Namu Bulgogi @ Hillion Mall - Launches Singapore’s Largest Halal Samgyetang Range with 9 Variations

Namu Bulgogi, the halal-certified Korean concept known for its bold flavours and accessible dining, returns with a compelling new reason to visit — the launch of Singapore’s largest authentic halal-certified samgyetang range. With nine variations priced under $30, the new menu explores both traditional roots and modern interpretations of Korea’s iconic ginseng chicken soup, as well as a refreshed tongdak-gui offering.

Signature Wild Mushroom Samgyetang

A standout among the line-up, the Signature Wild Mushroom Samgyetang ($27.90++) layers shiitake, enoki and shimeji into a deeply earthy broth. The result is a comforting bowl rich in natural umami, with each sip carrying a lingering savouriness that feels both hearty and restorative. The mushrooms lend body and depth, complementing the tender chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and giving the dish a nourishing, almost therapeutic quality.

Traditional Hanbang Samgyetang

For purists, the Traditional Hanbang Samgyetang ($25.90++) delivers exactly what one would expect from this time-honoured dish. The clear, slow-simmered broth is clean yet flavourful, drawing sweetness from the chicken and the subtle bitterness of premium ginseng. It’s light on the palate but deeply comforting, the kind of dish often associated with recovery and daily wellness in Korean culture.

Perilla Samgyetang

The Perilla Samgyetang ($29.90++) introduces a distinctive herbal dimension. The generous addition of perilla leaves imparts a nutty, slightly minty aroma that lingers pleasantly. It is a more acquired profile, but one that feels soothing and fragrant, offering a refreshing departure from the usual richness of samgyetang.

Black Garlic Samgyetang

The Black Garlic Samgyetang ($29.90++) leans towards a richer, more robust flavour profile. The black garlic infuses the broth with a gentle sweetness and caramelised depth, creating a fuller-bodied soup that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Seafood Samgyetang

Blending surf and turf, the Seafood Samgyetang (29.90++) introduces a briny sweetness into the classic format. The seafood elements elevate the broth with an added layer of umami, making it taste more complex while still retaining the comforting essence of traditional samgyetang.

Black Sesame Chestnut Samgyetang

Creamy and nutty, the Black Sesame Chestnut Samgyetang ($27.90++) stands out for its unique texture. The broth is thicker and more velvety, with the nuttiness of black sesame and chestnut coming through distinctly. It’s a heartier variation that feels especially satisfying.

Tomato Collagen Samgyetang

A modern twist, the Tomato Collagen Samgyetang ($27.90++) introduces a subtle tang from sun-ripened tomatoes. The broth takes on a slightly brighter profile, cutting through the richness while maintaining a smooth, collagen-rich consistency.

Kimchi Samgyetang 

The Kimchi Samgyetang ($27.90++) brings a punchy, tangy edge to the table. The aged kimchi paste adds acidity and spice, lifting the overall flavour and making it particularly appetising. It’s a bold reinterpretation that will appeal to those who enjoy stronger flavours.

Tongdak-gui

Beyond soups, Namu Bulgogi continues to impress with its refined Tongdak-gui, now more accessible from $23.90++. The whole rotisserie chicken is stuffed generously with glutinous rice, ginseng, jujube and shiitake mushrooms — echoing the essence of samgyetang but presented in a roasted format.

What sets it apart is the oakwood smoke-grilling technique. The slow, steady burn imparts a delicate smokiness with a subtle vanilla-like sweetness, resulting in a beautifully crisp, lightly charred skin. Beneath it, the meat remains tender and juicy, easily falling off the bone. The stuffing absorbs the rich juices from the chicken, making it just as enjoyable as the meat itself.

With this extensive samgyetang line-up, Namu Bulgogi successfully bridges tradition and innovation, offering something for both purists and adventurous diners. The variety ensures that each visit can feel different, whether you’re seeking a classic restorative bowl or a modern, flavour-forward interpretation. Coupled with the well-executed tongdak-gui, the refreshed menu reinforces the brand’s position as a go-to spot for comforting, halal Korean fare in Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Namu Bulgogi
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#B2-55/56
Singapore 678278
Tel: +65 90211427
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 9pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shabu Days @ Bukit Panjang - Affordable Solo Shabu-Shabu Sets from S$14.90

Tucked within the bustling Kopitiam Food Hall at Hillion Mall, Shabu Days presents a personal shabu-shabu concept that is both comforting and convenient, ideal for a quick midday recharge or a fuss-free dinner. The concept of solo hotpot dining is executed with thoughtful precision here, offering well-balanced sets that feel both nourishing and accessible for everyday indulgence.

Starting from an approachable S$14.90, each set at Shabu Days is designed to deliver a complete and satisfying meal. Diners can choose from nine cut-to-order mains, spanning from classic options such as Chicken Thigh ($14.90), Pork Collar ($16.90) and Beef Brisket ($19.90) to more premium selections like Australian Wagyu ($29.90), Japanese A5 Wagyu ($39.90), and the Seafood Treasure Platter ($29.90). The variety ensures there is something for every palate and occasion.

Japanese A5 Wagyu Chuck Roll

Pork Collar

During our visit, we opted for the Japanese A5 Wagyu Chuck Roll and Pork Collar. Sliced upon order, the meats showcased beautiful colour and marbling, immediately hinting at their quality. The Japanese A5 Wagyu, in particular, was richly marbled, delivering a buttery tenderness and depth of flavour that melted effortlessly with each swish in the broth. The Pork Collar, on the other hand, offered a satisfying balance of lean meat and delicate fat, remaining juicy and flavourful after cooking.

Bonito Kombu Broth 4.2/5

Tangy Tomato Broth 4.2/5

Complementing the meats is a selection of nourishing broths, each bringing its own distinct character to the experience. The Bonito Kombu broth stood out with its clean, umami-rich profile, layered with the subtle sweetness of kombu and the smokiness of bonito. The Herbal Angelica broth offered a gentle, comforting herbal note, while the Tangy Tomato provided a light, refreshing acidity that brightened the meal. For those seeking bolder flavours, the Sukiyaki broth paired with a pasteurised egg delivers a sweet-savoury richness. In contrast, the Spicy Umami broth caters to those who prefer a more robust and punchy base.

Each set is accompanied by a thoughtfully assembled Yasai Garden Bowl, featuring a colourful medley of seasonal vegetables, including green and red coral lettuce, enoki and shimeji mushrooms, and carrot and pumpkin. This not only adds vibrancy to the meal but also balances the richness of the meats with freshness and texture. Diners can further customise their set with a choice of carbohydrates, Calrose white rice, ramen or udon alongside the "Three Treasures" of kinchaku, mini chikuwa and gyoza, rounding out the meal with additional variety.

A highlight of the Shabu Days experience is the signature DIY Egg Risotto (add $3.50). Using the remaining broth, diners can transform it into a comforting, risotto-style dish by adding rice, a pasteurised egg, and condiments. This interactive finale is both satisfying and resourceful, allowing the broth's flavours to culminate in a warm, hearty finish.

Overall, Shabu Days delivers a well-executed solo hotpot experience that strikes a fine balance between quality, value and convenience. With its curated sets, quality ingredients and comforting flavours, it is a concept that invites repeat visits, whether for a quick solo meal or a casual, satisfying indulgence.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Shabu Days
Kopitiam Food Hall
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#02-15-20
Singapore 678278
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]

The Hainan Story (海南宝) @ Hillion Mall - 5 Hainanese Brands Under One Roof, Including Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee And Newspaper Curry Rice

The Hainan Story on a Saturday afternoon was bustling with diners. I see the reason for their popularity, as they have a huge variety of food and offer very family-friendly options.

What is unique about the restaurant's branch here in Hillion Mall is that it houses five different Hainanese brands under one space. These include the renowned Ah Chiang's Porridge, Wee Nam Kee and Newspaper Curry Rice. The space was renovated to look like a vibrantly decorated mini coffeeshop.

Local Beverages

You will find a full list of the familiar local offerings on the beverage menu. We had our usual Kopi and Teh, decently fragrant though a tad sweet.

1980’s Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs 4/5

On the Western menu by Uncle Robert Hainanese Western & BBQ, we had the traditional 1980's Hainanese Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chip Crumbs ($16.80). The BBQ sauce leans sweeter than we'd like, but the crunch on the cutlet was good. We saw several younger diners enjoying this. Other options from the Western menu include pasta, fish and chips and a kids menu.

Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set 4.5/5

Newspaper Curry Rice's Mama Wee Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($9.80) was easily our top favourite of our meal here. The curry here may be different from your liking if you prefer thicker and more lemak renditions, but I loved how this carried a lighter consistency and was superbly fragrant.

My dining companions and I thought this was value for money too. A portion has steamed rice, omelette, sambal tempeh, prawn crackers, drumstick and a side of additive lotus root and brinjal. The accompanying sambal belacan packed a good punch too.

Ah Chiang Mix Porridge Set 4/5

From Ah Chiang's Porridge, we had the Mix Porridge Set: Pork Ball & Sliced Meat ($9.80), which came with half a youtiao. I don't eat porridge that much, but my dining companion, who does, enjoyed this bowl.

The porridge was sufficiently smooth and thick, with a generous amount of tender pork and pork balls. Porridge options here are categorised into pork, batang fish and century egg.

Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice 3.8/5

Wee Nam Kee's Steamed Chicken Drumstick Rice ($7.10) came complete with a bowl of soup and the classic condiments of chilli, dark soy and ginger sauce. While the chicken meat was tender and succulent, the rice could be much more fragrant.

Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken 3.8/5

If you have laksa cravings, the Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($9.80) is a decent option. It is pricier, however, served with steamed chicken, crispy pork skin, fish cake, hard-boiled egg and tau pok.

High-Tea Special 3.5/5

I never expected to see a three-tiered High-Tea Special ($34.80) on the menu! On the base, it features an assortment of fried items such as chicken wings, prawns, fries and ngoh hiang. The middle tier has kaya toast and the traditional Hainanese kueh, Yi Bua. Finally, on top, there are cookies and the eatery's popular mini swiss rolls (orh nee, ondeh ondeh). The set comes inclusive of two drinks.

The two bottom tiers were, unfortunately, average. Our unanimous preferred item was the mini swiss rolls which you can purchase in individual pieces from their bakery.

Speaking about the bakery, do make sure to take a look. The small space is built in the same area as the eatery, accessible from the dining space or from the exterior of Hillion Mall.

Breads were constantly freshly baked, leaving a lovely aroma in the space. We bagged home several recommendations, the Char Siew Bolo ($3.80), Yam Floss Bun ($2.20) and Curry Chicken Polo Bolo ($3.80). All three were fresh and fluffy but could do with slightly more filling.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
Tel: +65 69708191
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Website
Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am – 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Garden Street Kway Chap (呀侖街粿汁) @ Bukit Panjang - Popular Kway Chap Stall In Serangoon Opens New Outlet In The West

Helmed by third-generation hawker Jason, the popular Garden Street Kway Chap from Serangoon Market & Food Centre has now found its way to the West, in Pending, Bukit Panjang.

From its times in the 1940s till now, the stall has been serving up comforting bowls of herbal kway chap. In addition, they offer a variety of meat and non-meat options, from small intestines, pig stomach, and pig skin, to braised beancurd, fried fishcake and braised eggs. This new outlet also features two new menu items, the Pig Organ Soup ($5) and Pig Stomach Soup ($5).

Kway Chap 4.2/5

Ordering is straightforward. There is the Kway Chap Set for 1 ($5), Set for 2 ($11) or even the Non-meat Set for 1 ($4.50). If you are keen on a la carte, that is also available at varying prices for the ingredients.

We tried an assortment of ingredients, and the standouts were the tender and very well-cleaned pork innards and the slices of fried fishcake. Their innards were braised lightly and not gamey.

The Kway ($0.60 for small) came in a smooth, lighter-flavoured broth. If you are hungry, go for the bigger bowl at $0.90.

The queue looked short when we arrived on a Saturday morning, but expect a bit of a waiting time.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Garden Street Kway Chap
Kim San Leng Coffeeshop
259 Bukit Panjang Road
#01-36
Singapore 670259
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Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 8pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to Bukit Panjang LRT Station. Take the LRT to Pending Station. Walk to Bukit Panjang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to bus stop at Bukit Panjang MRT station (Stop ID 44029). Take bus number 171. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to Bukit Panjang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to Bukit Panjang Bus Interchange (Stop ID 45009). Take bus number 976. Alight 4 stops later. Walk to Bukit Panjang Road. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 14 minutes. [Map]

The Hainan Story (海南寶) @ Hillton Mall - New 5-In-1 Multi-brand Restaurant Brings Together The Best Of Hainanese Cuisine

New at Hillton Mall is The Hainan Story, a 5-in-1 multi-brand restaurant at Hillion Mall. It brings together the following five brands under one roof. They are Newspaper Curry Rice, The Hainan Story, Uncle Robert Western, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge.

Toast with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter 4/5

The Hainan Story brand shares the same restaurant name. It offers old-school breakfasts. The Traditional Hainanese Toasts are thick and fluffy with a pillowy-soft centre and crisp crust. This is best eaten with Homemade Gula Melaka Kaya & Cold Butter. Not to forget to go along with a cup of Kopi Gu You. Coffee with a slice of butter.

Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice 4.2/5

Besides the coffee and toasts, The Hainan Story has several claypot dishes such as Hainanese Claypot Chicken Char Siew Rice ($8.50), Hainanese Claypot Ee-fu Noodle Soup ($8.50), Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($8.50) and Ah Kor Hainanese Lamb Stew with Rice ($11.80). I had the lamb stew, which is incredibly tender. The sauce is mildly sweet with a hint of herbal, best to go with a plate of steaming white rice.

Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set 4/5

During British colonial rule, a dish that originated in Singapore is the Hainanese Curry Rice, where the Hainanese chefs' combined pork chop from British cuisine, and ingredients like curry chicken, chap chye and babi pongteh from Peranakan cuisine. Offering this at The Hainan Story is the brand Newspaper Curry Rice. There are six different sets such as the Mama Wee's Hainanese Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($7.80), Mama Wee's Hainanese Kou Rou Set ($8.80), Nanyang Flavour Fried Chicken Drumstick Set ($6.80), Signature Fried Pork Cutlet Set ($8.80), Prawn Fritter Set ($8.80) and Crispy Fried Silver Dory Fish Set ($9.80).

Old English Oxtail Stew 4.5/5

During the British colonial era in Singapore, many Hainanese chefs worked for British families. They created a unique take on western food with their Hainanese roots, giving the classic British cuisine a distinctly Asian take. A must-try dish is the Old English Oxtail Stew ($18.80), braised for hours with fresh tomatoes, spices and onions. The melt in the mouth meat is even paired with homemade mashed potatoes. Another nostalgia dish on the menu is the 1980's Hainanese Fried Pork Cutlet Coated with Potato Chips Crumbs ($14.80).

Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet 3.5/5

Another interesting dish is the Chicken Rice Fried Rice with Pork Cutlet. The dish used the chicken rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice and paired it with their pork cutlet. Unlike the usual pork cutlet, it is coated with potato chips crumbs instead of breadcrumbs for that extra crunchiness. However, the chicken rice fried rice was a letdown. I didn't taste the chicken rice flavour. It tasted just like regular fried rice.

More famous brands like Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge and Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice make up the five concepts in Singapore. Ah Chiang's Traditional Porridge offers a bowl of comforting traditional porridge, with close to half a century of porridge-making expertise. Of course, how can we not include Hainanese Chicken Rice from Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, an iconic dish put Singapore in the world map?

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The Hainan Story (海南寶)
Hillion Mall
17 Petir Road
#01-15/16
Singapore 678278
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Bukit Panjang (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 730am - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bukit Panjang MRT station. Take Exit A2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]