Bringing you the authentic tastes of Korea in a posh setting is Kimchi Korean restaurant, a diner situated in Suntec City Convention Tower. This restaurant was highly raved about a few years back for their “handsome Korean boss who looked like a celebrity”, Haden Hee, who worked as a part-time model and actor.

That aside, Kimchi Korean Restaurant is well-known for their reasonably priced Korean cuisine in a refined setting. With their kitchen being manned by 100% South Korean chefs, the food at Kimchi Korean Restaurant is as authentic as it can get.

Here’s everything we loved about Kimchi Korean Restaurant, which includes free-flow side dishes with every meal.

ENJOY KOREAN CUISINE IN STYLE

Walk past this Korean restaurant at Suntec City Convention Tower and you’d definitely get a whiff of their alluring kimchi broth. Just the smell of it will kick up some Korean food cravings and tempt you to walk in for a meal.

Dine in style in this classy Korean restaurant—the spacious, elegant restaurant is a perfect setting for catch-ups with your buddies or a family meal!

CLASSIC KOREAN BEEF BULGOGI BIBIMBAP

We just had to order the classic—Korean Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap (S$15.90). The thinly sliced beef was flavorful and well-marinated. Served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, this bowl of beef bulgogi bibimbap is well complemented with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a kick-ass Korean chilli paste.

KIMCHI DAE-JI KALBI JJIM

If you are in a group, we suggest you opt for one of their Kimchi Jjim for sharing. Although served with only 2 bowls of rice, one serving of this Kimchi stew will be good to share amongst a group of 3-4 pax!

We dug into this portion of Slow-cooked Pork Ribs with Braised Kimchi (S$49.90) and there was a chock full of ingredients in there, and it includes slow-cooked pork ribs, kimchi, enoki mushroom, and wild rocket salad.

Served with a side of Korean ramyeon, this is a definitely tummy-filler and a very hearty one at that!

SAMGYETANG

Their soups, Ginseng Chicken Soup in particular, tasted so comforting that it felt like home. This unassuming bowl of Ginseng Chicken Soup (S$17.90) features half a spring chicken, complemented with jujube red dates and gingko nuts that attributes to the subtle nutty flavours of the ginseng soup.

Peel off some of that tender chicken and dip it into the side serving of salt and pepper mix for a greater flavour kick.

CRISPY POTATO CHEESE PANCAKE

Their Crispy Potato Cheese Pancake (S$13.90) is a good option if you are looking for a side to share. Topped with a fried egg and parmesan cheese, this savoury dish is simple but very tasty.

Look forward to many other side dishes that you can enjoy too. This includes their Traditional Korean Kimchi Pancake (S$13.90), Korean Seafood and Spring Onion Pancake (S$14.90), Kimchi Cheese Egg Pancake (S$14.90) and many more.

Mileslife is our favourite app to accumulate miles through everyday spending. You can earn 2 miles for every dollar spent at this restaurant. Download and try Mileslife out now! You can use our code ‘Ladyironchef‘ upon your first spending to get 1,000 miles.

Kimchi Korean Restaurant
3 Temasek Boulevard #02-387
Suntec City Convention Tower
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6337 7811
Mondays to Fridays: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Weekends: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Esplanade

Yoogane Singapore is one of the most popular chicken galbi restaurants in South Korea. Having been established in Busan, South Korea nearly 3 decades ago with over 130 outlets, there is no doubt that this is a restaurant worth visiting for authentic Korean food that is both delicious and comforting.

For the uninitiated, chicken galbi is a tasty and spicy pan-fried dish comprising marinated chicken, fresh assorted vegetables, and tteokbokki (Korean rice cake). Simple in preparation, this iconic cold-weather staple is a must-try for all—spring, summer, autumn, winter alike.

Aside from their highly acclaimed chicken galbi, Yoogane in Singapore also features a myriad of stellar dishes such as Army Stew, Dosirak, and newly launched Korean-style fried chicken that features three lip-smacking flavours.

For the true taste of Korea without actually being there, head down to Yoogane Singapore today! And now through September 2017, quote ‘ladyironchef’ when placing your orders to enjoy a 15% discount off your entire bill.

There are a total of five Yoogane outlets in Singapore right now—more to come, of course.

The ambience in Tampines Mall, in particular, is modern, with the use of wood adding a subtle rustic feel. It features an open concept that is both welcoming and comfortable—an ideal setting for communal dining.

There is also a salad bar that guests can indulge in either prior to their meal as a starter or during as an accompaniment.

A meal at Yoogane is not complete without an order of their highly acclaimed Chicken Galbi, but if like us, you prefer having variety, then their Seafood and Chicken Galbi (S$52.90 for 2-3pax & S$59.90 for 3-4pax) is the way to go! We’d do this combo again and again.

Be spoiled for choice with this glorious medley that comprises tender chicken meat, baby octopus, squids, prawns and mussels all beautifully melded together in their unique spicy sauce marinade. Stir it up and enjoy them piping hot!

New on Yoogane’s menu is the Korean fried chicken that comes in 3 different flavours—Galbi, Honey Citron and Bulgogi.

Yoogane’s chicken wings are marinated for a minimum of 12 hours to ensure that the flavour penetrates deep into the meat and is then coated with a light home-made batter. The end result is perfectly deep-fried chicken that is crunchy, juicy, fresh and flavourful—as authentic as Korean-style fried chicken gets.

An alternative to consider should you wish to elevate your fried chicken experience is to opt for the Fried Chicken Cheese Pool (S$13.90 for 6 pieces)—which is essentially three of the aforementioned flavours served atop a pool of warm, melty cheese filled with sweet corn for an added crunch.

Using a unique blend of sauces and seasoning, Mr Spicy or the Galbi Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces) features Yoogane’s signature Galbi sauce that is spicy, savoury and sweet. If you fancy a good kick out of your chicken then this is one to get.

The Zesty Boss or Honey Citron Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces) is a non-spicy option that is perfect for children or people who do not particularly fancy spicy food in general.

Hand-brushed with their homemade honey citron recipe, be prepared to be blown away by the zest and tanginess from the citron and well-balanced sweetness from the honey. The melted cheese adds a nice savouriness to the dish which balances out the sweetness really well.

Among the three options, we were most impressed by Sweet Chick or Bulgogi Chicken Platter (S$10.90 for 6 pieces). It features a specially crafted Bulgogi sauce that is rich and aromatic, encompassing strong flavours of soy and sesame. A simple concoction, yet the balance between sweet and savoury was struck beautifully.

Another of Yoogane’s more popular option for communal dining is the Army Stew (S$49.90) which delves away slightly from how it is traditionally done with the addition of succulent crab sticks and cheese-oozing chicken meatballs.

The taste of this everyday Korean comfort food is elevated with the addition of their signature chicken galbi, surrounded by a ring of mouth-watering melted cheese with mushroom and corn which did well to inject an element of crunch and savouriness.

Amidst all the spicy foods going around the table, a good dish to tune it down a notch is the Naengmyeon or cold noodles (S$11.90).

Chewy, slippery buckwheat noodles are served with a chilled broth flavoured with vinegar and mustard. Mix the runny yolk from the egg over the vegetables for a richer mouthful. Overall, this dish was refreshing and a great palate cleanser to have to round off the spicy meal.

The Seafood Pancake has generous portions of seafood. The sauce that comes with it is not too salty and complements the pancake really well. This is a good and hearty side, more appropriate for sharing as it can get rather filling after awhile.

Another popular item here at Yoogane is the Dosirak (something like a bento box) that features 3 different types of meat—Chicken Bulgogi (S$12.90), Beef Bulgogi (S$13.90) and Chicken Galbi (S$12.90).

Each lunchbox comes served with either one of the meat choices, crispy chicken luncheon, a sunny side-up and more Korean side dishes. With so many ingredients packed into a small rectangular tin, this is a bento on steroids. It is perfect as a meal on-the-go if you do not have the luxury of time for a proper sit-down lunch.

With so many options available at Yoogane Singapore, lovers of Korean food fare are truly spoiled for choice. And as if this stellar line up of dishes is not enticing enough, a new Christmas dish is currently in the works, so stay tuned!

Meanwhile, for all of you lovely readers of ladyironchef, enjoy an exclusive 15% discount off your entire bill (except lunch sets) when you quote ‘ladyironchef’ when placing your orders. You are also required to like Yoogane Singapore on Facebook to qualify for the discount.

Do note that this discount is only valid from Mondays to Fridays, exclusive of PHs. The discount is valid from now until 30 Sep 2017.

Yoogane Singapore
4 Tampines Central 5,
Singapore 529510
Tel: +65 6544 1098
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tampines

This post is brought to you by Yoogane Singapore. 

Delicious as the food may be, many Korean restaurants in Singapore are not exactly affordable for students or even working adults who are on a budget. A meal at an established Korean restaurant can easily set us back at S$25 or more per person.

We then set forth with a mission in search of affordable, no-frills Korean eateries in Singapore where we can satisfy our Korean food cravings without breaking the bank. In this guide, you will find a list of Korean eateries featuring mains that are mostly below S$10.

Manny deuseyo!

#1 AJUMMA’S

This casual Korean eatery in the Dhoby Ghaut area is where you can get Korea homestyle cooking. Hidden at The Cathay’s basement, diners can find many classic Korean main dishes that are below S$10.

Try different dishes such as the Beef Bulgogi (S$8.90+) set and Kimchi Ramyeon (S$8.90+). Both are delicious to boot!

2 Handy Road
#B1-23 The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 9780 3772
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

#2 KIM DAE MUN

Situated in Concorde hotel, Kim Dae Mun is one of the better known casual Korean eateries in Singapore. As portions are generous and prices are kept low, this has seen an increase in their customers in recent months. You can satisfy your Korean cravings for less than S$10 here!

Their menu includes Fried Saba Fish Set (S$6.50), Tender Beef Sliced Set (S$8) and Spicy Pork Sliced Set (S$7).

100 Orchard Road
#01-03 Concorde Hotel
Singapore 238840
Tel: +65 9112 5910
Tue to Sun: 11am – 8.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#3 MANNA KOREAN

From the same people behind Manna Korean Restaurant in Telok Ayer, Manna Korean in Takashimaya Food Hall is a kiosk that serves decent Korean food under S$10. Its convenient location in town and wallet-friendly prices are two reasons why you should be dropping by the stall when you happen to be around the area.

Diners are spoilt for choice among BBQ, Noodles, Rice or Soup options. You can even do a twin combo such as Saba and BBQ for S$12.80.

391 Orchard Road
B2 Takashimaya Food Hall
Singapore 238872
Nearest Station: Orchard

#4 MING JIA KOREAN FOOD

Ming Jia Korean Food is a Korean cuisine eatery run by a middle aged Korean lady, so you know that the food is as authentic as it can get. Free side dishes are given while you wait for your food to be served.

Go ahead and have a taste of their Yung Yang Dolsut Bibimbap (S$13.90+) and Kimchi Sundubu (S$13.90+).

1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#B1-55 Bukit Timah Plaza
Singapore 588996
Tel: +65 6469 5123
Daily: 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Beauty World

#5 SU SUPERSTAR

With 12 varieties of Korean ramyeon that are priced below S$10, it is no wonder why the Korean eatery is mostly packed during lunch and dinner hours. Diners get complimentary iced tea which they have to collect at the side.

While we wouldn’t go as far to say that the food here is outstanding, it is what we would expect for its price.

2 Orchard Link
#02-18/18A/28 *SCAPE
Singapore 237978
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 SUNNY KOREAN RESTAURANT

Located in West Coast Plaza, an outlet mall which is a few bus stops away from Clementi MRT Station, Sunny Korean Cuisine offers economical Korean classic dishes and several Japanese options below S$10.

Bibimbap (S$5.50) is a good deal as the portion is sizeable. Served warm from the kitchen, we thoroughly enjoyed the dish which came with well-marinated chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, fried egg, kimchi and moist rice.

154 West Coast Road
#B1-08, West Coast Plaza
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 9199 2170
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

Read: 9 Korean BBQ Restaurants in Singapore #FoodForTheSeoul.

Tucked away in Sunset Way’s enclave of cafes, eateries and restaurants is Hoho Korean Restaurant, an under-the-radar family eatery in Singapore that serves pretty decent Korean cuisine.

Can we interest you with their value-for-money set lunch and the array of banchan?

From the ever popular Jjajangmyeon to Cheese-Buldak (Fire Chicken with Cheese), honest yet tantalising Korean dishes await you at Hoho Korean Restaurant.

For those who like sharing but still seek a value-for-money meal, opt for Hoho Korean Restaurant’s lunch set menu (S$19) that comprises a BBQ meat, soup and rice. Choose from the Hot Plate Chicken, Hot Plate Pork or Hot Plate Beef for your BBQ meat and Kimchi Jjigae, Doenjang Jjigae or SoonTofu for your soup.

This set menu also comes with complimentary banchan, a collection of small Korean side dishes we cannot do without.

The Hot Plate Pork features pan-fried pork with red pepper sauce and vegetables. The meat was tender, juicy and bursting with flavour. 

We paired our lunch set menu with the SoonTofu Soup, a spicy tofu soup with seafood. The generous portions of seafood and tofu in the soup kept us happy, whilst also being a great accompaniment to the Hot Plate Pork.

One of the signature dishes at Hoho Korean Restaurant is the Haemul-Pajeon (S$19), a green onion pancake with seafood. Often, Pajeon is either too thick or floury and thus it was a pleasant surprise to discover that the Haemul-Pajeon was crispy and delicious.

Visit Hoho Korean Restaurant if you are looking for a casual Korean eatery to satisfy your Korean food cravings.

Hoho Korean Restaurant
Blk 106 Clementi Street 12, #01-58/60,
Singapore 120106
Tel: +65 6250 3908
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

Located in West Coast Plaza, an outlet mall which is a few bus stops away from Clementi MRT Station, Sunny Korean Cuisine offers cheap Korean classic dishes below S$10.

As Sunny Korean Cuisine is a self-service eatery, diners are required to place their order with the staff at the counter or through the e-kiosk. Besides that, food and beverages are to be collected on your own as well. There is also a bucket filled with ice just beside the food collection counter should you need any for your drinks.

While service is not a priority here, food is served efficiently and we waited no more than 10 minutes for our orders to be ready.

We felt that their Bibimbap (S$5.50) is a good deal as the portion is sizeable. Served warm from the kitchen, we thoroughly enjoyed the dish which came with well-marinated chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables, fried egg, kimchi and moist rice. So good!

Every order of a Bibimbap comes with a small bowl of miso soup.

On the other hand, we had mixed feelings about the Hot Plate Beef Set (S$6.50). While the aromatic beef slices are tender and juicy, the amount of oil used made it impossible for us to finish the dish without rice.

Their hot plate sets come with a small serving of banchan and miso soup. We had to add S$1 for a bowl of rice.

Other Korean dishes you can enjoy at the eatery include Hot Plate Saba Fish Set (S$6), Kimchi Soup (S$5.50) and Kimchi Beef Ramen (S$5.50).

Sunny Korean Cuisine
154 West Coast Road
#B1-08, West Coast Plaza
Singapore 127371
Tel: +65 9199 2170
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

One casual Korean eatery in the Dhoby Ghaut area where you can get Korea homestyle  cooking minus the frills (and service charge) is Ajumma’s.

Hidden at a corner of The Cathay’s basement, we got to know of this place by word-of-mouth recommendations. Diners can find many classic Korean main dishes that are below S$10. Have a meal here before or after a movie or pop by during your lunch break.

Beef Bulgogi (S$8.90+) set comes with plump white rice and an assortment of small side dishes served in plastic containers. The marinated grilled beef was juicy and savoury, best eaten with rice to balance the saltiness.

If you are looking for something simple and comforting, this is what you will get with Ajumma’s Beef Bulgogi.

Our next dish was Kimchi Ramyeon (S$8.90+) which also came with the same side dishes. Hearty eaters will delight in its generous portion of noodles, meat, tofu and vegetables. We found ourselves slurping away the rich kimchi broth which was not too spicy for our taste buds.

Other star dishes to try out at Ajumma’s are Cpicy Chicken Bulgogi (S$8.90+), Grilled Norwegian Mackerel (S$8.50+), Bibimbap (S$11.90+), Oxtail Beef Ramyeon (S$7.90+) and more.

Ajumma’s 
2 Handy Road
#B1-23, The Cathay
Singapore 229233
Tel: +65 9780 3772
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

Su Superstar Korean Cuisine is a casual Korean eatery in *SCAPE that is popular among students and youngsters who hang around the area.

With 12 varieties of Korean ramyeon that are priced below S$10, it is no wonder why the Korean eatery is mostly packed during lunch and dinner hours. If you are looking for a quick Korean fix without burning a hole in your pocket, give Su Superstar Korean Cuisine a try.

//

The first thing you will notice is the spacious seating environment where long tables are joined together. This arrangement makes communal dining easy for both small or large groups.

As Su Superstar Korean Cuisine runs a semi self-service concept, diners have to collect their own utensils and complimentary iced tea which are placed at the side of the shop.

Among the myriad of choices we had, we decided to try out their Seafood Ramyeon (S$8.80+). It is a comforting dish that came piping hot within ten minutes of waiting time. While we wouldn’t go as far to say that the food here is outstanding, it is what we would expect for its price.

//

Alternatively, you can also have a taste of other ramyeon dishes such as Chicken (S$6.80+), Kimchi (S$6.80+) and Fish Cake (S$8.80+).

Those who like cold noodles are not forgotten either—choose between the Cold Soup (S$7.40+) and Cold Dry (S$7.40+).

In addition, you can add more toppings to make your ramyeon much more satisfying. Options include minced meat (S$1.50 – S$2.80), Cheese (S$2) and Tofu (S$1.50).

Su Superstar Korean Cuisine
2 Orchard Link
#02-18/18A/28 *SCAPE
Singapore 237978
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Seoul Jjimdak is our go-to Korean restaurant in Singapore for Budae Jjigae and authentic Chicken Jjjimdak. One visit is not enough, and so, we’ve made multiple visits to this humble eatery at City Square Mall because hearty Korean stew always wins our hearts.

And now, Seoul Jjimdak is having a daily lunch special that gives you even more reason to head down—S$29.90 for a huge pot of Budae Jjigae or Jjimdak, and this special price is also applicable on weekends. How does that sound?

Located in City Square Mall, Seoul Jjimdak is a Korean restaurant that specialises in authentic Jjimdak, and it is one of the very few destinations in Singapore where you get to savour this hearty Korean stew. The Seoul Jjimdak comes in both with bone and boneless options.

The words ‘jjim’ refers to ‘braise’ and ‘dak’ refers to chicken, and a Korean jjimdak is really a tasty chicken stew braised in soya sauce and is usually slightly sweet. Trust us; this is real comfort food on a rainy day. And it is something you will grow to love more with every time you eat it.

The next bestselling dish is none other than the tasty Budae Jjigae, and it is easily the best we’ve had in Singapore. This homemade kimchi stew is served with baked beans, luncheon meat, pork belly strips, tofu and mixed vegetables.

These two star dishes of Seoul Jjimdak are only S$29.90 each if you go during lunch. That is a real steal; you would know by now that Korean stews in Singapore are mostly priced above S$35 and the ingredients are always at the bare minimum.

For S$29.90, you get a big pot at Seoul Jjimdak which is good for up to 3 persons. And if that is not enough, you can choose to add on ingredients such as Ramyeon (S$2.90++), Assorted Mushrooms (S$4.90++), Prawns & Mussels (S$5.90++) and Tteokbokki (S$2.90++).

This lunch deal is available every day from 11:30am to 3pm, including weekends and Public Holidays.

Seoul Jjimdak 
City Square Mall, #05-04
Singapore 208539
Tel: +65 6634 2668
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

This post is brought to you by Seoul Jjimdak.

Over the years, East Coast Road has established itself as a dining destination with its sheer number of food and beverage tenants. Two-week-old Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer is the newest addition to the bustling stretch and we reckon it makes a perfect dinner spot.

East side dwellers rejoice – you no longer have to travel all the way to Tanjong Pagar to satisfy your Korean food cravings.

We initially ordered the Tongdak Chicken, but the lady boss of Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer politely rejected our order.

“It’s not good, order these instead,” she insisted. Wow, her honesty is seriously commendable!

//

It turns out that the restaurant will be modifying its menu soon based on customers’ feedback. While nothing is set in stone yet, we are hoping that she will keep the Nyam Nyam Wings!

We got the Soy Nyam Nyam Wings (S$10+) which came in a portion of three drumlets and three wings. The succulent chicken wings – slathered in a thick and sweet marination – were deep-fried to perfection.

These sticky and juicy wings are then sprinkled with sesame seeds. Just in case you were wondering, we devoured them instantly. Talk about finger licking good!

//

The Nyam Nyam Wings are also available in Original (S$8+) and Yangnyum (S$10+) flavours.

We were also recommended the Hot Spicy BBQ Chicken (half – S$18+, whole – S$32+). These chunky chicken were served atop a sizzling plate and boy, they were indeed hot and spicy! Those who have a low tolerance for spice should skip this.

Unfortunately, the flesh was a tad too dry and this dish certainly pales in comparison when compared to the mouthwatering Soy Nyam Nyam Wings.

Chicken & Beer aside, the Korean restaurant serves a comprehensive selection of Korean classics such as Kimchi Pancake (S$8+) and Budae Soup (S$25+). We highly recommend the pancakes; they are crisp on the outside and delightfully starchy inside.

Nyam Nyam Chicken & Beer
214 East Coast Road
Singapore 428913
Tel: +65 6344 1224
Daily: 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Eunos

Ming Jia Korean Food is a Korean cuisine eatery run by a middle aged Korean lady or as the Koreans term affectionately as “ahjumma”. This no-frills Korean eatery tucked in a corner of Bukit Timah Plaza looks unassuming from the front, but the place is nothing short of lively during the afternoon lunch hour crowd.

In one look, you will know that Ming Jia Korean Food serves up authentic Korean dishes as the majority of their customers are made up of Koreans and the lady boss enjoys a conversation or two with them.

This place is perfect for students and those working nearby who are looking for an affordable lunch or dinner option.

Most Korean restaurants offer free side dishes to go along with your meals and this is also a practice at Ming Jia Korean Food too. The fresh kimchi helped to induce our appetites before we got started on our main courses and we enjoyed the fluffy egg rolls as well.

The only thing to note is that the side dishes are not free flow.

The Yung Yang Dolsut Bibimbap (S$13.90+) comes with aromatic beef slices and generous portions of vegetables and mushroom. You get a seaweed soup with every order of a Bibimbap.

Ming Jia Korean Food’s Kimchi Sundubu (S$13.90+) is a traditional soft tofu stew with kimchi and comes with a bowl of white rice. The soup arrived boiling hot from the kitchen with a strong fragrant kimchi smell. This is a hearty bowl of kimchi soup which does not disappoint.

Ming Jia Korean Food is a popular dining destination so try to go during non-peak hours or expect to wait for around 15 minutes before you are able to get a table.

Ming Jia Korean Food
1 Jalan Anak Bukit
#B1-07 Bukit Timah Plaza
Singapore 588996
Nearest Station: Beauty World

If you like Korean BBQ buffet and do not mind paying slightly more, then Han Geun Doo Geun Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant, an under-the-radar outlet at Chinatown Point, is for you. Well, they may not have the cheapest buffet prices (S$26.90++ for lunch, S$36.90++ for dinner) in town, but hold your horses and do not just strike them off your list yet. Let us tell you why.

Not only does Han Geun Doo Geun serve a selection of decent meats, it also has a buffet station with 12 to 14 banchan (side dishes) that you can stuff yourself silly with. AND, ala carte servings of noodles, bibimbap, topokki, and Korean soups and stews.

This alone is reason enough for us to come back to Han Geun Doo Geun. Spoilt with so many choices, it is one meal to luxuriate in for a satisfying Korean affair.

In the soup and stew menu, you can find the usual suspects such as Kimchi Jjigae, Sundubu Jjigae and Doenjiang Jjigae, but what surprised us is the inclusion of the pricier Korean dishes like Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) and Budae Jeongol. And we had thought they would be diluted, so we were really caught by surprise when we tasted the richness of ginseng!

Well, it might be an expectations thing – on one hand, we know for sure that they won’t serve top-grade ginseng at buffets, so when we found out it actually tastes better than decent, we were pleasantly surprised. Likewise, if you go with very high expectations and set connoisseurs’ benchmarks, then this won’t be for you.

The dinner buffet has 11 meat options (pork, chicken and beef) which include Bulgogi, Galbisal, Chadolbagi, Samgyeopsal, and Dwaeji Galbi. All free flow, and all-you-can-eat. It was a whole night of meat fest for us, and it was one dinner that we really enjoyed and look forward to return to.

Lunch: Child S$19.90++, Adult S$26.90++
Dinner: Child S$29.90++, Adult S$36.90++

Han Geun Doo Geun Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant
133 New Bridge Road #02-35 Chinatown Point
Tel: +65 6538 2775
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Chinatown

Located in the buzzing Serangoon Garden enclave, Hanwoori Korean Restaurant is one of those under-the-radar restaurants that only Korean food lovers in the know and residents will find their way here. The fuss-free outlet may be easily missed from the road, so look out for OCBC Bank and you are on your way to a splendid meal.

Hanwoori Korean Restaurant is unpretentious and homely. The owner is a jovial lady that is so passionate and hospitable, she makes you feel like you are dining in a hole-in-the-wall joint in Korea. We find ourselves returning so often for she serves very authentic Korean food.

The menu is comprehensive. You have your usual BBQ meat options (S$25 – S$35), cold noodles and bibimbap, and there are the classic Korean dishes such as Spicy Tofu Stew (S$14), Samgyetang (S$25).

Our longstanding favourite is the Kimchi Hotpot (S$30 for medium or S$34 for large) – a whole pot of Korean goodness bubbling with flavours, this is one item that we can never get sick of. A pot has more than enough food for two person, but whenever we feel a little greedier, we would order an additional Kimchi Pancake or Bulgogi with rice (S$14) to share.

Every order of main course comes with 10 banchan (side dishes), and as with most Korean restaurants, they are refillable at no additional costs. We love an honest Korean restaurant that does not stinge on their banchan, and Hanwoori’s generosity with its varied banchan is one attribute to its popularity. Notable favourites include the potato strips, apple salad, crispy anchovies and of course, kimchi.

And if you dine during lunch hours (12-2pm on weekdays), you will find several S$10 nett options. The options are usually on rotation, and they come along with all 10 banchan, too. Such value for money, it is little wonder Hanwoori Korean Restaurant is always packed with hungry diners and Korean food lovers.

Hanwoori Korean Restaurant
76 Serangoon Garden Way
Tel: +65 6283 6339
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Serangoon

K. Cook Korean BBQ Buffet has just opened at Orchard Central for a few months, but it has already earned the loyalty of many customers for a simple reason. It is one of the most affordable Korean BBQ buffet restaurants in Singapore. On weekdays, the Korean BBQ buffet is S$14.90++ /pax for lunch, and S$24.90++/pax for dinner.

During dinner, you can find a selection of meats like marinated pork collar, chicken, pork belly, pork collar, marinated beef short rib, beef bulgogi, beef plate eye and marinated beef ribeye, while lunch has considerately lesser beef options. Granted, the quality and variety of meat are not the best, but given the prices, there is really nothing to complain about.

Lunch: S$14.90++ (Mon to Fri), S$24.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH).
Dinner: S$24.90++ (Mon to Thu), S$26.90++ (Sat, Sun, Eve of PH, & PH).

K. Cook Korean BBQ Buffet
#07-01, Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6884 7282
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

Talk about the hottest Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore, and we all think of Super Star K at Tanjong Pagar. The outlet specialises in using charcoal grill for its Korean BBQ, and the authentic dining experience explains its popularity among Singaporeans and tourists alike. Perpetually packed and crowded, dinner might have to come with a little wait, but we will tell you it is going to be worth the while.

The group of us ate very well. We ordered a variety of dishes like Sliced Pork BBQ (S$18), Pork Belly BBQ (S$18), Spicy Chicken BBQ (S$18), Black Pepper Chicken (S$18), Pork Bulgogi (S$18), Seafood Pancake (S$25) and Soy Bean Paste Stew (S$12). Everything was great, and there was nothing much to pick on. The quality of the meat wasn’t anything to get excited about, but they were well-marinated and the servers are all dedicated to BBQ-ing them for you.

Do not have your meal without the Seafood Pancake and Soy Bean paste Stew, because these classic Korean favourites are complementary to the heavily flavoured meats. The ones who cannot do without their spicy food can opt for the Kimchi Stew, or better known as Kimchi Jjigae.

Super Star K takes in reservations for groups of 4 and above for dinners on Tuesdays to Thursday. Otherwise, we’d suggest you to get there before 6pm or be prepared to wait for at least 45 minutes. Yes, the queue is quite a horror.

Super Star K Korean BBQ
75 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6224 0504
Tue to Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tanjong Pagar

I have written previously that Korean-style fried chicken is one of my favourite guilty indulgences, and I am always on the lookout to try new places. If you are also a fan of Korean fried chicken, add Woori Nara Korean Restaurant to your list.

I have walked past Woori Nara many times, and the reason why it took me so long to come here is because I always end up going to my favourite Kim’s Family Restaurant, which is located along the same stretch at Lorong Kilat.

Woori Nara specialises in Korean chicken, and they offer four different flavours – original, soy, garlic, and its signature ‘yum yum’ sauce – on the menu. First-timers should go for the Sampler (S$20) – a mixture of original, yum yum and soy fried chicken. I won’t say that Woori Nara has the best Korean fried chicken in Singapore, but it does a decent rendition.

Although the Korean fried chicken is the highlight, some of the dishes also deserve equal attention. You can also find classic Korean dishes such as Grilled Pork Belly (S$35), Stone Pot Bibimbap (S$17), and Seafood & Kimchi Pancake (S$15). We also thoroughly enjoyed the Grilled Mackerel (S$17). The fish was fresh, and simply prepared. The Soybean Paste Soup (S$17), on the other hand, was mediocre and slightly over-priced. We would rather go for the Ginseng Chicken Soup (S$20).

All in all, the food at Woori Nara is decent, and if you are staying in the area, this is certainly a spot where you can come for some snacks and drinks.

Woori Nara Korean Restaurant
19 Lorong Kilat #01-02 Singapore
Tel: +65 6464 9282
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 12 Midnight
Sun: 5pm – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Bukit Batok/Clementi

For more recommendations, read our guide to the Best Korean Restaurants in Singapore

After a hard day of work, sometimes what you really need is not a round of drinks at a noisy pub. Instead, you would be craving for a home-style dinner with your favourite comfort food. For those of you living in the Bukit Timah area, it is time to check out Ga Ya Geum, a Korean family restaurant tucked away in the basement of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre.

Ga Ya Geum’s specialty is the Korean fried chicken that comes in 4 flavours: Sweet Soy, Garlic Soy, Spicy Soy and Sweet & Spicy. Korean fried chicken is usually quite a pricey dish, not to mention, it is often very difficult getting the authentic flavours in Singapore. However, I do feel that the prices are reasonable for the substantial portions.

There are certainly other places that sell Korean fried chicken at higher rates, but half the yummy goodness! You might be tempted to go for the Spicy Soy flavour, just like I did during my first visit. But a word of advice: hold off the spice for your first time trying the fried chicken! Trust me, Korean chilli might seem less intimidating because it tends to have a sweeter edge, but the heat will build up and in no time your tongue would be burning. Those unaccustomed to it will probably be chugging too much cold water to have a full experience of savouring the juicy and crispy flavours of the Korean fried chicken.

For those that want a healthier option, the value-for-money Ginseng Chicken Soup will be a good choice. It doesn’t have a very strong ginseng/ herby taste which would be great for folks who might not like the slightly bitter aftertaste. The Seafood Pancake, with its crispy edges and unique peppery flavour is also worth ordering. Another perennial favourite is the Kim Chi Soup, which is slightly spicier and less sour than other versions.

Fans of Korean TV shows will spot Eomukguk on the menu too – or better known as the Korean fish cake soup, a popular Korean street food. Instead of ordering it skewer by skewer like you would in a Korean street food stall, you get served a big pot of assorted Korean fish cakes on satay sticks, in a delicious anchovy broth.

Ga Ya Geum has a surprisingly wide-range and versatile menu for a cosy family-run restaurant. For adventurous eaters, try the Blood Sausage spotted on the menu. They also have Rice topped with Raw Fish and Vegetables which looks really interesting. It might not seem like a big restaurant, but larger dishes – like the Budae Chigae (also known as the ‘Army Stew’), thinly-sliced Pig Feet, Smoked Duck and even a small BBQ menu with all the essentials – make it a great place for a family meal or a dinner place with friends. There is also a lunch set menu for those who work around the area.

Be it the most familiar of Korean comfort foods, or the more uncommon Korean dishes, you will not be disappointed!

Ga Ya Geum Korean Family Restaurant
170 Upper Bukit Timah Road
#B2-14 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre
Tel: +65 6463 8011
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Clementi

About the writer:
Ng Jie Yu is a final-year undergraduate student at McGill University in Montréal, Québec, Canada. She is currently studying English Lit, with a minor in History (European region). Jie Yu loves writing, fashion, food and travel; she hopes to be an author someday.

While it is relatively easy to find Korean restaurants in Singapore, it is difficult to find a truly outstanding place that will make you go back again and again to try everything else on the menu that you have not tried. Big Mama Korean Restaurant at Kim Tian Road is one of the few that belongs to this category. The food is generally good, and addictive enough to make you return on a regular basis.

It is better to go to Big Mama in a big group as many of their signature dishes come in big hearty portions. One of the most popular dishes which you will see every table ordering is the Dakgalbi ($15/pax, min 2 pax). Pan-fried chicken with vegetable, rice cake, sweet potato cooked in a spicy sauce. There is also the Pan-Fried Bulgogi ($50) which is a savoury combination of well-seasoned beef and rice cake. The remaining two dishes on the Big Mama’s recommendation list are Pan Fried Pork Belly ($40) and Suyuk ($25/40), pork belly boiled in water and served with various sauces.

While the prices of the signature dishes seem steep, the portions are meant for sharing. So it works out to be a decent meal that is not too gruelling on the wallet. But even if you are not in a big group — and one of the reasons why I love Big Mama — the menu offers plenty of choices.

There are the usual favourites like Ramyeon ($8), Pork Bulgogi ($13), Bibimbap ($14), Kimchi Fried Rice ($12), Seafood Soft Bean Curd Soup ($14), Kimchi Soup ($14). If you like Kimchi Pancake, you will love Big Mama’s rendition ($15) with finely chopped kimchi and seafood.

Big Mama also offers BBQ Meat like Grilled Pork Belly ($18), Grilled Boneless Beef Rib ($28) and Grilled Pork Collar ($18). While the meat was well-marinated and cooked to a good standard, it did not take our breath away.

The star of the menu was the Jjambbong Jeongol ($25/40) – a delicious spicy hot pot of mussels, prawns, clams, squids and kimchi which you see in the first photo of this post – with its balanced medley of savoury, sweet and spicy flavours. This is simple and honest food that I can eat on a regular basis, especially on rainy days.

I was not particularly fond of the Fish Cake Hot Pot ($20/35). Perhaps because it paled in comparison to the spicy seafood stew, and perhaps because it was too overwhelming to have a whole pot of fish cake.

Big Mama is extremely popular, so getting in without a reservation is very difficult, especially during dinner. The food is addictive and familiar, and it is a place that deserves more recognition.

Big Mama
2 Kim Tian Road
Tel: +65 6270 7704
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 11pm

I’m pretty sure that I’ve eaten enough to keep me going till 2012. But somehow it is impossible for me to say no to Korean BBQ.

Ssikkek Korean Grill at Novena Ville is one of the places on my list of Korean BBQ Buffet in Singapore that I’ve always wanted to try. At just $12+ for lunch, and $22+ for dinner, it is one of the cheapest Korean BBQ Buffets in Singapore.

The diet can wait till I’m done with the buffet!

Like most places, the Korean BBQ Buffet at Ssikkek comes with an assortment of meat and seafood, as well as cooked food like fried rice, soup and banchan (Korean side dishes).

Nothing about the food is extraordinary. It was decent, but nothing was so exceptional that I’d dream about it at night. That being said, Ssikkek Korean Restaurant offers a value for money buffet, making it an ideal place to go if you are on a budget.

From what I understand, Ssikkek Korean Grill is the sister restaurant of the popular 2D1N Soju Bang at Tanjong Pagar. Between them, Ssikkek is definitely the better choice since the queue is relatively short.

Singapore Food Blog Review
Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ
275 Thomson Road
#01-01/02 Novena Ville
Tel: +65 6254 8123
Daily: 11.30am–2.30pm, 5pm–10.30pm

Weekday Lunch $12.00+, Dinner $22.00+
Weekend Lunch $22.00+, Dinner $22.00+

Read my list of Korean BBQ Buffets in Singapore, and Best Korean Restaurants.

Those around me know that I am a big fan of Korean food. I always crave for Korean food when I watch Korean dramas, and it doesn’t help that the popular variety shows like Running Man always feature yummy looking Korean street food and BBQ.

This post is an extension to my list of Korean Restaurants in Singapore, and it includes more details about the Korean Barbecue buffets restaurants.

Here’s a list of the best Korean BBQ Buffets in Singapore.

[Definition] Korean BBQ, or gogi gui refers to the Korean method of grilling beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat. Korean BBQ / Bulgogi / Chadolbaegi / Galbi / Samgyeopsal

Arirang Korean BBQ Restaurant

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $19.90++

1 Liang Seah Street
#01-07/08 Liang Seah Place
Tel: +65 6333 0025
Daily: 6pm – 11.30pm

Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++

50 Tiong Bahru road
Link Hotel #01-07
Tel: +65 62240700
Daily lunch: 12pm – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

Crystal Jade Korean BBQ

Monday to Friday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $23.90++

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $23.90++          |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++

23 Serangoon Central
#01-01 NEX Mall
Tel: +65 6634 4920
Weekday: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Weekend: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm

// Student promotion at $16.50nett for lunch on Mon to Fri.

Jang Shou Korean BBQ

Monday to Thurday-                                   |          Friday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $28.80++           |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $33.80++

86 East Coast Road #02-11/20,
Blk B Katong Village Singapore
Tel: +65 6344 8880
Daily: 6pm – 1030pm

Ju Shin Jung Korean BBQ Restaurant

Monday to Thursday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $29.00++             |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $35.00++

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $29.00++             |          Only ala carte

1018 East Coast Parkway #02-01 Singapore
Tel: +65 6447 9279
Daily Lunch: 11.45am – 3pm
Mon to Thu Dinner: 6pm – 11pm

Korean Charcoal BBQ Buffet

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch (weekend)     $25++
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner (Daily):        $44++

26 Sentosa Gateway #01-294
Tel: +65 6795 5525
Weekend lunch: 12noon – 3pm
Daily Dinner: 6pm – 11pm

Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ

Monday to Friday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $12.00+                |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $22.00+

Saturday and Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $22.00+                |          Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $22.00+

275 Thomson Road
#01-01/02 Novena Ville
Tel: +65 6254 8123
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm

10 Tampines Central 1
#04-22/23 Tampines 1
Tel: +65 6784 8334
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm

291 New Bridge Road
#01-01 Oriental Plaza
Tel: +65 6225 6964
Daily: 12pm–2.30pm, 5.30pm–10pm

The Corner Place Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch (Weekend)     $24.20 Nett
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner (Daily)          $24.20 Nett

6 Raffles Boulevard
#04-102 Marina Square
Tel: +65 6333 0997
Weekend: 11.30am – 10pm

2D1N Soju Bang

Monday to Sunday:
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $20+

44/46 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 6220 7119
Sun to Thu: 5.30pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 5.30pm – 10.30pm

For more recommendations, read my list of Best Korean Restaurants in Singapore

At the ground floor of Link Hotel in Tiong Bahru, is Blue Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant. It currently occupies the space which was used by the now-defunct Persimmon Restaurant. Much of the interior remains intact: the black and white tiled floor, and the kopitiam-style furniture.

Korean food lovers will be happy to know that Blue Garden restaurant offers Korean BBQ buffet during lunch ($19.90) and dinner ($26.90).

My definition of buffet: be prepared to eat a lot.

The Korean BBQ Buffet offers free-flow of Korean dishes like Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, Kimchi Pancakes, Korean Spicy Rice Cakes (Ddukbokkie), and a variety of Kimchi (Spring Onion, Cabbage, Leak, Cucumber).

The truth is, Blue Garden’s appetisers are pretty run-of-the-mill. We tasted a bit of everything as we were saving our stomach for the highlight of Korean BBQ Buffet – MEAT!

… And of course, we were there for the meat. The Korean BBQ Buffet has free flow of Pork Collar, Beef Belly, Pork Belly, and three different types of Bulgogi (beef, chicken and pork). Read my lips: this is an all-you-can-eat-buffet.

Amongst the four of us, we ate enough meat to last us for a week. We ate, and ate and ate. We totally threw the diet plan out of the window – it was crazy! If you are not a big meat-eater, the Korean BBQ Buffet also has seafood and vegetables.

But trust me, you’d want to just go for the meat. Wow, I think I am very good at giving advice! Remember, just go for the meat.

I had some white rice to go along with the meat, but mostly I wrapped the BBQ meat in lettuce leaves. After a while, I was too lazy to put it nicely into the lettuce so I ate the meat directly from the BBQ pit. The bulgogi is delicious!

Considering that places like Crystal Jade Korean Restaurant charges $18 for a plate of marinated meat, I think that Blue Garden’s Korean BBQ Buffet is very reasonably priced. Looking for a cheap and good buffet? Find a group of friends who love meat and go for the Korean BBQ Buffet!

One thing to note though, the air ventilation was almost non-existence; our clothes smelled like Korean BBQ after we were done.

For more recommendations, read Korean Restaurants in Singapore | Buffet in Singapore

Blue Garden Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant
50 Tiong Bahru Road
#01-07 Link Hotel Singapore
Tel: +65 6224 0700

Korean BBQ Buffet Lunch $19.90++/pax
Korean BBQ Buffet Dinner $26.90++/pax