3 top-rated Korean F&B establishments in Singapore’s little “Koreatown”

Korean BBQ

Do you know where Singapore’s little “Koreatown” is?

I’m putting the word inside quotation marks because it’s an unofficial area at Tanjong Pagar where you will find many Korean food options.

So, how do you know which one’s good?

Well, we’ve put on our critic glasses and sieved out 3 top-rated F&B establishments that we think you will love.

Sodam Korean Restaurant

 

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Address: 48 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088469

Google reviews: 5 stars (30+ reviews)

We will start our list with Sodam Korean Restaurant, which brings authentic Korean cuisine to life with premium meats, an exciting menu, and reasonable prices.

Newly opened in August, Sodam prides itself on using ethically sourced and high-quality meat for its signature dishes like the succulent Hokkaido ice-aged pork jowl starting at $25 for 200g or the galbi (beef short ribs) at $48 for 200g. Diners can also indulge in one of Sodam’s set menus for two to three people beginning at just $78, featuring an array of the best meats.

Whatever your taste buds crave, Sodam has you covered with lunch specials like a main dish and a drink from only $10. The stylish yet cozy dining area and well-trained staff create an enjoyable ambiance where you can savor authentic Korean flavors without taking a 6-hour-ish flight over to be greeted with ‘annyeonghaseyo’.

예약 YeYak Korean Restaurant

 

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Address: 7 Keppel Road PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex, #01-18, Singapore 089053

Google reviews: 4.9 stars (170+ reviews)

Next up, we have 예약 YeYak for you to discover the real taste of Korea. Authentic Korean recipes and rustic homestyle dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients will transport you to the streets of Seoul and beyond.

Start your meal with small bites perfect for sharing, from fried king oyster mushrooms ($12) to fried chicken wings ($15). Or you can indulge right into traditional favorites like pancakes (from $25) to a generous serving of ginseng chicken soup ($38). Wash it all down with soju (from $18) or Korean beer (from $9.90) or pick a non-alcoholic drink if you’d like.

Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food aficionado or just getting your first bite of Korea, 예약 YeYak delivers an experience that’s full of flavor and culinary discovery.

Ilpum Korean BBQ Restaurant

Address: Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Level 2, Singapore 088539

Google reviews: 4.8 stars (50+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have Ilpum Korean BBQ Restaurant, which brings the flavors of the land of kimchi to the table with an inviting blend of authenticity and variety.

Newly opened just a few months ago, this eatery offers ala carte and set menu options, whether you want to DIY your meats and sides or go for the convenience of a pre-selected spread. 

Their pork and beef mix set for 2 to 3 people starts at $160, and lunch sets from $25 offer a no-fuss way to sample classics. Or you can go ala carte and try sundubu jjigae (Korean soft tofu stew) for $25 or army stew for $28. Noodles start at $16 and pancakes from $25.

Whether you’re looking for a hotel-style lunch, sharing plates with friends, or a full traditional feast with the fam, Ilpum’s welcoming atmosphere ensures every visit leaves you wanting another taste of it.

And there you have it, folks. As mentioned earlier in the introduction, there are plenty of Korean food options in the Tanjong Pagar district but we’ve listed the top 3 with exceptionally good ratings so you can be guaranteed a good meal alone or with your food kakis. Have a daebak experience to come, wherever you choose to dine! 😉

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6 Korean Marts In Singapore To Shop For Authentic Products

Watching the first episode of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha made me crave for Korean food! I know I am not the only one. While there are plenty of glorious restaurant options in town, you can create your own delicious bowl of sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) or ramyeon (instant noodles) at home.

Begin by getting your hands on authentic Korean ingredients and products through visiting the following Korean Marts. Most are available online too!

#1: CHOROK MARKET

Nestled in the bustling Orchard area, Chorok Market sells freshly imported vegetables and branded goods from Korea. Get your favorite Lotte snacks and stock up your Soju as you visit the store. You can also purchase items online through their website. Get free delivery for orders above S$80! Order here.

#2: SHINE KOREA

Shine Korea is regarded as one of the most popular Korean marts in Singapore. With its various branches spread across the country, its best-selling items are the Samyang instant noodles. You can find its cool flavors such as Samyang Buldak Tomato Pasta and Samyang Hot Pepper Jjamppong/Jjajang. For your convenience, you may shop through their website. Orders above S$80 can reap its free delivery. Order here.

Image Credits: Ana Sison Tallod via facebook.com

#3: KORYO MART

For many Singaporeans, they visit Korean markets just to get the feel of being in Korea. They soak in the atmosphere without a shopping list on hand. If that is the experience you are looking for, you can visit the Koryo Mart. Its branches have a variety of frozen meats, kimchi, instant noodles, seaweed, soups, sauces, and marinades. These ingredients are perfect for your DIY Korean BBQ party. Koryo Mart is also available at qoo10. Order here.

#4: AMU MAR-TE

Amu Mar-te has two physical outlets in AMK Djitsun Mall and in Canberra Plaza. Its Ang Mo Kio is unique as it is linked to the Korfe Bakery. In this mart, you will find ready-to-eat meals such as soybean stew, salted egg dumplings, and Korean seafood pancakes. Check out their outlets to enjoy their extraordinary daily selection of items that are under S$3! You can also purchase through their Shopee store, here.

Image Credits: amumarte.sg via facebook.com

#5: LEE MART

Lee Mart is often associated with its Korean side dishes. It offers its customers more than that! You will find other Korean products such as anchovies, kimchi, frozen food, braised lotus roots, and instant noodles.

There are currently four outlets in Singapore: Chinatown Point, Suntec City Mall, Hillion Mall, and Heartland Mall. Visit these outlets or browse their website. Get free delivery for purchases above S$70. Order here.

#6: BLUEBASKET

BlueBasket tickles the modern heart as it offers a lot of trendy items and kitchenware. From minimalist Jeju bowls to trendy food items such as Fishcake Noodle Tteokbokki and Makgeolli Brewing Kits, you can find these items here!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

New BlueBasket members can enjoy free delivery coupon without minimum spending when they purchase online. Nonetheless, orders above S$80 get free delivery. Order here.

Korea has a vast majority of grocery store chains where you can do most of your shopping. From convenience stores to marts, these stores sell a variety of food and household items. Since we cannot easily travel to Korea to purchase what we need, you can stop by these abovementioned marts to get your authentic Korean cuisine experience!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Korean Food Pairings To Try In Singapore

Kim Dae Mun Korean Food, Singapore

As Korean cuisine evolves over time due to cultural trends and environmental changes, one thing remains the same. Food has always played a significant part in their national identity. In fact, there are over 200 varieties of their globally known Kimchi (김치).

Let us take a look at the unique Korean food pairings that you can try in Singapore.

#1: CHIMAEK

Kicking off this list is a classic food combo that dates back in the ’70s. Chimaek (치맥) is one of the most popular option when dining out or when ordering in. It is a slang that combines 치 [chi] from 치킨 [chikin] or fried chicken as well as 맥 [maek] from 맥주 [maekju] or beer. Sounds like the perfect comfort food, right?

Chimaek’s popularity peaked during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup when many Koreans went to bars to watch the games and eat fried chicken with beer. Singaporeans may enjoy this combo by ordering at Korean eateries such as 아띠식당Ahtti.

#2: ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH KIMCHI

Roasted sweet potatoes (고구마) are commonly eaten as a winter snack by children and adults alike. Start by roasting your sweet potatoes in an oven or an air fryer. Once you are done, you can pair it with Kimchi. Put a generous of Kimchi on a slice of your sweet potato before taking a bite.

Indulge in the fusion of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors! Find authentic Kimchi and Korean sweet potatoes in local Korean marts such as Chorok Market.

Related Article: Top Places For Authentic Jjajangmyeon In Singapore (From S$7)

#3: KOREAN BBQ AND SOJU

The rich aroma of freshly grilled Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) wrapped in lettuce and Kimchi is gloriously delicious. Add a shot of Soju to improve your experience. Soju goes well with Korean BBQ because it washes away the greasiness of the meats. This allows you to reach out for your next piece.

What are you waiting for? You can either eat at a Korean BBQ place such as the Korean Fusion BBQ restaurants or order at foodpanda.

#4: SUBAK-SOJU OR WATERMELON SOJU

As the name suggests, Subak-soju (수박소주) combines the freshness of a watermelon and the distinct taste of soju. Fresh watermelon soju was trending before flavored sojus graced the stores. This combination is perfect for people who are newly introduced to soju and are eager to try sweet alcoholic drinks.

A bottle of soju is available at FairPrice for as low as S$9.90.

Begin by removing the contents of the watermelon. Measure 4 cups of blended watermelon juice. Put this in a pitcher. Then, add equal parts of soju and mix it well. Pour this mixture into a “watermelon bowl” and add ice cubes. Serve it cold and enjoy!

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Top Places For Authentic Jjajangmyeon In Singapore (From S$7)

One of the most common take-away dishes in Korean dramas is Jajangmyeon (자장면) or Jjajangmyeon (짜장면). Jjajangmyeon is a Korean noodle dish coated with a thick sauce made of chunjang, vegetables, and diced pork. Different versions of this dish use seafood or other meats.

It was inspired by the Chinese dish Zha Jiang Mian, which was introduced by a Chinese immigrant living in Incheon. Nowadays, Jjajangmyeon brings delight to people all over the world. Luckily for us, we can satisfy our appetite without having to travel to Korea.

#1: MUKJJA

Mukjja‘s catchy name came from 먹자 (Mukja) meaning “Let’s eat!” and 짜 (Jja) from “Jjajangmyeon”. Located opposite Novena Church, MukJja offers a fusion of dishes from the Korean and Chinese cuisines. It opened last March 2020, before the implementation of the Circuit Breaker.

People who have missed the dishes from Tae Woo Ban Jum (i.e., a Korean restaurant that used to be at Clarke Quay) will be happy to know that its founder is the person behind MukJja.

Now, let us focus on MukJja’s Jjajangmyeon (about S$11). What makes their Jjajangmyeon memorable is its in-house noodles, its black bean paste, and its inclusion of shredded meat. Food blogger and presenter Daniel Ang expressed that its taste is as legit as the one he had before in Seoul. He is not alone! Many online reviews considered it as one of the best Jjajangmyeons in Singapore.

Image Credits: facebook.com/mukjja

Address: 275 Thomson Road #01-07, Singapore 307645

#2: DONG FANG HONG

This list will not be complete without the Dong Fang Hong Korean Chinese Restaurant. Dong Fang Hong serves a mouthwatering collection of dishes, which are suitable for casual dining and family gatherings. Serving people since 2005, Dong Fang Hong is one of the most experienced Korean Chinese restaurants in Singapore.

Try the DFH Jjajangmyeon (about S$12) or the Uni Jjajangmyeon (about S$13) when you are there. The DFH Jjajangmyeon is made with chewy handmade noodles and savory black bean sauce. While the Uni Jjajangmyeon is the spicy equivalent its Jjajangmyeon. The spiciness seeps through the thick savory sauce, making the dish more addicting with every bite.

Image Credits: facebook.com/DongFangHongSg

Address: 92 Telok Ayer Street #01-01 Singapore, Singapore 048472

#3: O.BBa Jjajang

O.BBa Jjajang is the sister restaurant of O.BBa BBQ. One of its well-known dishes is the Jjajangmyeon (from S$13). The restaurant’s Jjajangmyeon is served with fermented black soybean paste, homemade noodles, diced pork, onions, and shredded cucumber. Its size can feed about two people, but you are more than welcome to upsize your bowl for an additional fee.

Its noodles are smooth and chewy. As for the sauce, it has a generous sauce-to-noodle ratio. People who love saucy dishes will consider it a treat. Please mix the noodles and the sauce before consuming it to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Image Credits: facebook.com/obbajjajang

Address: 77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088498

#4: ANNYEONG CHICKEN

The most inexpensive Jjajangmyeon (about S$7) on this list packs a punch! You see, it added vibrancy to our local hawker scene with its offerings of popular Korean cuisines such as the Jjajangmyeon. At Annyeong Chicken, the black bean sauce coats every yellow noodle strand. It boasts with a heavy onion flavor too.

You can complete your course with delicious dishes such as the Soy Garlic Chicken (about S$8/3 pieces) and the Haemul Pajeon (from S$10). Haemul Pajeon is otherwise known as the Korean seafood pancake.

Image Credits: facebook.com/annyeongck

Address: Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2, #01-247, Rong Fa Coffee Shop, Singapore 120709

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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From now till 10 June 2018, enjoy 50% off ALL food orders Chir Chir Singapore restaurants!

School’s out and boy, do we have a fabulous treat for you!

From 1-10 June 2018, enjoy a whopping 50% off ALL FOOD ORDERS at Chir Chir Singapore restaurants!!!

Promotion is valid for all! (not just students)

Check out the announcement below:

Find the nearest outlet here.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

Terms & Conditions
Valid for dine-in only at Chir Chir 313 Somerset, Bugis Junction, Chinatown Point and Jem. Promotion applies to food orders only; excluding 6/12/18-pc Wings & Drumlets/Tenders. Service charge is based on total bill before discount.

Please note that they accept walk-ins only at all our outlets.

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