YARA Singapore: Where Familiar Flavours Feel Brand New

Singapore’s dining scene just welcomed a new soul-stirring address — YARA, the latest concept by Eleven Seventeen Capital, opens its doors at The Initial Sama, setting the table for a refined yet grounded take on modern Asian comfort food. Helmed by Executive Chef Victor Loy, the 74-seater is a serene escape by day and a convivial gathering spot by night — perfect for you and your loved ones to slow down, savour, and reconnect over dishes that are as nourishing as they are expressive.

At YARA, the familiar is reimagined. The menu blends time-honoured Asian flavours with global flair, offering everything from charcoal-grilled meats to delicate light plates and soothing mains that speak to the soul. Whether you are a fan of sambal-laced spice, velvety porridge, or playful desserts with heritage nods, YARA’s menu is designed to feel both fresh and familiar — a journey in balance and boldness.

Plates That Comfort, Flavours That Surprise

Start your culinary journey with the Haricot Vert Kerabu (S$18), a crunchy vegan and gluten-free salad that packs a bright, ginger-flower punch. Or try the Soft Tofu Caprese (S$12) — a Japanese spin on the Italian classic, layering juicy plum-marinated tomatoes from Cameron Highlands with silken tofu and a housemade ponzu vinaigrette.

From the grill, the Grilled Fish of the Day (market price) comes kissed with subtle smokiness and paired with housemade Sambal Ijo and Sambal Matah, offering a dance of herbal, spicy, and citrusy notes. Meat lovers can dig into the Grilled Spiced Chicken (from S$26), which is fired over charcoal and finished with fiery Sambal Belacan, or the Altair Grass-Fed Wagyu Picanha (from S$45), enriched with a bold Asian chimichurri.

Soulful Bowls, Artful Desserts

Heartier plates include the Yu-Tang Clam Bowl (S$24), featuring wild-caught Balai threadfin with rice noodles in a soul-warming broth. The Koshihikari Rice Porridge (S$14) simmers gently with mushroom dashi, ginger and garlic for the ultimate comfort bowl, while the 12-Hour Pork Jowl Rice Bowl (S$20) is crowned with an onsen egg — smoky, savoury and deeply satisfying.

For dessert, expect clever reinventions like the Brûléed Chocolate Brusciato (S$12) with bergamot-poached pear, or the Chilled “Kueh Talam” Pudding (S$10), a custard-like finale that floats between nostalgia and innovation, topped with fleur de sel for a perfect textural finish.

An Urban Retreat for the Soul

YARA spans 2,800 square feet of airy, sun-drenched space that shifts elegantly from day to night. Light wood furnishings, minimalist tones, and expansive windows make it perfect for weekday dinners, weekend brunches, or special occasions. Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering or a full wedding celebration, YARA offers a calm, elegant backdrop to celebrate food, community and connection.

Set within The Initial Sama at the historic site of the former Eusoff Ishak Malay College, YARA extends the property’s narrative of renewal to the plate — offering a space where modern Asian dining becomes both a grounding ritual and a joyful rediscovery.

Open daily from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm (closed on Wednesdays), YARA is located at 26 Evans Road, Singapore 259367.

For more information, visit www.yara.com.sg or follow @yaraonevans on Instagram.