Bancheria @ Concourse Skyline (Beach Road) - Where Banchan Meets Tapas, First Korean X Spanish Concept in Singapore

Singapore has seen its fair share of fusion concepts, but Bancheria sets itself apart as the first Korean x Spanish dining experience. Cosy yet vibrant, the restaurant is a playful stage where tapas and banchan meet, creating bold, unexpected flavour pairings. Bancheria feels both familiar and adventurous, precisely the kind of place where you'll want to bring friends to eat, drink and explore.

Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter 4/5

Our meal began with the show-stopping Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter ($12 per guest), a colourful spread of nine in-house banchan. Seasonal and ever-changing, the platter promises a different mix with every visit. Highlights from our visit included the crunchy pickled mustard greens, Spanish tortilla, Jeju mandarin kimchi and spicy jamón cucumber. The platter is priced per head, must be ordered by the whole table and comes with up to three refills. This makes the perfect bite over drinks.

Bancheria Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam 4/5

Bancheria Paaprika Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If there's one thing Bancheria does well, it's fried food. We sampled two signature tapas: Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam ($7 for 3 pcs) and Paprika Fried Chicken Wings ($12 for 2 pcs). The mozzarella balls are exactly what you'd expect - hot, stretchy cheese encased in a crisp shell, but the kimchi tomato jam takes them up a notch, cutting through the richness with a tangy-sweet bite. The chicken wings were a revelation with crispy skin and juicy meat. Totally unexpected for wings to taste this good.

Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 3.8/5

The Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg ($18) is indulgence done right, starting with the fries themselves, which are crispy, golden and easily some of the best fries I've had in a while. The creamy broken egg ties everything together, coating each fry in a rich, velvety layer. A generous snowfall of shredded cheese adds nutty depth while the jamón brings a punch of savoury-salty flavour that keeps things exciting. This is a great alternative to the usual truffle fries.

Iberico Bulgogi & Pipparas Montadito 4/5

Soy Crab Salad Montadito 3/5

Next came the Montaditos, open-faced bites served on crusty bread. The Iberico Bulgogi & Piparras ($8) was an instant favourite with tender, savoury bulgogi elevated by the kick of fresh piparras peppers. The Soy Crab Salad ($8) had generous chunks of crab, which I appreciated, though my dining partner found it a touch fishy. A squeeze of lime would have brightened the flavours and brought balance.

Chorizo Tteokbokki 5/5

For something heartier, the Chorizo Tteokbokki ($22) is a must-order. Chewy tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) are coated in an addictive gochujang cream, layered with broken manchego and finished with aged sherry vinegar. The dish also hides pieces of Korean fish cake for extra texture and nostalgia. It's rich, bold and utterly satisfying that we cleaned the plate in minutes. It's no surprise this is Bancheria's bestseller; it's the dish we're already craving to return for.

Hotteok with Homemade Honey Selections 3.8/5

Churros with Plum & Cinnamon 3.8/5

Desserts at Bancheria are as playful as the savouries. The Hotteok ($5 per pc) arrives with a tasting flight of housemade honeys, each infused with unique flavours like orange peel, barley, corn, peppermint and even garlic. We loved the crispy pancake skin with its gooey brown sugar centre, especially paired with the orange peel honey.

The Churros ($4 per pc) are dusted with plum and cinnamon, an inventive twist that’s intriguing, though we still prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar (which is also available). A new Gochujang Chocolate Dip is in the works, which we’ll definitely be back to try. For cheesecake lovers, keep an eye out as Basque Burnt Cheesecake by Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià will soon debut on the menu as well!

Solmija

House Sangria (Red)

Be sure to check out Bancheria's cocktails, priced at a very approachable $12. We tried the Solmija (gin, lemon, mint, omija, egg white), which is refreshing with a touch of herbaceous complexity and the House Sangria (Red), a fruit-infused wine topped with a foamy crown of red wine. Both were easy-drinking and perfect complements to the bold flavours of the food.

Bancheria is more than a fusion restaurant — it's a creative playground that makes you excited to see what's next. With a cosy, friendly vibe, pet-friendly outdoor seating and a menu that evolves with seasonal banchan and new creations, it's the kind of spot that rewards repeat visits. Just make sure to book ahead as tables are limited, especially on weekends.

PS: By popular demand, the full menu will be available all day on weekends starting 6 September 2025. Weekday lunch features lunch sets alongside selected tapas.

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


Bancheria
Concourse Skyline
302 Beach Road
#01-06
Singapore 199600
Tel: +65 8788 3337
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Masizzim @ 313 Somerset - Expanded Menu Offering Shabu-Shabu, Crabmeat Egg Roll & More

The popular Korean restaurant, Masizzim has expanded their menu, offering new dishes such as Shabu-Shabu, crabmeat egg roll and spicy octopus. The new dishes will be available at both the 313 Somerset and Westgate outlets.

Shabu-Shabu 4/5

The newly launched Shabu-Shabu comes in spicy and non-spicy soup base. Customers have a choice of pork collar ($17.90 single portion), beef short plate ($19.90 single portion) or premium wagyu beef ($24.90 single portion) for the their shabu-shabu. Each shabu-shabu set also includes a bowl of assorted vegetables and mushrooms, Korean ramyeon and dipping sauces. Diners can also request for add-ons which is available at a nominal price.

Bulgogi Rice Ball Pork and Beef 4.2/5

Following their popular seafood-based rice balls, Masizzim has added new renditions incorporating Bulgogoi Fried Pork ($9) and Bulgogi Fried Beef ($10) into the mixed grain rice with seaweed, kimchi and sesame seeds. If you are new to the dish, it is served in a deconstructed bowl whereby customers need to get their hand dirty, to shape their own rice balls.

King's Ribs 3.5/5

Slow cooked to fork tender in Masizzim's secret stew sauce is the King's Ribs ($16.90). It is then stir fried with capsicums, red dates, king oyster mushrooms, chilli powder and sesame seeds. Unfortunately I find the sauce a bit too sweet for my liking.

Spicy Octopus 3.8/5

Another new dish on the menu is the Spicy Octopus ($17) served in a bed of blanched beansprouts. I thought the sauce can be more fiery. Customers can also eat it like a wrap, wrapping the baby octopus in the soft tortilla. I feel that the restaurant can serve more of the soft tortilla as it goes really well with the spicy octopus and beansprouts.

Crabmeat Egg Roll 4.5/5

Last but not least, my favourite item of the expanded menu is the Crabmeat Egg Roll ($12.90). This is great for sharing. Stuffed with real shredded crabmeat and seaweed, the omelette is sweet, fluffy and pillowy. One word - Oishii!

Overall I feel that diners will enjoy the new dishes at Masizzim and it has given diners more choices and reasons for a re-visit. Moreover, the price is pretty reasonable.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Masizzim
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 65095808
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to 313 Somerset. Take the escalator to basement 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Two Hana @ Century Square - Bringing Two Cultures, Korean And Western Together

There are quite a number of restaurants and eateries to check out at the newly re-opened Century Square mall. One of these restaurants and eateries is Two Hana which is located near the mall's taxi stand. It is a Korea meets West cafe concept offering a eclectic menu featuring all-day dining, light bites, hearty mains, alluring dessert, refreshing drinks and specialty coffee from All Press.

Two Hana Drumlets 3.5/5

Since it is a Korean inspired cafe, then we can do without the Korean fried chicken. The Two Hana Drumlets ($9) comes in 2 flavours - Honey Butter and Spicy Yangnyeom. It is a sweet and spicy combination with deep fried crispy skin. The honey butter sauce drumlets are topped with popcorn and almond while the spicy yangnyeom comes with sesame seeds.

Korean Cauliflower Fritters 4/5

Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites 3.5/5

For some light bites on the menu, there are the Korean Cauliflower Fritters ($8) and Kimchi Mac & Cheese Bites ($9). The cauliflower is coated in a light crispy tempura batter and glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce. Up a notch with the kimchi mac & cheese whereby the cheesy filling is spiced up with kimchi chucks enveloped by crispy breadcrumbs.

Bulgogi Sidewinders 3.5/5

If you find having fries alone is rather boring, then the Bulgogi Sidewinders ($9) will be a nice change with its abundance of toppings such as beef bulgogi, creamy bulgogi sauce, kimchi bits, onions and parmeson cheese. It may sounds and looks messy but the combination actually comes together quite well.

Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad 3/5

If you want something light and healthy, there is the Korean Slaw & Rocket Salad ($9). The green consists of an assortment of rockets, cabbage and red cabbage. It is topped with pear, parmesan, mandarin orange, citron jam, yogurt and raisins. I enjoyed how the fruits and jam lend a citrus touch to the earthy greens.

Kimchi Bibimwrap 3/5

A staple Korean dish is the bibimap which is usually served in a bowl. How about the Kimchi Bibimwarp ($12), bibimap in a wrap? The wrap is stuffed with kimgaru rice, spinach, namul, shiitake mushrooms, fried garlic, egg, lettuce, cabbage, toasted sesame dressing and fried garlic. This is a meal on its own. You can also opt not to have rice in the wrap.

Striploin Bap 4/5

Rice bowl has been one the latest food trends in Singapore. Jumping on the bandwagon is the Striploin Bap ($13), its Korean interpretation of the rice bowl. Beautifully seared striploin slices, together with servings of kimchi, spinach, beansprout namul, caramelised onions and poached egg rest on top of the kimgarou rice. In fact, I find the bowl a bit small for the generous servings.

Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod 3/5

The Crisp-Battered Pacific Cod ($14) is served on a bed of doenjang mashed potatoes and comes with a choice of kimchi veloute or honey soy mayonnaise sauce. Unfortunately the highlight of the dish is the doenjang mashed potatoes, made from 60% potatoes, 40% butter and doenjang sauce. The bland tasting pacific cod is overshadowed by the creamy mashed potatoes with chunky bites.

Korean Seafood Cioppino 4.5/5

The dining group's favourite has to be the Korean Seafood Cioppino ($12), brimming with a medley of mussels, clams, prawns, mushroom and carrots stewed in tomatoes cream base. Diners can have a choice of tofu or soft rolls to go with the rich and creamy soup. It's like have a bowl of lobster bisque.

Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank 3.8/5

I thought the Gochujang Braised Lamb Shank ($24) is rather special. Unlike the usual, it is braised in a gochujang tomato sauce. While the braised sauce was delish, I was lacked down by the texture of the lamb shank. I was expecting it to be more tender. It seems that the lamb shank needs more hours in the pot.

Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream 3.5/5

As for dessert, I tried both the Apple Caramel Waffles with Doenjang Caramel Ice Cream ($9) and Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream ($9). The waffles are crispy and dense. The addition of fruits help to cut those density with the yummy ice cream providing the home run.

Strawberry Waffles with Honey Citron Ice Cream 3.5/5

Overall, I feel that Two Hana serves some interesting Korean meets Western dishes but some are not at that level yet. There is potential in the dishes but probably needed more refinement to reach to excellent. Putting the food aside, the cafe serves great coffee using beans from All Press. So don't forget to get your caffeine fix whenever you drop by the cafe.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Two Hana
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#01-21
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Seoul In A Sandwich @ Century Square - Army Stew Sandwich And Issac Toast Inspired Seoul Street Toast

With the opening of revamped Century Square, the residents of Tampines will be glad to have more dining options in the neighbourhood. One of the newest concept to open at the basement of Century Square is Seoul In A Sandwich. It is a takeaway kisok offering a blend of Western breads with Korean food.

Seoul Street Toast 4.2/5

If you have heard of the popular Isaac Toast in the Korean, then you will not be unfamiliar the Seoul Street Toast ($6.50). Probably inspired by the isacc toast, the toasted white bread is sandwiched with onion cabbage omelette, chicken ham and sliced cheese. Bite into it and you will be surprised how wonderfully the different components come together for a hearty breakfast.

Bulgogi Cheesesteak 4/5

To be frank I am not a sandwich person as I find them boring. I am glad that Seoul In A Sandwich has brought something exciting to the table such as the Bulgogi Cheesesteak ($8.50). Flavourful grilled bulgogi beef, with sauteed onions, peppers and melted cheddar and mozzarella mix are sandwiched between two crispy buttered baguette.

Kimchi Prawn Cocktail 4/5

The Kimchi Prawn Cocktail ($7.50) is another unusual combination of toasted buttered focaccia stuffed with crunchy Asian pear, chopped kimchi, prawn cocktail and mesclun salad. The flavours are rich with a hint of spiciness. However I thought the loose prawn cocktail is a bit difficult to handle, it can get a bit messy eating it.

Army Stew-ich 4.5/5

The favourite among the group is the Army Stew-ich ($8.50). Who would have image bringing the popular Korea dish - Army Stew into a sandwich. Between the toasted ciabatta, you can find tteokbokki, chicken sausage, chicken spam, sliced cheese, daikon slaw, gochuang dressing, melted cheddar and mozzarella mix. You just need to try it to know how good it is.

Besides the sandwiches that I have tired, there are others such as Matcha White Chocolate, Ssamjang Chicken, Kimchi Grilled Cheese and more. The best thing is that they are all under $10 and the cheapest is only $3.50.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Seoul In A Sandwich
Century Square
2 Tampines Central 5
#B1-23
Singapore 529509
Tel: +65 62604339
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Tampines (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 10am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tampines MRT station. Take Exit C. Turn left and walk to traffic light junction. Cross the road and walk down Tampines Central 5. Walk to Century Square. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Chicken Up @ Jurong East - Voted The Best Korean Fried Chicken

I actually did not know that Chicken Up has been around since 2010. What surprises me more is that there is a Chicken Up outlet at Jurong East MRT station itself. It is actually located on the ground floor of the station.

Watermelon Soju 4.5/5

Something that I have always wanted to try at Chicken Up after seeing numerous photo of it on social media platforms is their Watermelon Soju. The cocktail blend of soju and watermelon juice makes it a very easy and happy drink to enjoy with friends and families.

Ganjang (Soya) Chicken Wings 4.5/5

One of Chicken Up's bestseller is their Ganjang Chicken Wings ($12). It was even declared as the best korean fried chicken conducted in a blind taste with 8 different brands. This is my first time having it and I can understand why. The freshly deep fried chicken wings which are dipped in Chicken Up's special soya sauce blend, is very crispy on the outside, tender and juicy inside.

Bulgogi Fries 3.5/5

I was told that the Bulgogi Fries ($18) is very popular with the diners. The shoestring fries is topped with thin slices of beef marinated in soy sauce and drizzled over with white garlic sauce and garnished with springs of coriander.

UFO Toppoki 4.2/5

New on the menu is the UFO Toppoki ($35.10) which comprises of rice cake, fish cake and deep fried breaded squid in a spicy chilli paste sauce (gochujang). I have tried many gochujang before but this version is really spicy, it sets my tongue burning. The dish got its name because it is served in an UFO pan. On the side includes other stuff such as caramelized kimchi, cheese, corn cheese, kimchi fried rice, steamed egg and some grinded padano cheese as garnish.

For those that has a big appetite, Chicken Up has a All Day Ala Carte Buffet for both lunch and dinner. It comes with unlimited serving of mega half chicken (spicy, crispy, yangnyum, spicy yangnyum, ganjang), wings/popcorn (ganjang, yangnyum, spicy yangnyum) and side dishes such as fries (kimchi, bulgogi, truffle), topoki, jabchae and fried dumpling.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Chicken Up
Jurong East MRT Station
10 Jurong East Street 12
#01-01
Singaopore 609690
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 11am - 1030pm

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