Showing posts with label Korean Food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean Food. Show all posts

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Kimchi Dining @ Orchard Central - Aesthetic Korean Restaurant Offering Modern Korean Dining Concept

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Kimchi Dining is a modern Korean dining concept located on the 6th floor of Orchard Central. The menu offers ala carte dishes as well as set menu for 2-pax and 4-pax. We tried the 2-pax set menu ($60/pax) that comes with appetisers and mains, 2 desserts and 2 makgeolli cocktails (tea options are also available).

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Makgeolli Bread 4/5

Our meal started with warm and comforting Makgeolli Bread, served with a generous portion of White Bean butter. The bread was mildly sweet and fluffy with a slight chewy texture.

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Kimchi Platter 3.5/5

Next came the Kimchi Platter, showcasing 6 types of house-fermented kimchi. While the portion of some of the kimchi was rather sad-looking with a couple of vegetable strands, I enjoyed the experience of being able to try their different taste profiles.

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Gaji Ganjeong 3.8/5

Then came Gaji Ganjeong. This charcoal tempura eggplant had an airy batter and was delectable with an umami-sweet honey soy dressing.

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Gamjajeon 5/5

The set includes the much highly-raved Gamjajeon. These potato pancakes are shaped into mini rosti with moreish crispy edges. Topped with sharp Parmesan cheese, radish, and tangy onion jangaiji, the various flavour nuances woven into these otherwise simple potato pancakes make them even more irresistible. The creamy Siberian onion truffle mayo gives it a satisfying, mouth-filling texture.

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Arongsatae & Dogani 4/5

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Jeju Pork Noodle 3/5

For Mains, we chose Arongsatae & Dogani and Jeju Pork Noodle. Arongsatae & Dogani is a beef heel muscle and tendon braised for over six hours. The beef itself impressed with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. As for the tendons, I appreciated their clean taste, but some were less tender than expected. The Jeju Pork Noodle, on the other hand, while it had a light and tasty Jeju-style pork broth, paled in comparison due to a rather tough pork belly.

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Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae 3/5

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Chocolate Injeolmi Tart 3.8/5

For desserts, we had Chocolate Injeolmi Tart and Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae. Both desserts incorporated chewy rice balls, adding a contrasting texture. I prefer the bitter-sweet notes of the chocolate tart. The sundae was a tad too sweet due to the drizzling of jujube syrup.

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Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kimchi Dining
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-10
Singapore 238896
Tel:+65 9113 7090
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm 0 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)

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

Friday, November 3, 2023

ilmiri @ Circular Road - Bringing Its Signature Jjimdak to Singapore

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ilmiri, a renowned F&B brand in Korea, opened its first outlet in Singapore on Circular Road. Established in 2011, ilmiri is known as the leading chicken cuisine brand in Korea, with more than 200 franchise stores in the country.

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Cloud Cheese Jjimdak 4.5/5

The dish that Ilmiri is known for is its Jjimdak - a hearty braised chicken dish that is well-loved by many Koreans and seen in many popular K-dramas. They are available in Soy Sauce, Red Chilli, BBQ and Truffle Jjiajang sauce. We tried the best-selling Cloud Cheese Jjimdak ($41.90), available in Soy Sauce or Red Chilli.

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This modern rendition comes loaded with braised chicken, accompanied by a medley of rice cakes, potatoes, and glass noodles, along with Korean dumplings, which are hidden like bundles of treasures, all covered with melted Mozzarella cheese. There's a lot to like about this hearty dish, from the tender chicken to the juicy Korean dumplings, chewy rice cakes, and the well-caramelised leeks and onions. The melted cheese added to the fun of having it with friends and family.

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Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice

It can be a tad saltish to have it on its own. Hence, it is recommended that you pair it with Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice.

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Tofu Stew 3/5

To complement our Jjimdak, we had a simple Soybean Paste Tofu Stew with beef. While the portion was relatively small, it was generously loaded with onions and zucchini, which added a delightful touch of sweetness to the stew.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


ilmiri
25/26 Circular Road
Singapore 049381
Tel: +65 8468 8566
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Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk straight to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Monday, August 21, 2023

88 Pocha + BBQ @ Duxton - Bringing Together The Atmosphere of Pojangmacha and Korean BBQ Under One Roof

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88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton brings together the vibrant atmosphere of Pojangmacha with the enticing lure of Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ selection showcases good quality cuts, including Chicken Set, Duroc Pork Set and A5 Wagyu Beef.

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Duroc Pork Set 4/5

Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) comes with 180g Pork Belly, 180g Pork Jowl, Kimchi, Chinese Chives, and Watercress.

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Pork Belly

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Pork Jowl

The Pork Belly though thinly sliced, was as succulent as the Pork Jowl. The best parts were the charred bits, especially the Pork Jowl. The best way to barbecue the pork jowl is to cut it into small pieces when they are halfway done to get its edges charred and turn them into moreish morsels. The grilled kimchi and chives helped offset the fatty meats' richness.

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Seafood Tofu Stew 2.5/5

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Tteokbokki 3.5/5

88 Pocha + BBQ also offers a variety of stews to accompany the BBQ sets. We had Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and Tteokbokki. The stew could have been better. It wasn't much of a stew with a very thin consistency. The latter fared better. The rice cake was chewy with a nice bite, and the sauce complemented it well.

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Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

The BBQ set also comes with a complimentary Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, which is heated up and tossed with cheese when you are done with the meats. The taste was average, but it was a nice touch to complete the experience.

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To complete the experience of Pojangmacha, 88 Pocha also offers a wide range of beverages, from bottled beers, Soju, and Highball, to traditional Korean rice liquor and makgeolli.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
Facebook
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Wang Dae Bak Grill @ Holland Piazza - South Korean Barbecue in a Modernized Classic Setting

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Wang Dae Bak Grill at Holland Piazza is the brand's 3rd outlet, offering authentic South Korean barbecue in a modernised classic setting. The menu features fresh gourmet varieties such as US Prime Sirloin, Marinated Prime Ribs and Flower Pork Belly, including sets that cater to different dining group sizes.

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The banchan here was really delicious! Besides the kimchi, I most enjoyed the braised egg and sauteed brinjal. They are refillable too.

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Duroc Pork Belly

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Duroc Pork Collar

For 2 or 3 pax, Buddy Set ($68) would be ideal if you intend to enjoy your meats with other dishes. The set has Marinated Prime Ribs, Duroc Pork Belly/Collar, Flower Pork Belly, and Marinated Chicken. The Pork Collar had a balanced marbling, lending the meat a good amount of flavour as the fats rendered off slowly on the sizzling grill.

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Marinated Prime Ribs

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Marinated Chicken

Both the chicken and prime ribs meat were marinated, but the marination did the chicken more justice than the latter. The chicken thighs were succulent, with flavours elevated by the marination. On the other hand, the tender beef did not deliver the anticipated beefy notes of a prime rib.

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Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew 4/5

Other signature WDB dishes include this Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew with soft wobbly tofu. It was robust and heady with a depth of crustacean flavour from the fresh prawns and clams.

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Kimchi Cheese Rolls 2.5/5

Kimchi and cheese combination sounds enticing, but the execution fell short with the Kimchi Cheese Rolls, which turned out to be a tad greasy. The kimchi and the cheese melded into one saltish tang. A kimchi cheese mandu or dumpling may have been a better alternative.

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Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese 4/5

Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese was hearty and flavoursome, with the kimchi bits evenly tossed together with the pearly rice grains. The cheese was absent though. The charred bits formed at the base of the fried rice imparted a tantalising smokey nuance to the overall taste.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wang Dae Bak Grill
Holland Piazza
3 Lorong Liput
#02-01
Singapore 277725
Facebook
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Website
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right at Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Tam Chiak Kopitiam - The Most Trendy Coffeeshop In Hougang by Chew Chor Meng, MissTamChiak and Zhou Chong Qing

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Tam Chiak Kopitiam, located at Blk 212 Hougang Street 21, is a dream come true for Mediacorp actor Chew Chor Meng. Together with partners including MissTamChiak (Maureen Ow) and Zhou Chong Qing, they have transformed the previous coffeeshop into a modern and trendy space. The name "Tam Chiak" is derived from their partner MissTamChiak, a renowned food writer in Singapore known for promoting our local hawker culture.

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Upon entering Tam Chiak Kopitiam, you'll notice the familiar Yeo Yeo Huat signboard, which holds sentimental value as it originated from the popular Mediacorp TV series "118", in which both Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing acted. This cherished signboard from the longest-running Chinese drama produced by Mediacorp is now proudly displayed in Tam Chiak Kopitiam, evoking nostalgia and fond memories.


888 Mookata


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When the new team took over the coffeeshop, they decided to revitalize the food offerings, retaining only two stalls from the previous establishment. One of them is 888 Mookata, a venture by Chew Chor Meng and Chong Qing. To celebrate its reopening, 888 Mookata is running a 15% discount promotion for eight days.


Chef De Pasta


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The other stall that the team chose to keep is Chef De Pasta, a Western food stall with a loyal following and glowing Google reviews for its restaurant-standard dishes at affordable coffeeshop prices. The humble stall owner, with prior experience as a hotel chef, brings a wealth of culinary expertise to the table. Many reviewers particularly recommend its Japanese fried garlic rice, which is a delightful addition to its menu.


Dan Lao (蛋佬)


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Tam Chiak Kopitiam also showcases an exciting lineup of young hawkers. One of the new stalls is Dan Lao (蛋佬), which gained popularity at Maxwell Food Centre. Led by a team of young hawkers, Dan Lao is renowned for their fluffy egg omelette over fragrant rice, paired with various toppings such as luncheon meat, chicken cutlet, and char siew. It's best enjoyed with their fragrant homemade sambal, prepared from scratch.


Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang


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Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang, a Michelin Plate restaurant with multiple outlets in Singapore, opens its doors at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Founded by ex-cabin crew Noorman and his wife, they bring their signature Ayam Taliwang to the coffeeshop, offering a tantalizing taste of Indonesian cuisine. Furthermore, they will introduce a new Halal-certified Curry Rice concept, adding diversity to the local culinary scene.


Flaky Haus


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Flaky Haus at Tam Chiak Kopitiam breaks away from the traditional coffeeshop offerings by specializing in freshly baked croissants with different fillings such as tuna and egg mayo. They also offer a selection of cakes to pair with a cup of traditional local coffee or tea.


Wen Kang Ji


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Wen Kang Ji, known for their renowned Wanton Mee at Golden Mile Food Centre, takes a different culinary direction at Tam Chiak Kopitiam. Instead of selling wanton mee, they offer Big Prawn Noodles and Teochew Style Red Grouper Fish Soup, accompanied by delectable side dishes like fried dumplings and wantons, ensuring a satisfying and complete meal experience.


Oppa Kitchen


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Oppa Kitchen, a Korean stall by Singaporean singer Ang Jun Yang, is helmed by Korean Chef Nick, who brings his extensive experience cooking authentic Korean cuisine. Alongside classic dishes like Bibimbap, Army Stew Ramyeon, Rabokki, and Bulgogi, they introduce local-inspired creations such as Chilli Crab Korean Fried Chicken and Curry Fried Chicken, offering a fusion of Korean and local flavours.


De Sinn Chicken Rice


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De Sinn Chicken Rice, a personal favourite of Chong Qing in Yishun, is a stall beloved for its delectable Chicken Rice. With its origins in Novena and a second outlet in Yishun, this brainchild of 31-year-old Dervin, an animation graduate, has garnered a loyal following. The quality and taste of their Chicken Rice keep customers returning week after week. I also heard it will be a Halal-certified stall.


Ru Ji Kitchen


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Ru Ji Kitchen, a popular fishball noodle stall, expands its presence to Tam Chiak Kopitiam after successfully operating in hawker centres. Joanne's father in Holland founded this family-run business and has expanded to two additional outlets at Old Airport Road and Redhill. Renowned for its handmade fishballs and homemade sambal, Ru Ji Kitchen delivers authentic flavours and culinary craftsmanship in each bowl.

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Tam Chiak Kopitiam offers an array of delightful options, showcasing the passion and expertise of its partners and stall owners. From traditional flavours to innovative concepts, this coffeeshop is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a diverse and satisfying culinary experience.


Tam Chiak Kopitam
Blk 212 Hougang Street 21
#01-349
Singapore 530212
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Nearest MRT: Kovan (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Kovan MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk towards Kovan Hawker Centre. At Kovan Hawker Centre, turn left and walk straight to block 211 towards the bowling centre. At block 211 cut through the carpark and walk to destination. It is just beside the bowling centre. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]