Overview
Rating: 7.5/10
Location: Tampines One, #01-24/25/26, 10 Tampines Central 1, Singapore 529536
Concept: Hong Kong teppan chain specializing in interactive hot stone steak dining
Price Range: $22.90++ to $58++
Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am – 10pm
Ambience & Atmosphere
Setting
Bari Bari Steak occupies the former Aburi-EN space on the ground floor of Tampines 1, conveniently located next to Tampines MRT Station’s Green Line exit. The restaurant features a casual dining environment with a familiar color palette carried over from the previous tenant.
Atmospheric Challenges
The most significant detractor from the dining experience is the poor ventilation system. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a strong barbecue smell that permeates the space. Once hot stone plates arrive at tables, the smoke intensifies and tends to cling to hair and clothing, creating a less-than-ideal sensory experience that extends beyond the meal.
Overall Vibe
The setting prioritizes functionality over finesse—a straightforward, no-frills steakhouse atmosphere that focuses on the interactive cooking experience rather than refined aesthetics.
Menu Structure
Teppan Selections
- Australian Flank Steak Teppan – $22.90++ (160g), $24.90++ (200g)
- Argentinian Oyster Blade Steak Teppan – $25.90++ (160g), $27.90++ (200g)
- Japanese A4/A5 Miyazakigyu Teppan – $58++ (160g)
- Chicken Leg & Wagyu Hamburg Steak Teppan – $23.90++
Rice Bowl Options
- Premium Buta Don – $16.90++
Salad Bar
- Free-flow with all teppan sets
- A la carte: $12.90++ per adult, $6.90++ per child
Unique Dining Concept
All steaks are served medium rare, seared on an iron grill, then presented on hot stone pellets heated to 300°C. Diners actively participate in finishing the cooking process, customizing doneness to personal preference.
Dish Analysis
Australian Flank Steak Teppan ⭐ Recommended
Portion: 200g tested
Price Point: Under $30 with salad bar access
Texture Profile:
- Lean muscle structure
- Tender throughout the middle section
- Juicy mouthfeel despite minimal fat content
Flavor Characteristics:
- Rich, pronounced beefy essence
- Deep umami notes
- Clean beef flavor without gaminess
Value Assessment: Exceptional value proposition, particularly when factoring in the generous portion size and unlimited salad bar access.
Argentinian Oyster Blade Steak Teppan ⭐ Recommended
Also Known As: Marucha
Portion Options: 160g or 200g
Texture Profile:
- Thick, substantial cut
- Fine, even marbling throughout
- Tender without being overly soft
- Easy to chew without feeling heavy
Flavor Layers:
- Balanced beef flavor (less aggressive than flank)
- Subtle richness from marbling
- Clean finish that doesn’t overwhelm the palate
- Not jelak (cloying) despite fat content
Hot Stone Interaction: The sizzling process creates a beautifully charred outer crust that adds smoky, caramelized notes while maintaining juicy interior.
Japanese A4/A5 Miyazakigyu Teppan
Premium Offering: $58++ for 160g
Pedigree: Four-time winner of Japan’s National Wagyu Award
Texture Characteristics:
- Exceptional marbling density
- Buttery, almost unctuous mouthfeel
- Melts on the tongue
Flavor Profile:
- Intense richness
- Deep umami complexity
- Sweet fat notes
- Can become overwhelming after multiple bites
Best Served: As a sharing option for the table rather than individual consumption, especially for those who prefer leaner cuts.
Chicken Leg & Wagyu Hamburg Steak Teppan
Price: $23.90++
Concept: Combination value set
Fried Chicken Leg:
- Texture: Impressively crispy exterior, remarkably juicy interior
- Quality: Surprisingly excellent for a steak-focused establishment
- Size: Giant portion
- Standout element of this combination
Wagyu Hamburg Steak:
- Character: Lacklustre and forgettable
- Texture: Standard, unremarkable
- Flavor: Minimal impact
- Assessment: Skip-worthy component
Premium Buta Don
Price: $16.90++
Components: Thin-sliced grilled chestnut pork loin, shimeji mushrooms, rice
Pork Characteristics:
- Tender texture
- Well-seasoned throughout
- Lacks distinctiveness compared to teppan offerings
Portion: Generous and filling, suitable for lunch
Overall Assessment: Functional but unremarkable; doesn’t justify ordering when superior teppan options exist.
Salad Bar Experience
Hot Food Offerings
- Onion rings
- Macaroni salad
- Ready-to-eat items available for immediate snacking
Fresh Components
- Variety of fresh greens
- Multiple dressings
- Decent range of customizable toppings
- Fresh, crisp vegetables
Quality: No complaints; meets expectations for complimentary offering.
Condiments & Sauces
All teppan sets include complimentary pairing options:
- Signature Homemade Bari Bari Sauce – Pairs excellently with steaks
- Miyazaki Yakiniku Sauce – Complements the juicy meat well
- Standard accompaniments enhance without overpowering
Dish Features & Cooking Aspects
Hot Stone Cooking Method
Temperature: 300°C stone pellets
Initial State: Medium rare seared steak
Interactive Elements:
- Visually enticing sizzling action
- Creates charred crust development
- Adds smoky, caramelized flavor layers
- Allows personalized doneness control
Textural Transformation:
- Exterior develops crispy, carbonized notes
- Interior remains tender and juicy
- Creates contrast between crust and center
Value Propositions
Strengths
- Competitive pricing starting at $22.90++
- Free-flow salad bar with all teppan sets
- Generous portions across all categories
- Interactive dining experience with hot stones
- Quality meat at accessible price points
Weaknesses
- Ventilation issues significantly impact comfort
- Hamburg steak fails to deliver
- Donburi options feel like afterthoughts
- Unnecessary fillers like potato wedges on plates
- Ambience lacks refinement
Recommended Ordering Strategy
Best Choices:
- Australian Flank Steak Teppan (best value)
- Argentinian Oyster Blade Steak Teppan (best balance)
- Fried chicken from combination set (if ordering variety)
Skip:
- Hamburg steak
- Donburi rice bowls
- Miyazakigyu (unless sharing or serious Wagyu enthusiast)
Delivery Options
Note: The review does not specify delivery availability. Given the interactive hot stone cooking concept that requires 300°C plates and table-side finishing, this restaurant appears designed exclusively for dine-in experiences. The core appeal—sizzling your own steak to preferred doneness—cannot translate to delivery format.
For delivery information, contact directly: 6937 9488
Final Verdict
Bari Bari Steak delivers solid value through affordable teppan sets and quality beef cuts, making it worthwhile for Easties seeking interactive steak dining without premium prices. The free-flow salad bar sweetens the deal considerably. However, ventilation issues and forgettable non-steak options prevent this from being a standout destination.
Best for: Value-conscious diners, Tampines residents, interactive dining enthusiasts
Not ideal for: Those sensitive to smoke, seeking refined ambience, wanting diverse menu options
Bottom Line: Come for the flank or oyster blade steak with salad bar access. Embrace the sizzle, tolerate the smoke, and you’ll leave satisfied.