Japanese Food at PLQ: Sushi, Rice Bowls & More Near Paya Lebar MRT

Thanks to PLQ, Japanese food near Paya Lebar MRT covers more ground than most people expect. At PLQ, you can:

• Enjoy a fast, affordable solo grill at Yakiniku Like, pick your own cuts, and cook at your own counter
• Go on a Japan-snacks-and-bento run to Don Don Donki on Level 4 for ready-to-eat meals and groceries to take home
• Wind down after work at Nikutosake or Nene Neko, not a rushed food-court plate, but a proper day-to-night izakaya
• Decide between a bowl of Japanese curry at CoCo Ichibanya, a gyudon at Sukiya, or conveyor-belt sushi at Sushi Express

 

This guide maps out every Japanese restaurant at Paya Lebar Quarter by type so you can head straight for the food.

 

Why PLQ is a must-try for Japanese food in east Singapore

PLQ sits directly above Paya Lebar MRT, where the East-West and Circle Lines meet. That makes it one of the most accessible Japanese food destinations in east Singapore as it’s easy to reach from both sides of the city.

Aside from the convenient location, here are other reasons that make PLQ a worthy stopover for Japanese food in Paya Lebar:

1. The span of Japanese food categories is insane: Japanese food at PLQ spans conveyor-belt sushi, Japanese curry, donburi and gyudon rice bowls, solo grill-your-own yakiniku, day-to-night izakaya dining, and even a full Japanese grocery and snack store. 
2. Price points are just as varied. Experience a $1.50++ sushi plate or a mega gyudon at Sukiya starting from $12.90, up to a sit-down izakaya dinner with sake. 
3. Lively even after hours. For after-work crowds, Japanese mega-store Don Don Donki runs until late, while the izakayas carry the evening well past dinner.

 

Japanese snacks, bentos & groceries at Don Don Donki

Don Don Donki (#04-04 to 08, #04-20 to 23 & #04-K2, Level 4)

This is the ultimate go-to for a Japanese snack run, late-night bento, or even a full grocery haul. Don Don Donki at PLQ takes up a large footprint on Level 4.

Don Don Donki PLQ is more than a grocery store. While the shelves are stacked with Japanese pantry staples, drinks, and beauty products, the ready-to-eat section is the real draw for the food-focused visitor. Bento boxes, onigiri, sandwiches, Japanese snacks, and hot foods make it one of the easiest options for a quick, no-fuss meal or a takeaway to bring home.

The store also runs later than most food outlets at PLQ, which makes Don Don Donki PLQ a reliable fallback for late evenings when other kitchens have closed.

What to pick up: Ready-to-eat bentos sets for a quick meal, Japanese snacks and drinks to take home, or ingredients if you're cooking. The chilled dessert section (mochi, Japanese puddings, and seasonal sweets) is worth a browse.

Tip: The store is large and can feel overwhelming on your first visit so head straight to the ready-to-eat section near the front if you're after a quick meal.

 

Grab-and-go: Quick Japanese rice bowls for busy weekdays

When you want something warm, filling, and on the table fast, PLQ's rice bowl options deliver without the wait.

Sukiya — Fast gyudon beef bowls (#B1-15/16, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

Craving for the classic budget Japanese rice bowl? Sukiya's gyudon is fast, comforting, and easy on the wallet.

Sukiya is built around one thing done extremely well: thin-sliced beef simmered in a mildly sweet soy broth, served over a bowl of steamed rice. It's quick to order, quick to arrive, and reliably satisfying. Perfect for a solo lunch or a fast dinner before heading somewhere else.

Bowl sizes are customisable, and there are enough protein options and sides to keep it interesting across multiple visits. 

Must-tries: The classic Gyudon (beef bowl) is the anchor of the menu. You can try other varieties like the Melted Cheese Gyudon or even the Low Carb options. Add a Chicken Karaage on the side if you're after something extra, and try the Matcha Latte to wash it all down.

Donburi King — Donburi specialist with air-flown seafood (#03-26, PLQ Mall, Level 3)

Donburi King’s menu focuses on quality rice bowls featuring ingredients like air-flown seafood and Iberico pork, which sets it apart from the faster, more basic bowl options at PLQ. 

The small seating capacity (18-seater donburi) simply means it feels more considered than your average quick-service spot. So imagine a proper sit-down meal rather than a grab-and-go.

For groups where someone inevitably wants noodles instead, the ramen options on the menu make it an easy compromise without needing to split up across different Japanese restaurants and levels.

Must-tries: The Pork Cheek Meat Don with Soup and the Kanpachi Don with Miso Soup are highlights. For ramen, the Tontoro Ramen comes labelled the "Best Choice" for good reason.

 

Conveyor belt sushi at PLQ for fast and affordable meals

If you love sushi and want the experience of watching those colourful plates roll towards you, Sushi Express is a must-try.

Sushi Express — Affordable conveyor-belt sushi (#04-12, PLQ Mall, Level 4)

80+ sushi variations from $1.50++ a plate… Sushi Express PLQ is the fastest, most affordable answer to a sushi craving near Paya Lebar MRT.

Sushi Express at PLQ is the go-to for Paya Lebar sushi on a budget. The conveyor belt runs continuously with over 80 sushi variations from $1.50++ a plate. From classic onigiri and maki rolls to cooked options and Japanese sides, Sushi Express is truly one of the most accessible sit-down dining experiences in the mall.

Grab a plate, sit down, grab what catches your eye as it passes, and pay by the plate count at the end. No complicated ordering, no waiting for a kitchen to fire dishes. It's sushi at PLQ made completely frictionless.

Must-tries: Have your fill of assorted nigiris, gunkan, maki and sashimi. If you're after something different, keep an eye out for the rotating hot dishes and seasonal specials.

 

Japanese curry that’s uniquely your own at PLQ

CoCo Ichibanya — Build-your-own Japanese Curry (#03-30, PLQ Mall, Level 3)

Japan's biggest Japanese curry chain is now in the East! CoCo Ichibanya's appeal is in the customisation. Choose your rice quantity, spice level, protein, vegetables, and amount of curry sauce. The result is a bowl that's entirely yours, which makes it a consistently satisfying meal even across repeat visits.

The portion sizes are solid too and the value-for-money is high for a single-dish plate. It's a good option when you want something warming and filling without committing to a multi-dish spread.

Must-tries: Katsu curry (pork or chicken) is the classic entry point. If you've been there before, try bumping your spice level up by one because the difference is more noticeable than you'd expect. For dessert, try their Matcha Cheesecake!

 

Grill your own Japanese BBQ at PLQ

Yakiniku Like — Solo smokeless grill-your-own Yakiniku (#B1-28, PLQ Mall, Basement 1)

As the original solo yakiniku concept, Yakiniku Like PLQ gives you your own personal smokeless grill and lets you cook exactly what you want, at your own pace.

Yakiniku Like is built around a simple but satisfying premise: a personal smokeless griller at every seat plus a menu of beef, pork, and chicken cuts so you can order what you want. 

You pick your cuts, you cook them yourself, and you eat at whatever pace suits you. It's one of the few spots in PLQ where the meal itself is the activity.

The smokeless grill technology means you won't leave smelling like the kitchen, which matters if you're heading somewhere after. For solo diners especially, Yakiniku Like near Paya Lebar MRT solves the usual awkwardness of dining alone at a BBQ restaurant because the solo counter setup is designed for exactly that.

Must-tries: They have an All Set Menu which comes with rice, soup, kimchi, or salad. You can also order Ala Carte. Try the A5 Wagyu Supreme Karubi for a real treat. 

 

Late-night Japanese izakayas for after-work drinks & grilled food

When the workday is done and you want more than just a meal, PLQ's two izakaya-style venues carry the evening from dinner into drinks without needing to move venues.

Nikutosake — Japanese grilled meat & sake izakaya (#01-38, PLQ Mall, Level 1)

"Niku" (meat) and "Sake" (Japanese alcohol) put together results in Nikutosake, PLQ's evening grilled-meat and drinks destination on Level 1.

By day, Nikutosake serves satisfying donburi bowls and ramen. By evening, it shifts into izakaya mode. Grilled meats, teppan dishes, small sharing plates, and a drinks menu anchored by sake and Japanese spirits. The combination makes it one of the most versatile Japanese restaurants at Paya Lebar Quarter.

The food quality is also a step above most casual izakayas, with a menu that takes its meat seriously. For the ambience, it's polished enough for a date night but relaxed enough that you don't need to dress up.

Must-tries: The Mentaiko Chicken Teppan and Mix Kaisen Teppan for dinner are must-haves. The Signature Dry Ramen is also worth ordering if you want something to anchor a round of drinks.

Tip: The dinner menu and lunch menu are different. Do check the evening menu specifically if you're going after work. Reservations aren't always required, but worth making for Friday and Saturday nights.

Nene Neko — Café by day, izakaya & robatayaki by night (#01-K7, PLQ Plaza, Level 1)

A specialty coffee café in the morning, a robatayaki grill and izakaya by night: Nene Neko is another one of PLQ's most versatile Japanese food and drinks spots.

Nene Neko occupies an interesting position at PLQ. It's genuinely good as a café during the day (with specialty coffee and light bites), and equally strong as an evening izakaya with robatayaki grills, sharing plates, sake, and a drinks menu that goes beyond the usual. The transition between the two modes is seamless as it’s the same venue with a different energy once the sun goes down.

For groups who want Japanese food and drinks in Paya Lebar in one place without making multiple stops, Nene Neko is the easiest answer. The robatayaki format (charcoal-grilled skewers and small plates) is well-suited for a relaxed group dinner.

Must-tries: Aside from grabbing an assortment of skewers (wagyu, minced chicken tsukune, and yakitori wasabi mayo are favourites), try the Unagi Crispy Rice, Enoki Karaage, and Mapo Tofu Don.

 

Quick comparison — Which one's for you? 

 

Tenant	Best for	Walk-in?	Price	Level
Don Don Donki	Takeaway bento, snacks, groceries, late hours	Yes	$	Level 4
Sushi Express	Cheap fast conveyor sushi	Yes	$	Level 4
CoCo Ichibanya	Japanese curry, build-your-own	Yes	$$	Level 3
Donburi King	Donburi + ramen, small sit-down	Yes	$$	Level 3
Sukiya	Quick gyudon beef bowl	Yes	$	Basement 1
Yakiniku Like	Solo grill-your-own BBQ	Yes, single counters	$$	Basement 1
Nikutosake	Grilled meat + sake, evening	Yes	$$	Level 1
Nene Neko	Day café / night izakaya + drinks	Yes	$$	Level 1

 

PLQ is the place to go for your Japanese food fix

Japanese food at PLQ is spread across four levels with something at every price point:

• Conveyor sushi and Don Don Donki on Level 4
• curry and donburi on Level 3
• a solo grill and gyudon in Basement 1
• two day-to-night izakayas on Level 1. 

So whether you’re in the mood for a $1.50 sushi plate, a bag of Japanese snacks for the train home, or grilled meat and sake after work, these Japanese food stops are all a few steps from Paya Lebar MRT. Pick your floor and go.

Browse the full PLQ dining directory here.

 

FAQ: Where to eat Japanese food in East Singapore

Where can I get Japanese food near Paya Lebar MRT? 

PLQ is the most concentrated spot for Japanese food near Paya Lebar MRT. The mall sits directly above the station and has eight Japanese dining and grocery options across four levels from sushi plates to izakayas.

What Japanese restaurants are at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ)? 

PLQ has eight Japanese tenants: Don Don Donki, Sushi Express, CoCo Ichibanya, Donburi King, Sukiya, Yakiniku Like, Nikutosake, and Nene Neko. 

Where can I get sushi at Paya Lebar Quarter? 

Sushi Express on Level 4 is the dedicated sushi spot at PLQ with a conveyor-belt format, over 80 variations, from $1.50++ a plate. Walk-ins only, no reservations needed. For a wider Japanese dining experience alongside your sushi, the rest of Level 4 (including Don Don Donki) is right there.

Is there a Yakiniku Like at Paya Lebar? 

Yes. Yakiniku Like is at #B1-28, Basement 1 of PLQ Mall. Every seat has its own personal smokeless griller, and you order and cook your own cuts at your own pace. It is one of the few solo BBQ setups in east Singapore.

Which level is Japanese food on at PLQ? 

Japanese food is across four levels at PLQ Mall: Don Don Donki and Sushi Express on Level 4; CoCo Ichibanya and Donburi King on Level 3; Sukiya and Yakiniku Like in Basement 1; Nikutosake and Nene Neko on Level 1 (Nene Neko is at PLQ Plaza).