We have had a constant love for Korean food since Hallyu hit our shores. It is true if you are now craving that meaty goodness wrapped in lettuce, a piping hot bibimbap bowl, some pieces of crispy-juicy fried chicken, or all of them.
It is ok to crave good food at all times. What to do now is to get your right fix at the right restaurants. Just allow those listed below to make a hit with you.
The restaurant has been started as an idea of Big Mama who was a former maths and science teacher. She decided to utilize her experience in cooking Korean food to serve Korean students studying in Singapore. She has succeeded in attracting customers from different backgrounds, indeed.
BANCHAN: There are six complimentary and refillable side dishes served at Big Mama (kimchi, spinach, crunchy lotus roots, japchae, water-chestnut cake, and ikan bilis). While all the banchan are pretty good, the standout is the kimchi.
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AMBIENCE: Big Mama has a very simple interior with pictures of signature dishes pasted on the walls to inspire diners with their tantalizing colors. With the presence of Korean diners, Korean TV shows from a screen on a corner, and warm service, you will feel like dining in a cozy house of a Korean friend.
LOCATION: This small casual Korean eatery is located on Kim Tian road which is walkable from Tiong Bahru MRT.
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Todamgol is considered as a successful step of those who have run the famous Kko Kko Nara restaurant since 2008. This restaurant is a new standout in Tanjong Pagar that offers Korean BBQ as well as Korean favorites such as bibimbap, pancake, and japchae. While dinner menu stands on the high side, its lunch menu is very affordable. Diners can definitely get a delicious lunch dish at S$12.
BANCHAN: There are about 5 to 6 banchan served at Todamgol.
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DRINKS: Korean rice wine, liquor, hot tea, Korean cold beverages, and soft drinks are served at reasonable prices.
ATMOSPHERE: Todamgol is where Korean businessmen choose to have their meals, enticing food fragrances waft in the air, and Kpop music is played in the background. The main seating area is quite spacious and comfortable. Private rooms are also available for large groups.
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Jang Won is one of the best Korean restaurants in Chinatown. Run by a Korean family and followed by not only Korean diners but also Japaneses and locals, this restaurant is quite a find for those who prefer a touch of Korean in a less crowded environment.
BANCHAN: Jang Won’s banchan menu is regularly rotated so you will have chances to taste different sets of banchan. Normally, there are 6 banchan served, which are complementary and refillable.
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GETTING THERE:
Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ Restaurant is one of the most well known Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore. As its name would suggest, the restaurant is specialized in serving high-quality BBQ dishes at affordable prices. Besides, a good selection of Korean favorites such as pancakes is also on offer.
BANCHAN: There are 5 complimentary and refillable banchan served at Wang Dae Bak.
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ATMOSPHERE: Wang Dae Bak at China Square is much more spacious and convivial than its sister restaurant at Amoy street. During dinner time, it is packed with Koreans, Japanese, and locals enjoying BBQ with soju. It is such an inspiring scene for anyone to start his order.
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If you are meat eaters, you can devour this rich protein flavor for your daily meals. Whenever you feel like having meat for lunch or dinner, head yourself to Ssikkek BBQ, it certainly satisfies your needs.
BANCHAN: Kimchi, potato salads, seasoned ikan bilis, fried glass noodles, seaweed soup, and many more delicious hot and cold dishes are displayed in huge trays for you to get with no limit.
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PRICES:
ATMOSPHERE: Simple setting with attracting K-pop performances shown on TV.
RECOMMENDED FOR: Friend gathering
TO BE CONSIDERED:
TIP: Reservation must be done and you are advised to come on time; otherwise, your reservation will be canceled and you have to queue.
Tanjong Pagar is known as Singapore’s “Little Korea Town” because of its bustling rows of vibrant Korean restaurants, clubs, and groceries. Aside from its history and charming architecture, there is one remarkable thing about this place: the queues of hungry diners waiting outside the eateries. 2D1N Soju Bang is one of those restaurants that have gained a steady following composed of locals and foreigners alike.
2D1N Soju Bang is run by Korean chefs who specialize in classic Korean flavors but also regularly throw in creative modern recipes. Bulgogi fries while waiting for your samgyupsal – sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
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LOOK & FEEL: The frosted glass doors may seem intimidating but once you get inside 2D1N, you will ease into the unassuming brick-lined interiors, all ready to feast.
NOTE: Get more value for your money by asking the staff about their ongoing promotions.
GETTING THERE:
K.COOK Korean BBQ Buffet is a place to head to when one has a sudden craving for Korean BBQ while being in Orchard. Yes, it is convenient. But more than that are its cheap prices, good service, and delicious food, all make up a worth-visiting restaurant.
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Motivated by its successful 5-year stint in Los Angeles, California, 8 Korean BBQ decided to open two stores in Singapore in 2013. The concept is simple: high-quality pork belly served 8 ways, presented as the signature dish, and which the restaurant is named after. 8 Flavors Pork Belly features the versatile meat in its 100% no-additive glory plus seven complementing flavors that are both healthful and extremely tasty.
8 Korean BBQ is more than just great-tasting pork belly; it also offers premium pork and beef selections for diners who are ready to splurge on a special meal. Oh, and just to let you in on a juicy secret: the Ktown Smash Burger is something you won’t find at any other KBBQ places – or even burger joints for that matter.
MENU: 8 Korean BBQ’s menu is easy to navigate: 4 signature combos to choose from, an ala carte selection of premium pork and beef, an assortment of traditional dishes, and a kickass burger. A lunch specials menu is currently in the works and is surely going to be perfect for employees who fancy a quick indulgence during their break.
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LOOK & FEEL: 8 Korean BBQ at The Central has an industrial-chic vibe going, with indoor and al fresco dining options.
NOTE: If you don’t think you should be cooking food that you’re paying for in a restaurant, you can request 8 Korean BBQ’s friendly wait staff to grill your meats for you.
GETTING THERE:
If you want to unwind with friends at a Korean fried chicken place, head yourselves to Chicken Up on Tanjong Pagar road. For first-timers who may ask “why we have to pay high prices just for fried chicken widely found in town?’ the answer is its excellent flavors and generous portions.
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SIDE DISHES: Complimentary salad and pickles are promptly served after being seated. Fishcake soup, cheese corn, and truffle fries are featured side dishes complementing well with fried chicken and beers.
BEVERAGES: Popular Korean drinks like Hite, Soju, Asahi, and Maggoli are available.
ATMOSPHERE: Chicken Up is a cozy restaurant, offering diners two dining areas – indoor air-conditioned seating and an alfresco outdoor venue. In nice weather evenings, outdoor seating with a vibrant street view is an ideal place to chill out. The indoor area is adorned with the displayed beers and soju and made lively by Korean MTVs shown on a big screen.
OPENING HOURS: Opened as late as 2 am, Chicken Up offers chicken lovers the choice of having their favorites for either dinner or supper.
With the smooth vibe of Korean native language, diners at Kko Kko Nara Korean Restaurant will enjoy a delicious chicken plate with a feel of Korea. Unlike fast food places, Kko Kko Nara offers tasty fried chicken in a laid-back atmosphere.
FRIED CHICKEN FLAVORS: There are four different flavors on offer: original, soy garlic sauce, sweet & spicy, and hot & spicy. A combo set is a wise choice for those who want to have a mixed plate of all four flavors.
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