MODU Samgyetang Specialty @ Mandarin Gallery - Launches New Nokdu (Mung Beans) Samgyetang

After my visit to MODU last year, I returned to try a new menu item — the Nokdu Samgyetang. It was pleasant to see that the restaurant still draws a long queue of diners eager to savour its comforting ginseng chicken soup. Just like our previous visit, we opted for the 2 Pax Set ($98), which includes an appetiser, a shareable dish, two choices of Samgyetang, and a shared dessert. The set offers a well-rounded sampling of MODU’s offerings while allowing diners to explore the variety of Samgyetang broths available.

HwangTaeChae 5/5

The meal began with HwangTaeChae, a savoury and crisp snack made from dried pollock strips. It reminded me of dried sole fish, but with a sweeter and more umami-laden profile. Light, crunchy and incredibly addictive, it was difficult to stop reaching for more even before the main dishes arrived.

Minari Pancake 4.2/5

For our shareable dish, we went with the Minari Pancake, a unique take on the classic Korean pajeon. The minari (Korean watercress) lends the pancake a bright, herbaceous note, while the addition of Bori shrimp enhances its umami depth. The pancake arrived with a crisp, golden exterior that added to the overall enjoyment, and dipping it into the accompanying special sauce further amplified the flavours.

Nokdu Samgyetang 4.2/5

MODU offers six variations of Samgyetang, and for our first choice, I decided on the Nokdu Samgyetang, a new flavour on the menu. This lighter and revitalising interpretation of Korea’s iconic ginseng chicken soup features mung beans (nokdu) simmered with traditional ingredients. The result is a cleaner, lighter herbal broth that still retains the nourishing qualities the dish is known for. The mung beans impart a gentle nuttiness and natural thickness to the soup, making it comforting yet not overly heavy — perfect for those seeking something wholesome and balanced.

Perilla Seed Samgyetang 4.5/5

We also tried the Perilla Seed Samgyetang, another distinctive variation that stood out for its rich, nutty depth. Ground perilla seeds enrich the broth with a creamy texture and aromatic fragrance that coats the palate beautifully. Compared to the Nokdu version, this felt more robust and hearty, with the perilla lending an earthy, slightly toasted flavour that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken and herbal broth.

GotGam Mari 4/5

To wrap up the meal, we were served GotGam Mari, a dried persimmon stuffed with cream cheese and walnuts. The dehydration intensifies the persimmon’s natural sweetness, giving it a luscious, chewy texture. The creamy cheese filling adds a slightly tangy contrast, while the walnuts provide a pleasant crunch, rounding off the meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

Overall, the return visit to MODU reaffirmed why the restaurant continues to draw crowds for its comforting Korean ginseng chicken soup. The 2 Pax Set offers a satisfying and well-balanced way to experience the menu, from the addictive HwangTaeChae to the flavourful Minari Pancake. Among the Samgyetang selections, the Nokdu version impressed with its lighter, more wholesome profile, while the Perilla Seed Samgyetang delivered richer, nuttier depth for those who prefer a heartier broth. Rounded off with the delightful GotGam Mari dessert, the meal showcased MODU’s thoughtful approach to traditional flavours with distinctive variations. For anyone craving nourishing Korean comfort food, MODU remains a worthwhile destination.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


MODU Samgyetang Specialty
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#02-37
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 8035 8833
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Kaya @ The Standard - Weekend Brunch Showcasing Its Signature Japanese-Fusion Flair Every Saturday

Every Saturday, Kaya at The Standard presents a Weekend Brunch that reflects the restaurant’s signature Japanese-fusion flair. The menu features an à la carte free-flow selection of hot and cold appetisers, small bites, mains, and desserts. The brunch experience includes a free flow of non-alcoholic beverages, with the option to upgrade to premium packages that include alcoholic drinks.

The Standard Tray

To start, we were first served The Standard Tray, alongside our drink orders. This was perfect for tempering the usual morning hunger while waiting for the rest of the food to arrive. The tray comprises four items from the menu across the cold, hot bites, and sando categories, prepping our appetite with Chicken Karaage, Tamago Sando, Apple Sesame Salad, and Assorted Sashimi.

Chicken Karaage 4.8/5

The hot morsels of Chicken Karaage were juicy and moreish with a golden crust. I appreciated the bite-sized portions, which worked better than the usual large and chunky pieces.

Sashimi 4/5

Apple Salad 4.5/5

Balancing the tray were the fresh chilled Sashimi and the refreshing Apple Sesame Salad.

Daikon Slaw 5/5

From the cold selection, I was also delighted to find Daikon Slaw, one of my favourite items from their regular menu during my last visit.

Tamago Sando 3/5

Unagi Sando 3.5/5

As for the sando, while the tamago filling was delectable, softer white sandwich bread might have improved the overall texture and taste. There is also an Unagi Sando option, which delivers a much more savoury, meatier bite.

Tacos 3.5/5

The tacos were visually exciting with their colourful presentation. Among the three options — Teriyaki Cured Salmon Taco, Spicy Beef Taco, and Salada Taco, the Spicy Beef Taco was the most satisfying, with hearty beef slices delivering a punch of flavour. The salmon taco, however, turned out a little bland, while the Salada Taco, though enjoyable with avocado, felt slightly underwhelming as a taco.

Konabe Udon 4/5

For mains, the Konabe Udon was simple yet comforting.

Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don 3/5

Pork Belly Char Siu Don 3/5

The Kamo Katsu with Curry Hollandaise Don featured a crispy duck cutlet, and the curry hollandaise was rich with umami, flavouring the dish beautifully. It was a pity that the duck itself was a tad dry. The same could be said for the Pork Belly Char Siu Don, where the char siu was not as unctuous as I had expected.

Desserts 3.8/5

Desserts were delightful. The Sakura & Coconut Panna Cotta and Coffee Jelly Shooter were both pleasing, with the latter delivering a pleasant bittersweet note. The Matcha Lemon Tart impressed with its thin, buttery crust, which complemented the tart’s bright, lemony, and earthy matcha flavours.

While there were hits and misses, the cosy ambience of Kaya at The Standard nonetheless makes the brunch format well-suited for a relaxed weekend catch-up with friends and loved ones. The Weekend Brunch is available only on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3pm, with options starting at $78 per person.

Photos and words by Si An. A homebody who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, the smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food.


Kaya
The Standard, Singapore
12 Orange Grove Rd
#02-00
Singapore 258353
Tel: 6040 1888
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Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 630am - 1030pm
Fri-Sat: 630am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk towards Wheellock Place via ION. EWheelocklock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Cross the road at the traffic light junction and turn left towards Royal Thai Embassy. Walk down Orchard Road to the end. Turn right onto Orange Grove Road. Walk to destination. Journey time is about 23 minutes. [Map]