Ten years after arriving in Singapore from Korea, Chef Patrick Kim is embarking on a new chapter with the opening of Kimpson’s Table at Far East Square. What started as a humble home-based delivery business has now evolved into Chef Kim’s first permanent restaurant, bringing his take on comforting Korean home-style cooking to the heart of the CBD. Drawing inspiration from the convivial atmosphere of traditional Korean eateries and the contemporary energy of Seoul’s Seongsu district, Kimpson’s Table centres on Hansang dining — a Korean tradition where rice, nourishing mains, and an assortment of freshly prepared banchan come together as a complete, satisfying meal. The menu is rooted in familiar Korean flavours, but what stood out to me was Chef Kim’s focus on dishes that are comforting, wholesome and made with plenty of care. Here are some of the dishes we tried.
Dak Kalguksu 4.2/5
One dish I enjoyed was the Dak Kalguksu ($15), which makes its debut at Kimpson’s Table. For those unfamiliar, Kalguksu is a traditional Korean noodle dish featuring hand-cut wheat noodles served in a comforting broth. Chef Kim describes it as the Korean cousin of Singapore’s ban mee, and I can see why. The noodles have that pleasant, chewy bite, while the warm chicken broth makes the dish especially comforting. The broth itself gives Dak Kalguksu more depth. It is made using the same signature chicken broth as Chef Kim’s Samgyetang, simmered for up to five hours with a combination of ingredients to extract a rich, savoury flavour. The noodles are served with shredded chicken and leeks, keeping the bowl relatively simple and letting the broth take centre stage. Despite its simplicity, it has a satisfying depth, with the tender chicken adding texture and substance to every mouthful. It is the sort of bowl that feels particularly comforting on a rainy day — warm, nourishing and uncomplicated.
Dak Bibim Kalguksu 4/5
If you prefer something with more punch, the Dak Bibim Kalguksu ($15) offers a dry and more intensely flavoured take on the dish. The same hand-cut wheat noodles are tossed in Chef Kim’s house-made sauce, which includes gochujang and a blend of other ingredients. The noodles are then topped with shredded chicken, cucumber and sesame seeds. Compared to the soup version, this has a much bolder personality. The sauce brings a savoury and mildly spicy kick, balanced by a touch of sweetness, while the fresh cucumber cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch. The chewy noodles also work particularly well with the sauce, making this a satisfying option for those who enjoy their Korean food with a little more heat and flavour.
Samgyetang 4/5
The Samgyetang ($18) remains the signature dish at Kimpson’s Table and is the very dish that helped build Chef Kim’s following during his home-based days. The bowl comes with half a French chicken immersed in a nourishing broth simmered for up to five hours with ingredients such as red dates, garlic, and ginseng. The chicken is tender and falls easily from the bone, while the broth has a gentle herbal character without being overly heavy or medicinal. Despite the long cooking process and rich ingredients, it remains surprisingly light and easy to drink. Interestingly, this very broth also forms the foundation of the Dak Kalguksu, creating a nice connection between the two dishes. For me, Chef Kim’s Samgyetang appeals because of its simplicity. No excessive seasoning or embellishment, just tender chicken and a deeply flavoured broth that feels wholesome and comforting.
Boneless Fried Chicken 4.2/5
Of course, no Korean meal feels quite complete without fried chicken. Kimpson’s Table offers its Boneless Fried Chicken in four flavours — Original ($15), Yangnyeom ($16), Soy Garlic ($16) and the new Bburinkle Cheese ($17). We tried the Original and Soy Garlic flavours. The bite-sized boneless pieces are fried until golden and crisp on the outside, while staying juicy and tender inside. The Original lets the fried chicken itself take centre stage, with a light, savoury seasoning that makes it dangerously easy to keep reaching for another piece. The Soy Garlic, meanwhile, brings a more pronounced savoury sweetness, with the fragrant garlic complementing the crispy chicken nicely. For those who enjoy more adventurous Korean fried chicken flavours, the Bburinkle Cheese is also worth checking out. Meanwhile, the Yangnyeom should appeal to fans of the classic sweet-and-spicy Korean fried chicken combination.
Potato Pancake 4/5
The Potato Pancake ($12) is a simple but enjoyable addition to the table. Pan-fried to order, it comes with a crisp, golden exterior while retaining a softer, more tender centre. A pleasant potato sweetness peeks out from beneath the savoury crust, making it a good sharing dish alongside the other stronger-flavoured items.
Cheese Potato Pancake 4/5
For something a little more indulgent, the Cheese Potato Pancake ($14) takes the same potato pancake and adds a layer of cheesy richness. The crisp edges and soft potato interior work well with the melted cheese, giving the pancake a moreish quality without making it overly heavy. There is also a Kimchi Pancake ($12) available for those who prefer something with a tangier and more savoury kick. Freshly pan-fried to order, the trio of pancakes makes for easy sharing and rounds out the meal nicely.
What I enjoyed about Kimpson’s Table is that the food does not try too hard to reinvent Korean cuisine. Instead, Chef Patrick Kim focuses on familiar dishes that are comforting, nourishing and rooted in the flavours he grew up with. The introduction of Dak Kalguksu is particularly interesting, especially for diners who may not have tried this Korean staple before. Its broth, made from the same painstakingly prepared stock used for the signature Samgyetang, also gives the menu a sense of continuity. With its Hansang-inspired approach to dining, Kimpson’s Table feels suited for both casual meals and gatherings where dishes are shared around the table. From comforting bowls of noodles and Samgyetang to crispy fried chicken and freshly made pancakes, the menu offers a strong mix of hearty, approachable Korean favourites.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
Kimpson’s Table
Far East Square
134 Amoy Street
#01-01
Singapore 049963
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 9pm
Sat: 12pm - 7pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road and walk to The Clan Hotel. Go around the corner of the hotel and walk to the lane behind. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]
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