Feeling the Korean Vibe in Singapore
From the addictive beats of K‑pop to the mouth‑watering crunch of fried chicken, the Korean craze is spreading like wildfire. But if you’re looking for more than the usual kimchi, army stew or bibimbap, the city’s Korean scene has a whole menu of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
In honour of Korea’s National Liberation Day (August 15), here’s a hand‑picked list of ten spots that deliver a genuinely Korean experience without any Western spin.
1. PAIK’S BIBIM
- Modern twist on bibimbap: fresh veggies + hearty rice.
- Opened in 2013; now 7 outlets across the island.
- Try the Warm Noodles if you prefer noodles to rice.
- Locations: Vivocity, Citylink Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza.
2. GUKSU
- Rooted in a 4,000‑year‑old Korean tradition – king‑only noodles.
- Scripted by the legendary Mdm Park Mi Suk, now run by her grandson.
- Choose from So Meon, Jung Meon, Kalguksu Meon and pair with your broth.
- Don’t miss the fried chicken – it’s practically a side‑order affair.
- Address: Suntec City Convention Mall, 3 Temasek Boulevard.
3. WANG DAE BAK
- Authentic Seoul BBQ – charcoal‑grilled meats, no Wi‑fi needed.
- Grab a set menu or pile up on marinated and non‑marinated meats.
- Side dishes: kimchi pancake, ginseng chicken soup, spicy chicken stew.
- Locations: Amoy Street (lot 388) or China Square Central (lot 544).
4. BIGMAMA KOREAN RESTAURANT
- Homestyle food from a former tutor turned chef.
- Specialties: suyuk (steamed pork belly) and dakgalbi (pan‑fried chicken).
- Feel like you’re dining at a Korean home – just remember to book ahead.
- Address: 2 Kim Tian Road.
5. 8 KOREAN BBQ
- Pure pork paradise – Mangalitza belly, the “Kobe of pork.”
- Enjoy the 8‑colour set: wine, ginseng, garlic, curry, miso, and more.
- Also serve top‑grade beef, diced from Argentina to Japan.
- Continuous grill‑and‑treat – no prep, just pure indulgence.
- Locations: The Central, Shaw Centre.
6. SEOUL RESTAURANT
- Buffet vibes crowned with no‑waste policy (a £50 fine for those left‑over crumbs).
- Choose between normal, premium, or a beef‑free spread.
- For a truly royal experience, book the traditional Hanjeongsik Course.
- Spot: Regent Hotel, 3 Cuscaden Road.
7. HANWOORI KOREAN RESTAURANT
- Low‑key, high‑impact – the Kimchi Hotpot is a must‑try.
- Lunch is your friend – $10 nett selections rotate daily.
- Meet the “ladyboss” – adds a dash of personality to your meal.
- Address: 76 Serangoon Garden Way.
8. SBCD KOREAN TOFU RESTAURANT
- Soontofu Soup (soft tofu) made from Korean soybeans and a secret 10‑ingredient broth.
- Choose your heat: mild, medium, spicy, or “crazy hot.”
- Other delights: Grilled Chicken, LA Galbi, Cockles Bibimbap.
- Unique claim: first Korean spot in Singapore serving puffer fish.
- Locations: Tanjong Pagar Centre, Millenia Walk.
9. CAPTAIN K
- Seafood tower – a vertical stack of steaming bowls to dine straight from the top down.
- About 24 condiments and a guide to matching sauces, preventing overwhelm.
- Finish with a hot‑pot base – choose Korean Ginseng Chicken, Kimchi or Tomato.
- Side offerings: Garlic Pork Belly, Fried Seafood Tofu, Sweet Potato Fries.
- Address: 112 Middle Road, #01‑00 Midland House.
10. BORNGA
- Another jewel by chef Jong Won Paik – top‑secret marinated Woo Sam Gyup.
- Pair it with veggies or dip in spicy sauce for an extra kick.
- Cool option: Naeng Mun – buckwheat noodles chilled with beef slices, vegetables, and a hard‑boiled egg.
- Outlets: Suntec City Mall & VivoCity.
Whether you crave the smoky chords of BBQ, the comforting slowness of a soup, or the spicy heat of a hot‑pot, Singapore’s Korean culinaries have you covered. Now go forth and feast – and may every bite be a little burst of the Korean spirit. Enjoy!
