Obongzip @ The Star Vista - A Hearty Korean Feast of Nakji, Bossam and Makguksu

Obongzip has expanded its presence in Singapore with a new outlet at The Star Vista, bringing its popular Korean comfort fare to the West. Conveniently located at the exterior of the mall near the taxi stand, the restaurant draws diners in with its signature offerings of fiery stir-fried octopus and comforting bossam platters. For our visit, we went straight for the Obongzip Special ($108), a hearty set comprising Fire-Grilled Spicy Nakji, Pork Bossam, and Makguksu — ideal for sharing.

Banchan 3/5 & Seaweed Soup 4.8/5

Our meal began with a tray of banchan, dipping sauces, and a bowl of Seaweed Soup. The banchan selection offered the usual assortment of pickles and sides to whet the appetite, but the seaweed soup stood out. Light yet deeply comforting, it provided a gentle, savoury warmth that felt almost restorative — a thoughtful prelude to the bold and robust flavours to come.

Fire Grilled Spicy Nakji 4.5/5

The Fire-Grilled Spicy Nakji took centre stage. Available in varying spice levels, the dish features tender octopus stir-fried in a glossy, sweet-spicy sauce alongside vegetables. The staff thoughtfully cuts the octopus into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to enjoy. Each mouthful delivered a satisfying chew, coated in a punchy sauce that balanced sweetness with a lingering heat.

For a more complete experience, we highly recommend ordering a bowl of Seaweed Rice. Mixing the spicy octopus into the rice with a drizzle of sesame oil transforms it into a bibimbap-style dish — deeply flavourful, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying.

Makguksu 4.2/5

The Makguksu is presented differently from what one might expect. Served on a plate with the buckwheat noodles, seaweed, vegetables and sauce laid out separately, the staff will toss everything together tableside before serving. Once mixed, the noodles are evenly coated in the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. The buckwheat noodles have a delightful chew, while the vegetables lend a refreshing crunch. A splash of vinegar further brightens the dish, cutting through the richness of the meal and adding a tangy lift that makes it especially slurp-worthy.

Pork Bossam 4.2/5

The Pork Bossam was another highlight of the meal. The tender slices of boiled pork were soft, juicy, and clean-tasting, with just the right amount of fat for richness. There are multiple ways to enjoy it — on its own to appreciate its natural flavours, paired with kimchi for a punch of acidity, or wrapped in lettuce with garlic and green chilli for a more robust bite. For added depth, dipping the pork into Obongzip’s fermented shrimp sauce or ssamjang further enhances its savoury profile, delivering layers of umami with every bite.

With its generous portions and well-executed dishes, Obongzip at The Star Vista offers a satisfying Korean dining experience, especially for those who enjoy bold, punchy flavours. The Obongzip Special is a great introduction to the restaurant’s signatures, making it a worthwhile spot for group dining or casual get-togethers in the West.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Obongzip
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#01-43/K4
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 83432251
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Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take Exit A or C. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Man Fu Yuan @ Frasers House - Threads of Fire & Spice: A Four-Hands Cantonese-Thai Collaboration

Man Fu Yuan (满福苑) at Frasers House, Luxury Collection Hotel, Singapore presents Threads of Fire & Spice, a limited-time four-hands collaboration with Lily’s from The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, available exclusively from 17 to 18 July 2026. Bringing together the refined precision of Cantonese cuisine and the bold, aromatic vibrancy of Thai flavours, the experience unfolds through a thoughtfully curated menu that layers fire, spice, fragrance, and depth across each course. This spectacular 12-course dinner is priced at $208++ per person, with an optional 5-glass wine pairing available for an additional $50++ per guest.

Amouse Bouche Lily’s: Emerald Yellow Fin 4.2/5

The evening begins on an elegant note with a trio of amuse-bouches that set the tone for the journey ahead. Chef Pop’s Emerald Yellow Fin (翡翠黄鳍) is both delicate and expressive — a matcha-infused crisp crowned with yellowfin tuna tartare, avocado-matcha puree, and ikura. The interplay of earthy matcha and the natural sweetness of the tuna creates a refreshing opening, lifted by the gentle salinity of roe.

Amuse Bouche Man Fu Yuan: Ocean Elixir 3.5/5

Following that, Chef Aaron’s Ocean Elixir (海之清露) offers a chilled Teochew-style seafood consomme, its clarity and depth enhanced by fragrant lemongrass aromatics that lend a subtle Southeast Asian lift.

Cold Prelude Lily’s & Man Fu Yuan: Pu’er Whisper 4/5

Completing the opening sequence is Pu’er Whisper (普洱烟韵), a collaborative creation featuring lightly smoked kingfish paired with smoked Pu’er tea, Tubtim Siam pomelo, Thai chilli puree, and calamansi. The dish delivers a refined balance of smokiness, citrus brightness, and restrained heat, showcasing the harmony between both culinary traditions.

Soup Man Fu Yuan: Silk Tofu Consomme 4.5/5

The Silk Tofu Consomme (极汤锦绣豆腐, 奶白菜) is a masterclass in Cantonese technique. The consomme, painstakingly prepared from pork, chicken, and Chinese cured meats, is steamed over eight hours to achieve remarkable clarity and depth. Paired with handcrafted flower tofu of silky, almost ethereal texture, the dish reflects the discipline and finesse that define classical Cantonese cuisine.

Ocean Lily’s: Chiang Mai Khao Soi Softshell Crab 4.2/5

Thai influences come to the forefront with Chiang Mai Khao Soi Softshell Crab (清迈软壳蟹) by Chef Pop. Here, sustainable softshell crab is paired with yellow noodles and ikura, all enveloped in a rich, aromatic Chiang Mai curry. The dish reimagines the beloved Northern Thai staple with a contemporary touch, balancing creaminess, spice, and umami.

Poultry Man Fu Yuan: Perfumed Duck 5/5

A highlight from Man Fu Yuan is the Perfumed Duck (幽香泰茶鸭). The Irish duck breast is roasted and tea leaf-smoked, imparting a subtle smokiness that complements its tender, succulent flesh. A tamarind glaze adds a gentle tang, while plum tomatoes add brightness, resulting in a dish that elegantly bridges Cantonese roasting traditions with Thai-inspired acidity and fragrance.

Signature Lily’s & Man Fu Yuan: Typhoon Lobster 4.2/5

The collaboration reaches a crescendo with the Typhoon Lobster (泰风 · 蒜香龙虾), a defining creation that encapsulates the menu’s spirit. Inspired by Cantonese “Typhoon Shelter” style cooking, the rock lobster is elevated with Thai and Southeast Asian aromatics. Crispy garlic, dried chilli, and a fragrant tom yum essence deliver layers of complexity, marrying wok hei intensity with vibrant spice and citrus notes.

Heritage Lily’s: Massaman Wagyu Short Rib 4/5

Chef Pop’s Massaman Wagyu Short Rib (玛莎曼和牛) is another standout, offering a luxurious interpretation of the classic Southern Thai curry. The Wagyu short rib is slow-braised to fork-tender perfection, absorbing the deep, aromatic spices of the Massaman curry. Finished with a velvety Southern curry hollandaise, crispy fried shallots, and kaffir lime essence, the dish strikes a harmonious balance between richness and brightness.

The Scallop Legacy (带子皇炒饭) by Chef Aaron reinterprets Cantonese baked fragrant rice with king scallop, preserved vegetables, and cheese. Presented with a tableside flourish, the dish captivates both visually and aromatically — so much so that it momentarily distracts from taking a photo of it — but its comforting yet elevated flavours leave a lasting impression.

Palate Cleanser Lily’s & Man Fu Yuan: Lime Lychee Cloud 4.2/5

A refreshing Lime Lychee Cloud cleanses the palate with its light, aromatic profile. The lychee sorbet, infused with kaffir lime and lemongrass, is bright and uplifting, preparing diners for the dessert finale.

Dessert Lily’s & Man Fu Yuan: Golden Mango Duo Symphony Rice Pudding Mango 4.5/5

Dessert arrives in a duo that celebrates tropical indulgence. The Golden Mango Duo Symphony Rice Pudding Mango pairs creamy rice pudding with coconut and vanilla sauce, offering a comforting, luscious finish.

Dessert Lily's & Man Fu Yuan: Mango Puree 4/5

This is complemented by a chilled Mango Puree with pink pomelo and peach collagen, delivering a refreshing contrast with its clean, fruity sweetness.

Petite Four Man Fu Yuan: Milk Tea Egg Tart, Pandan Red Date Cake 4/5

Threads of Fire & Spice is a compelling showcase of culinary synergy, where two distinct traditions intertwine seamlessly. Chef Aaron and Chef Pop demonstrate how contrasting techniques and flavour philosophies can come together in harmony, creating a dining experience that is both refined and exciting. With its limited two-day run, this collaboration offers a rare opportunity to experience a thoughtfully orchestrated dialogue between Cantonese elegance and Thai vibrancy.

Note: This is an invited tasting


Man Fu Yuan
Frasers House
Level 2
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Tel: +65 63387600
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW Line, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]