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]

VUE @ OUE Bayfront - Launches New Summer Tasting Menu Featuring Kokuou Wagyu and Eyrewoolf Abalone

Perched on the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront, VUE has launched its new Summer Tasting Menu, showcasing premium seasonal ingredients such as Kokuou Wagyu, Eyrewoolf Abalone and Kaluga Queen Caviar. We had the opportunity to try the 4-course menu ($168), featuring beautifully plated dishes, while enjoying one of the best views of Marina Bay Sands.

If you’re looking for better value, VUE is also running a Sunset Dinner Promotion from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, where diners can enjoy a 3-course menu from just $98 or a 4-course menu for $138. Wine pairing is also available should you wish to elevate the dining experience.

42-Month Aged Jamon Iberico 4.5/5

Eyrewoolf Black Lip Abalone Crudo 4/5

We started with two cold appetisers. The 42-Month Aged Jamón Ibérico was paired with preserved Charentais melon and Pedro Ximénez dressing, which complemented the ham beautifully. The melon’s sweetness balanced the jamón’s savoury richness really well.

The Eyrewoolf Black Lip Abalone Crudo, served with smoked ikura, shio kombu, pickled wild garlic and nori oil, was a refreshing way to start the meal. The abalone had a firm, chewy texture with a clean briny flavour that wasn’t overpowering.

Holland White Asparagus 3.5/5

A5 Kokudo Wagyu Steak Hache 5/5

For the hot appetisers, we had the Holland White Asparagus, served with fermented lemon purée, crispy melted leek and saffron beurre blanc. While the combination was interesting, we felt the dish lacked depth.

On the other hand, the A5 Kokuou Wagyu Steak Haché was easily our favourite from this course. Despite its petite size, it packed plenty of flavour. Topped with a fried quail egg, it looked almost like a miniature burger. The nicely charred Wagyu paired really well with the ginger-yuzu soy dressing, making every bite enjoyable.

Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto 4/5

A5 Kokudo Wagyu Beef Duo 4/5

For mains, we had the Wild Forest Mushroom Risotto topped with fried porcini mushrooms (what a luxury!) and freshly shaved black truffle. We wished the porcini mushrooms were crispier and the risotto a little more al dente, but overall the earthy flavours came together really well.

The A5 Kokuou Wagyu Beef Duo featured both rump and brisket cuts. The rump was incredibly tender and literally melted in the mouth. The brisket was equally soft, although we weren’t huge fans of its slightly fibrous texture. Served with colourful cauliflower, creamy mashed potato and fresh truffles, it made for a beautiful main course.

Before dessert, we were served a Palate Cleanser - Yoghurt Melon Sorbet topped with brown sugar and grapefruit sauce. This was really refreshing and delicious, and definitely did its job well of cleansing our taste buds before the sweet ending.

Summer Stone Fruits 4/5

Tomato Strawberry 4.5/5

The Summer Stone Fruits came with almond chantilly, apricot yoghurt mousse and sakura powder. The combination was interesting, although some components leaned slightly more sour than what we usually enjoy.

The Tomato Strawberry, however, completely surprised us. Sweet cherry tomatoes and strawberries paired with white chocolate ganache, calamansi bergamot and strawberry yoghurt sorbet sounded unusual on paper, but everything worked beautifully together. We honestly didn’t expect tomato to pair so well in a dessert.

Petite Four

We were also presented with Petite Four, which came with pecan nut cookies, chocolate lollipops and financier. We enjoyed them as a nice little ending to the meal, especially the financier and cookies. The chocolate lollipop was cute, though not particularly memorable compared to the rest.

To celebrate the upcoming National Day, VUE also introduced three locally inspired cocktails — Kopi Martini ($28), Solero ($26) and Rose of Bandung ($18).

The Kopi Martini was our favourite, capturing the familiar aroma and flavour of local kopi much better than a regular espresso martini. The Rose of Bandung was another pleasant surprise, with the addition of lychee purée giving it an almost coconut milk-like finish. The Solero, however, was refreshing but didn’t quite leave the same impression as the other two.

Besides the food, one of the biggest highlights at VUE is undoubtedly the view. Overlooking Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, it’s an ideal spot for celebrations, date nights, or simply enjoying a leisurely dinner with friends. The dining room is elegant, although slightly dimly lit, while the service throughout the evening was attentive and professional.

VUE also has several al fresco tables overlooking Marina Bay, perfect for those who prefer dining outdoors. Right beside the restaurant is its rooftop bar, which shares the same spectacular skyline views, making it a great place to continue the evening over a few drinks.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


VUE
OUE Bayfront
Level 19
50 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049321
Tel: +65 8879 0923
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1am
Fri: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 2am
Sat: 1130am - 430pm, 530pm - 2am
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]