a fun, lively atmosphere. The Chinatown branch is open till 2am, which offers a good opportunity for post-night-out bites.
The restaurant is in a well-maintained shophouse and stretches over three floors, though usually only two are open. During this visit we sat on L2, which in itself was fine.
As a few points to note:
Firstly, the sound levels on L2 were comparable to the Changi Airport runway during peak season: two tables were regularly screaming at the top of their voices fueled by Harbin, and it was at times not possible to hear our own voices. This is not the restaurant's fault per se, but nonetheless it is a bit of a dent in the experience, since it was screechingly and roaringly loud. We don't expect a library's silence and we do like lively places, but it was beyond loud.
Secondly, the aircon was freezing when we arrived: even though I am not at all cold-sensitive, it felt arctic. Fortunately the staff kindly adjusted the aircon.
Lastly, while the restaurant is in a pleasant shophouse, the passage to the stairs up to L2 looks a bit like a warehouse. I'd recommend management to either install a curtain to hide the motley group of beer boxes etc lining the wall from sight, or to install cabinets. It would make a big difference to the experience.
The dishes and skewers we had were delightful, and the pumpkin white fish soup really stood out, as did the seaweed salad. The view from our table in the corner on L2 was enjoyable too.
All in all it was fun and tasty, and as such my review is 5* : ) .
skewers were a hit or miss, some of them were well seasoned, while others failed to cover the gaminess of the meat
the golden pumpkin soup was great and packed full of ingredients, fish slices were fresh too
food was okay for the most of the experience, though prices are very inflated.
Food is affordable and nice!
The seasoning on the skewers is just right, not too bland and not too salty. The best was the potato skewers, the potato just absorbs all the flavour!
Highly recommend their pigs ear with cucumber as well as their 酸辣粉 (sour & spicy noodles)!
One of my favorite places for chuan chuan! The food at BBQ Box is always tasty and fresh. I really enjoyed all the dishes we ordered, especially the bread, it was soft and delicious. The soup was also very flavorful. I’ve been here many times and always leave happy. Highly recommend if you love chuan chuan!
My personal overall rating: 4.3*
There are many BBQ Box outlets in Singapore and even in JB.
Skewers were done nicely, the skills of the chef’s reflex on the finished products: Nicely charred meats, juicy and just enough of spices and salt to balance out the gameness of meat’s especially the lamb, if any.
My personal favourite is the Lamb on Red Switch sticks 红柳枝羔羊 where the sizzling oils from the meats and smoky aroma can be detected when they were placed on the table. The meats carried not only the charred lamb fragrance but also mixed with the delicate and mild fragrance from the Red Switch sticks.
Grilled pig trotter was average.
did not go Nanbantei for a long while, last time there was before covid .. Remember we used to start off with crunchy veg to be dip in bean sauce.. seem no longer a standard there now …anyway had dinner there last night ….., i like the kurobuta don, black pork grilled perfectly with a char smoky (wok hei) taste at its crispy edges…grill chicken wings is also good…however pork with leek is so-so…overall above average dining experience 😋
If you're craving top-notch yakitori, Nanbantei is a must-visit. The skewers are perfectly grilled, offering a delicious smokiness and tenderness, with standout options like chicken thigh and pork belly. The side dishes, like miso soup and pickled vegetables, complement the flavors wonderfully. The cozy atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable staff make the experience even better. Whether you're a yakitori fan or new to it, Nanbantei is a fantastic choice for a casual meal or special night out. Highly recommend!
Had the best yakitori dinner. Since it was Valentine's Day, we ordered the double course set, which consists of a salmon sashimi, 10 sticks of yakitori (ours are made up of shitake mushrooms, chicken with leek, pork with asparagus, pork with cherry tomatoes and meatballs), niku tofu hot pot, grilled saba, garlic fried rice and Japanese red bean dessert with dango. We also added an extra butter asari and cold Onihimogawa udon. Everything is so good. I can't pinpoint any part of the meal that is not up to standard. Great service too. Can't wait to be back again.