Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks @ Neil Road - Bringing the Lively Spirit of Korea to Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks brings the lively energy of Korea's iconic dining culture right to our doorstep. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Sinchon, Seoul, this casual eatery celebrates all things Korean — flavour-packed dishes, refreshing drinks, and the warmth of shared meals with Korean heritage.

Refillable Banchan 3.5/5

Sinchon offers two types of refillable Banchan, both of which are excellent palate cleansers. They are tangy, spicy, and delightfully crunchy.

Fresh Oyster 3.8/5

The Fresh Oysters ($25 for 5 pieces) were a highlight. They were served with minimal chilli toppings that enhanced rather than masked their natural brininess. The freshness was unmistakable, delivering a taste of the ocean in every bite.

Scallop Butter Grill 3.8/5

The Scallop Butter Grill ($24 for 4 pieces) was a delectable starter. The savoury melted cheese atop the tender scallops added a rich layer of flavour, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs 3.8/5

Sinchon's Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs ($50 for 1 piece, $80 for 2 pieces) are marinated in-house by the owner. They boast a fresh taste with a perfect balance of saltiness. The crabs' jelly-like texture, combined with a hint of spice, creates a harmonious flavour that's truly satisfying.

We were told that the traditional way to enjoy this is with seaweed and white rice. It is a very interesting experience.

Mixed Sashimi Platter 4/5

It was our first experience with Korean Sashimi, and it was an eye-opener! Unlike Japanese sashimi's delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Korean-style sashimi boasts a firmer, chewier bite, with some cuts even offering a satisfying crunch. The variety of textures alone made it an exciting dish to explore.

What's even more delightful is the versatility of how you can enjoy it. You can dip it simply in wasabi and soy sauce, wrap it in shiso leaf or lettuce with garlic and chilli for a burst of flavour, roll it in seaweed, or pair it with Korean chilli sauce for a spicy kick. Each method brings out a unique aspect of the sashimi, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

The Mixed Sashimi Platter ($68) offers a customizable selection of premium fish, including Rockfish, Korean Halibut, and Flounder, all flown in fresh from Korea. The options vary with availability and seasonality, ensuring the freshest catch every time.

Cheese Steamed Egg 3/5

A quintessential Korean comfort dish, the Cheese Steamed Egg ($15) arrived piping hot and fluffy. While the egg was slightly overcooked, the addition of cheese offered a rich flavour. A suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate melted cheese within the egg for a smoother texture rather than placing it on top.

Japchae 3.5/5

The Japchae ($22) featured a medley of vegetables, mushrooms, fish cake, and chewy glass noodles, all brought together with fragrant sesame oil. While the flavours were milder compared to other versions, the overall dish was light and satisfying.

Kimchi Pancake 3.8/5

The Kimchi Pancake ($20) impressed with its crispy exterior and generous chunks of kimchi embedded within the batter. The pancake was light yet flavourful, offering a delightful balance of textures, tanginess and spice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

Sinchon's Kimchi Fried Rice ($15) was an undeniable favourite. It was packed with strong kimchi flavours and topped with a perfectly crispy egg with a runny yolk and seaweed garnish. This dish was so addictive that it kept us coming back for more.

Stir-Fry Chilli Pork 3.5/5

Served on a sizzling hotplate, the Stir-Fry Chilli Pork ($30) featured marinated pork chunks accompanied by fresh lettuce and big pieces of Shiso leaves, which is rarely seen in Singapore's version of this dish. While the dish was flavourful, the pork could have been more tender and spicier to elevate the experience.

Clams Stew 4/5

The Clams Stew ($40) served bubbling over a flame is on fire, literally. The spicy broth was packed with meaty clams, sweet white radish and a fiery kick that made it perfect for a rainy night. However, non-spicy eaters should approach with caution!

Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju 4/5

Refreshing and vibrant, the Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju ($18 per glass, $48 per jug) were delightful beverages to accompany the meal. The fruity Soju also come in pineapple flavour, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.

After indulging in Sinchon's diverse menu, it's clear that this spot is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience. The thoughtful attention to detail, authentic Korean flavours, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect place for food lovers and social diners alike. Come here for a slice of Seoul in Singapore.

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


Sinchon
55 Neil Road
Singapore 088892
Tel: +65 81891538
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minut4es. [Map]

Odem @ New Bahru - Modern Korean Restaurant and Craft Makkoli Bar

In New Bahru, Singapore's latest trendy lifestyle and dining destination, Odem is a modern Korean restaurant and craft makkoli bar. Nestled in the corner of this vibrant development, Odem brings a fresh take on Korean cuisine with a contemporary twist. During my visit, I had the chance to sample several standout dishes.

Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter 4/5

We began our meal with the Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter ($20). With its soy glaze, the brioche was soft, buttery, and delightful. The highlight, however, was the Gamtae seaweed butter, which paired perfectly with the warm brioche, enhancing its flavours and adding a hint of umami. It's a simple dish but incredibly satisfying.

Banchan Platter 3/5

Next, we tried the Banchan Platter ($24), which consisted of Granochi (an Anchovy Granola bar with anchovies, nuts, and seeds), Dubu mousse, kimchi, Spinach & Tott, Cucumber Kimchi, and Gim Chips. The Granochi was my personal favourite, offering a nice crunchy texture, while the cucumber kimchi was refreshing. However, considering most Korean restaurants serve banchan for free, I don't know if I would justify paying for this platter.

Makkoli Flights

Odem distinguishes itself from typical Korean restaurants by offering an impressive array of handcrafted makkoli sourced from across South Korea. They've curated two tasting flights for those unfamiliar with makkoli: Odem Quintet ($60) and Moonshots ($88). For those eager to explore, this is a fun way to delve into the world of makkoli, with a range of flavours and profiles that complement the modern Korean fare.

Savoury Donut 4.2/5

The Savoury Donut ($15) was a pleasant surprise. Fluffy and dusted with smoked gochugaru, the donut had a delicate sweetness that balanced perfectly with the savoury filling. Bite into it, and you'll find a delicious combination of shio kelp, salmon roe, and creme fraiche, making it a unique burst of flavours. A definite must-try!

Toro Kimbap 4.8/5

One of my favourite dishes of the night was the Toro Kimbap ($55). The generous portions of chutoro and akami were luxurious, wrapped with perilla, pickled radish, kelp-soy, and sesame. The balance of fish to rice ratio was perfect, and the freshness of the fish elevated this dish. It's a luxurious spin on the classic kimbap and absolutely worth the splurge.

Barbecued Kalbi 5/5

The star of the night was undoubtedly the Barbecued Kalbi ($78). These US boneless beef ribs were marinated to perfection, boasting a sweet glaze that beautifully complemented the charred exterior with tender, juicy ribs that melted in the mouth. This dish was a showstopper, served with a side of watercress salad dressed in tokki butter sauce. If you only try one dish here, make sure it's this one.

Chapssal Donut, Pine Nut Gelato (3pc) 3.5/5

We ended the meal with the Chapssal Donut with Pine Nut Gelato ($18 for 3 pieces). The donuts, filled with red bean paste, offered a nice twist from the usual dessert offerings. While the donuts were good, I actually enjoyed the Pine Nut Gelato more. It was light and refreshing, making for a lovely palate cleanser after the richer dishes. I wouldn't mind having just the gelato to wrap up the meal.

Odem offers a refreshing take on modern Korean cuisine with unique twists and luxurious ingredients. The ambiance, paired with their expertly crafted dishes, makes it an exciting dining spot to explore. While some items might seem a little pricey (especially considering banchan is usually complimentary), the quality of the food and the innovative takes make it worth a visit. If you're looking to indulge in something new, be sure to try the Toro Kimbap and Barbecued Kalbi!

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Odem
New Bahru
46 Kum Yam Road
#01-17
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 8494 8626
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 5pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 12pm - 2pm, 5pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

Chef X @ Clarke Quay Central - Wanting Kimchi the 2nd Home-Based Chef to Take Residency at The Commerical Space

After Baker X's successful launch at Orchard Central, the Far East Organization introduced Chef X at Clarke Quay Central. This retail innovation allows home-based chefs to experience running a restaurant in a commercial space with minimal risk. Each resident chef helms the 24-seater restaurant for four to eight weeks, serving dine-in customers and offering takeaway options.

I recently visited Chef X to experience Wanting Kimchi, the second line-up at this innovative space, from 1 July to 26 August 2024. Diners can expect an array of signature low salt, sugar, and MSG-free handcrafted fermented side dishes alongside new hot dishes.

Banchan 4.2/5

We began our dinner with an array of Banchan, handcrafted by Wanting, the founder of Wanting Kimchi. Each side dish was meticulously fermented from scratch using the freshest, highest-quality produce, naturally rich in antioxidants and probiotics. The effort and dedication to crafting these banchan were evident in every bite. Highlights include Wanting Kimchi's top sellers: Signature Cabbage Kimchi ($15 per tub) and Addictive Apple Kimchi ($15 per tub).

Kimchi Jjim 5/5

Next, we had the Kimchi Jjim ($69 for 2 pax), a new hot dish introduced by Wanting Kimchi for Chef X. Served in a clay pot, the dish features whole braised kimchi crafted with slow-aged, whole-head cabbage kimchi, accompanied by generous servings of tender pork ribs in a robust, full-bodied homemade stock. The aged kimchi's natural sourness perfectly balanced the meat's richness, whetting our appetites with its depth of flavour.

Doenjang Jjigae 4.5/5

For those who prefer non-spicy options, the Doenjang Jjigae ($25 for 1 pax) is a hearty, delicious, and comforting fermented soybean paste stew. The stew includes tender pork ribs, potatoes, and zucchini, making it a satisfying choice for a wholesome meal.

Probiotic Lemon Cheesecake 4/5

To wrap up our meal, we indulged in the Probiotic Lemon Cheesecake ($9). The sweet and sour combination provided a perfect ending to the meal, with a delightful balance of flavours that left us feeling satisfied and refreshed.

Chef X at Clarke Quay Central is an exciting concept that provides home-based chefs with a platform to showcase their culinary skills in a commercial setting. Wanting Kimchi's residency has been a testament to the potential of this innovative space, offering a unique dining experience with its handcrafted, healthy, and flavourful dishes. Whether you're a fan of traditional Korean banchan or looking to explore new hot dishes, Wanting Kimchi at Chef X is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wanting Kimchi
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Chef X
Clarke Quay Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#03-103/104
Singapore 059817
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sat: 1130am - 9 pm
(Closed on Sun-Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet @ JEM - New Summer Buffet Menu Featuring Seafood Platter with Oysters, Scallops, Prawns and More

Shaburi & Kintan Buffet has been a popular, family-friendly option at JEM. It offers both Shabu-Shabu and Kintan (Japanese BBQ) buffet options at various price points. The restaurant has launched a new seasonal Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter/Kintan Platter as part of summer celebrations.

From now till 27 June 2024, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter is available at an attractive 20% discount, priced at $68.04++ for 2 pax (U.P. $78.80++). After that, it will return to its original price point and remain available until the end of August.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Buffet 4/5

The restaurant was decked out in vibrant decor that matched the summer vibes. Look out for the blue food tags to identify the special seasonal items!

Twin Pot

With the whole range of broths available, we definitely appreciated that we could opt for two broths instead of just one. For an additional $1, you can opt for the Twin Pot. We chose the classic Original Kombu and Chicken Collagen Paitan for our first pot and the seasonal Creamy Truffle and Clear Truffle for our second. Other broth options include Hot Miso, Tonkotsu, and Sukiyaki.

Banchan

We enjoyed the Banchan more than we expected! The sesame spinach, beansprouts, kimchi and radish tasted fresh and had a good crunch.

Sushi Rolls

However, the Sushi Rolls, mainly consisting of chicken and a higher rice-to-meat ratio, were skippable in favour of better carb options.

Takoyaki

At the Fried Food section, you can find Tempura Sweet Potato, French Fries and Takoyaki, all of which we noticed were popular with children.

Tori Karaage

Among the starters, there was Chawanmushi and Tori Karaage available. The latter was chunky and seasoned well, despite lacking crunch.

Hot Food

The Hot Food section offered a variety of dishes, including Bacon with Potatoes, Beef Japchae, Curry Chicken, Yakisoba and Ginger Fried Rice. We were pleasantly surprised by the Ginger Fried Rice, which had a lingering ginger aroma.

Condiments

All Condiments are included in the buffet price, and there is a good selection of sauces to choose from. Take a look at their sauce board for the restaurant's recommended mixes. I liked the Japanese Favourite, a tangy and refreshing mix of ponzu, original Shaburi sauce, and Japanese leek. The seasonal spicy Shaburi sauce, studded with sesame seeds, is perfect for those who like more heat.

Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter

Next came the buffet's highlight, the Natsu Matsuri Shaburi Platter, served in a wooden boat. It featured a range of seafood, including Half-Shell Scallops, Cooked Prawns, Fresh Salmon, Baby Cuttlefish, Oysters, and White-Shell Clams. Our favourites were the plump scallops and crunchy prawns.

Special Shabu Meat

As part of the buffet, we could select two plates of Special Shabu Meat. We chose the Tender Chicken, Homemade Chicken Ball, Iberico Pork, and Pork Cheese Shabu. The meats were thinly sliced and fresh, without any gamey smell. The Pork Cheese Shabu was particularly interesting, with cheese slices served alongside the pork. We were taught to roll the cheese up before putting it into the bubbling pot for a quick cook for that cheesy ooze.

Shabu ingredients

Shabu ingredients are free-flowing for all diners, including leafy vegetables and chilled/frozen options like fishcakes, crabsticks, chikuwa, and fish balls. We enjoyed the fresh ingredients, including black fungus, corn, mushrooms, tofu, egg, etc.

Chocolate Fondue

For desserts, we started with the Chocolate Fondue, which featured bittersweet chocolate with choices of marshmallows, churros, and more to pair. Unfortunately, we found the churros and donuts a bit too hard and preferred the fresh fruits.

Dango

The time-limited Dango leaned more dense. They come in pairs on a stick, with sauces on the side to drizzle over. While we found the Dango average, the black sesame paste was rich and fragrant.

DIY Kakigori Station

The DIY Kakigori Station, located with the beverage machines, allowed us to make our own shaved ice. Pour the ice cubes into the top of the machine, switch it on, and you will have a bowl of shaved ice in no time. Drizzle with sauces such as Strawberry sauce, Blue Hawaii sauce, and Condensed Milk before pairing with azuki red beans or even soft serve and warabi mochi. While the ice wasn't as fine in texture, it was a fun experience.

As part of the summer celebration, diners who spend a minimum of $80 can participate in their Sure-win Gachapon Game, with prizes such as return cash vouchers and cute keychains.

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.


Shaburi & Kintan Buffet
JEM
#03-11/12
50 Jurong Gateway Road
Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 4329
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Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Jurong East MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]