Showing posts with label Kimchi Pancake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kimchi Pancake. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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

Mixed Sashimi 1

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.

Banchan
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 Oysters 1
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 1
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 Crab 1
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.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crab 3

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

Mixed Sashimi 3
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.

Mixed Sashimi 2

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.

Restaurant 3

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 1
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 2
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 1

Kimchi Pancake 2
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 1

Kimchi Fried Rice 2
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-Fried Chili Pork 1

Stir-Fried Chili Pork 3
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 1

Clams Stew 2
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!

Drinks 1
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.

Restaurant 1

Restaurant 2

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
Instagram
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]

Monday, February 17, 2025

Kko Kko Na Ra @ Hansik Dining Collective (Tanjong Pagar) - OG Korean Restaurant Celebrates 17th Anniversary with Special Gourmet Trail

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Korean food enthusiasts will undoubtedly recognise Kko Kko Na Ra, one of Singapore’s pioneering Korean restaurants that helped popularise Korean fried chicken and late-night dining. This February marks its 17th Anniversary.

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Now located on Level 2 of Hansik Dining Collective, Kko Kko Na Ra is part of a unique Korean dining hub featuring six distinct restaurants and a bar within a two-storey shophouse. The other brands include ChungSa ChoRong, Hanyang Bulgogi, Gogijip, Halmae Gukbap, and My Patio.

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Hansik Dining Collective is offering 17% off signature dishes across all outlets until 31 March 2025 to celebrate this milestone.

Another highlight is the HDC Air Boarding Pass, a curated gourmet trail available for $117 (U.P. $156) or $217 (U.P. $266). Perfect as a gift, the pass lets diners enjoy a signature dish at each restaurant and a complimentary Polaroid photo. It's available for purchase until 28 February 2025 and is valid for three months.

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Korean meals are incomplete without banchan, and we enjoyed the fresh kimchi here, which is made with apples and pears for a subtle sweetness.

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Jipyeong Makgeolli

Our trail experience started with a bottle of Jipyeong Makgeolli ($30) from My Patio. This preservative-free Korean rice wine had a smooth, lightly sweet flavour.

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Cheese Kimchi Pancake 4.2/5

From ChungSa ChoRong, we tried the Cheese Kimchi Pancake ($25), a must-try for cheese lovers. The crispy pancake was generously packed with kimchi and topped with a gooey, stretchy layer of melted cheese.

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Combo Chicken 4/5

Kko Kko Na Ra's Combo Chicken ($35 for 9 pieces) featured a mix of Original, Garlic Soy, and Yang Nyum flavours. While the batter was satisfyingly crispy, we had hoped for juicier meat.

IMG_9602
Siraegi Gukbap 4.5/5

We redeemed a Siraegi Gukbap ($25) from Halmae Gukbap to round off our meal. This comforting dried radish greens soup, served with rice, is exclusive to this restaurant in Singapore and uses imported radish greens from Korea. This comforting and flavourful number was also my favourite of the night, carrying just the right level of heat.

With four dishes redeemed from our HDC Air Boarding Pass, we're excited to return and try the rest.

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.


Kko Kko Na Ra
33 Tras Street
#02-01
Singapore 078973
Tel: +65 6225 9282
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]