Showing posts with label korean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label korean. Show all posts

Hansul Korean Dining Bar: Contemporary Korean dining that opens till 6am!

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Singapore's Korean Food scene has never been better. And we all know with the Koreans being the funnest bunch you can possibly befriend, the best way to end a riotous night out is at a Korean barbecue joint for soju, beer and meats grilled at the table. Self satisfied gluttony ensues and hopefully this ends off with a detour to the nearest karaoke bar to put your bathroom singing skills to good use.

Many places fit the bill but there's one new kid on the block that has caught my eye recently. Serving the most compelling sides and stews to accompany the gentle wisps of smoke rising from your sticks sunbathing on the hwaro charcoal grill.

SBCD Korean Tofu House: Tofu to lust after

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All it took was the word 'uplifting' on the press release to reel me in; that accompanied by depressing 3 days worth of non-stop showers. I was sold on the concept that anything hot and steamy could eventually work as a therapy. And it did.

SBCD Korean Tofu House is the latest addition to the CBD dining, stowed away in the basement of the new Tanjong Pagar Centre (a bright establishment and latest extension of the Tanjong Pagar MRT station). Here you'll find a full fledged menu of Korean comfort food

Seoul Jjimdak: Hearty Korean Stews in the heart of Little India

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Korean stews in the heart of Little India. No, we ain't kidding.

City Square Mall may be a bit of a stretch for a west-sider like me. However, if drastically erratic weather patterns beckons for indoor dining action; I would definitely pitch the idea of venturing to the mall situated conveniently above Farrer Park Mrt Station for food and perhaps a little 'after-dinner' activities either at Golden Village theatres of the mega sporting shop Decathlon hawking all sports apparel and accessories you'll ever need.

All things [NEW] at Earle Swensen's, Steam Box and Eat @ 7

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2016 has passed by in a flash, hasn't it? It seems like it was just yesterday that we are toasting to a new year, and now we find it already half over. But hey, look at it a different way and its half yet to begin. There's no better time than now to celebrate all things new, and no better way to do it than with food indeed! Here are some of the freshest pickings from eateries islandwide.

8 Korean BBQ: The Underdog of Korean BBQ

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In a land festered by Korean trends; I've every reason to believe that Korean BBQ may just become a mainstay in our local foodscape - especially since the topic of Descendants of The Sun (DOTS) seem to sneak up upon every table conversation I've participated in for the past month. First K-dramas, then K-pop, then came the Korean cuisine affliction; Korean barbecue, bibimbap, all things kimchi and then patbingsu joints sprouting all round the island. 

There's no escaping its cult-like influence. Like they said, if you can't beat them, join them.

Hansang Korean Family Restaurant: BBQ lovers unite

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Hansang Korean Family Restaurant is no ordinary Korean BBQ. It's racy expansion from its comfortable enclave in Holland Village to the simple fit out in Square 2,  a demonstration of versatility and its basic attention to authenticity being highlighted with the more discerning crowds. Stove tops ring with satisfying, sizzling noises as gorgeously marbled meats turn a light shade of brown. Food here is so messy, you want to eat it in private. Perhaps the smaller the party, the better; that way you won't have to stave off too many wandering chopsticks.

Seorae: Korean Charcoal BBQ with NO chance of 'Smoke gets in your eyes'

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An army of soju bombs lined up in sweet precision. That's enough to convert me into a degenerate drunkard even on a breezy Tuesday afternoon. I kid you not, a trip to Seorae, Plaza Singapura's latest resident Korean BBQ joint will have you battling some alcoholic tendencies as the yakault soju makes repeated anonymous visits to the table (I blame the ninja boyfriend). But drinks aside, food is the real deal here, capturing the true essence of Korean communal dining in a tight space.

Unveiled for the first time in Singapore, the signature galmaegisal (also occupying a significant space on the wall with porky directory) - also known as pork skirt steak is available here. Marinated in a delicious blend of Korean spices and grilled to perfection, the result is something so tantalizing, rich flavored and juicy that it would have you hissing in anticipation as you proceed to pop the piping hot jewel into your mouth. Dip it into braised sweet onions or the accompanying spicy sauces to amp up the flavor. 

Chir Chir (Chinatown Point): Fried Chicken for Supper?

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A major incentive to braving the crowds in Chinatown during the Lunar New Year period to either, soak in the spirit or do last minute CNY shopping, is the opportunity to drag the entire family to Chir Chir at Chinatown Point to indulge in some fried chicken goodness after the sticky deed is done. 

Chir Chir opens up their third outlet in the bustling region of Chinatown, dishing out crowd favourites such as their Nest Snow and Korean styled spicy chicken wings to the eagerly awaiting public. 

My favourites include the Crispy Fried Chicken ($26.90), nothing fancy or over the top in its notion with just crispy puffed up skin to boot and irresistibly moist and succulent flesh that puffs a smoky sigh of relief when the golden hide is breached. 

Joo Bar: NEW Dinner Menu || not your average Korean food.

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The last time I dined in at Joo Bar, I was smitten (read here); this time, the wild promises of mangalitsa pork and other delightful Korean inspired bar snacks that I couldn't even begin to fathom, made my return such an easy decision to make. 

There's a lot going on at Joo Bar, push your way past the pint-lifting crowd in the front of the shop and make your way upstairs to the more convivial dining room or perhaps the secret dining booth at the back of the first floor where you'll admittedly receive better service due to the closer proximity to both the kitchen and the bar! Here at Joo Bar, it's a curious mishmash of upscale and casual decor, in the food, which meanders between being wildly inventive and somewhat confusing at certain junctures. 

Masizzim: Heart Warming Korean stews in the heart of town

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I may not be the most up to date when it comes to imported Korean establishments nor am I the most enthusiastic. But when something as good as Masizzim washes ashore and you get the privilege to try it for the first time, during which the dining experience brings on a rhapsody and chimera of narratives; you share it.

And not just in terms of words or preachings, but very soon I was back at the joint, with boyfriend in tow. And boy did we enjoy the food, apart from the mishap that occurred when we realized that we got charged for rice balls that never quite made it to the table. *hic*... rookie mistake... too much cocktails before got us all muddled up. Looking past that, you can't quite fault the food, especially with a menu as tight and well focused as the one at Masizzim.

JOO Bar: Bringin' Korean sexy back.

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Having had a stint in Sydney, I'm no stranger to Korean food; the convenient trips to Korean supermarkets in the dead of the night; the camaraderie that build around a table of Korean fried chicken and imposing beer towers with friends -  all familiar experiences in my book. Yet, truly Korean restaurants - good ones - are woefully limited here in Singapore. One reason is that, as with so many ethnic cuisines, there's too much competition and strife; the local palates usually tend towards a more Western flavor in pursuit of idealism. Another, is that Korean food is always associated with the smoky stench of barbecued meats sticking to your hair, the folds of your favourite cotton sweater and just about everything, that puts people off. While the spills of having to pay hefty price tags for enormous dishes fit for a party of 6, when there's only the 2 of you is vaguely a dampening factor; fret not, that's where Joo comes into the picture.

Todai Restaurant: Birthday Dishes from around the world.

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Reading up on my last visit to Todai Restaurant in 2013 (you can read about it here), it stirred up a somewhat nonchalant vibe in me; the food doing little to excite my wearied taste buds apart from the initial burst of excitement mustered with the bewildering sight of assortment and dazzling array of variety... that, eventually came to pass after nipping my way through the buffet line only to be disenchanted by the quality of the food. 

2 year later, I get called back in lieu of TODAI's 4th anniversary promotions, a clear sign that the buffet had successfully received a massive audience through the years. My lacklustre review imparting zilch effect on the booming business obviously (who cares about the small fry anyway). This time, TODAI's presents some of the best birthday delicacies from around the world to add a global touch to the festive celebrations. To be honest, I was charmed by the notion of having signature dishes representative of different countries on the buffet table. What better way to revel than to indulge in birthday dishes umpteen times? (Go shorty, it's your birthday, We're goin party, like its your birthday)

Paddy Hills: A welcome addition

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Driving up to Paddy Hills, I felt a certain sense of loss as I witnessed the misplacement of tradition. The old shop front which use to house a darn good duck rice stall, now replaced by something bright, something gleaming and undeniably sexy in a rebellious sort of way. Paddy Hills, clocking in just a few months of business, is new to the game of pleasing the finicky taste buds of Singaporeans. It's recent misfortune with the press regarding its lengthy waiting times hitting a sour note with many potential customers looking to visit the new joint.

It was my fortune perhaps to have been invited on a night nosh session which seemingly is less popular in contrast to the posh cafe fare churned out in the daytime. Perhaps its the hefty prices or the lack of lighting that would discourage the crowds; but the cool vibes discharged were succinct, engaging the inner-Aussie in me, the flawless transition from cafe to savvy tapas bar at night hitting it straight home on a personal level.

Okkudak & Ssaldak: Baked Chicken vs Fried Chicken?

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Before you get thrown into a state of confusion, let's put it all out on the table. 

Oven Baked Chicken, houses two Korean franchises under one roof, Okkudak that specializes in oven baked chicken and Ssaldak who wields a magical hand over the fried chicken territory. Combining the likes of both under one establishment builds a powerhouse of sorts... set at capturing the likes of the health conscious, kfc fanatics and beer chugging fools alike.

Fortunately for them, I was all of the above. Sold on the concept, there was only the food left to judge.

Yorijori: Relight my fire baby.

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Nestled inconspicuously at a small corner of the Paya Lebar Kovan Community Center, lies Yorijori Korean BBQ, Ministry of Food's latest dabble in the vivacious local Korean food scene. With "yori" meaning to cook and "jori" to recuperate, I was expecting a soothing and palatable journey of soulful Korean classics when invited for the media tasting at this humble neighbourhood joint. 

Sure enough, the weather was on our side. Cool winds swept through the mainly alfresco dining area (a scene I deem rather problematic during stormy weather), and we settled down to the generous hospitality of the knowledgeable staff, the gregarious sounds of evening line-dancing activities chiming in the background.. 

Shi Fu Korean BBQ: Meat Lovers Rejoice

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Shi Fu sited below the bright florescent lights of the many KTVs located near peace centre, may not be the most attractive sight to wander into. The thick fumes of garlic laden smoke streaming out of the open doors, yet again another dampening factor. But Shi Fu Korean BBQ is the common's best Korean BBQ in a joggers mile. So karoke party revellers seeking something to chew on after a madhouse session, this would be your best bet!

a korean dinner cooked by 엄마 (uh ma)

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So for the first note for the party season, I present my terribly overdue report on our korean food escapades at Kim's family restaurant. In light of my birthday and all the fun that follows, I suppose that's my best excuse. *beams*

My family, being such big fans of K-dramas have taken enthusiastically to my recommandations to dine at the near-by Kim's family restaurant. And at the end of the evening, there was definitely no regrets all around.

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Some would say that the best part of any authentic Korean meal would be the banchan. A spread of cold dishes that I suspect is the Korean method of making sure you ate your veges. With this impressive display of colors, flavors and textures, it's not surprising to see the constant influx of customers coming through the doors of this humble eatery. It doesn't matter whether you order one bulgogi or a 3 course BBQ feast, your table would still be covered with the same 8-12 dishes, refillable too mind you!

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a surprising inclusion to the banchan, a whole steamed fish with an incredibly sweet flesh.


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The star of the show for the meal for me would definitely have to be the Galbi, marinated beef ribs. Tender with a good marbling of fats, the beef melted like a snow flake that had drifted onto the warm touch of a human tongue. *swoons*

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Kim's family restaurant offers a bang for buck exposure to the realm of Korean food. Helmed by a true Korean owner and chef, you can be sure that the food served up is as real as it gets. Definitely a place to return to for large group gatherings and tireless feasting on some lovely greens.

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Kim’s Family Restaurant
17 Lorong Kilat #01-06
Singapore 598139
Tel: (65) 6465 0535

Anything Asian

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My first meal out of the realm of illness and painful bouts of retching. My only request... let it be Asian! A mouthful of cream laden pasta didn't seem to settle very well with my queasy stomach at that point of time and I yearned the homey taste of Asian spices. So Korean, we went.

PhotobucketIntroducing Gaseng, my dining companion with oodles and oodles of interesting stories to tell amidst the rather uncomfortable meal boggled by frequent splitting headaches. At least he made the meal 'survivable'!



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We settled for Hansang Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant, an inferably new joint but noticably packed even at an early hour. Comfortable seated, we begin to chat ourselves into place before facing the inevitable with pressures coming from the hustle and bustle of the incoming crowds. Stuffing our noses into the extensive menu, we quickly evaluate the menu and make our choices.

In the end, it was a Beef Bibimbob ($15) for me and a Cholpan Nakji ($17) for him. No comments from the dinner companion but with regards to my dish, I felt that it was mediocre, perhaps a little lacklustre in quality and quantity. Then realised that it may have been neglect on the kitchen's part due to the more frequent BBQ meat orders that come around dinner time. Otherwise, the Bibimbob could have use a more generous serving of side ingredients and beef even. Kudos to the spicy bean sauce served on the side that was to be mixed in at the diner's own discretion. That was lovely and added that little oomph to the dish. Maybe it's me and my diluted taste buds, a result of the previous weeks' worth of poor appetite.
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Hansang Korean Restaurant, seems to hold lots of potential with the full fledge crowds of people flying through its doors despite it's fresh arrival on the scene. Perhaps I'll be back to give their Korean BBQ a shot. *contemplates*



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Hansang Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant
20 Lorong Mambong,
Holland Village
tel: 6464 5238