Showing posts with label Korean BBQ. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean BBQ. Show all posts

Monday, March 2, 2026

Drim Gold @ Resorts World Sentosa — Singapore's First Cave-Inspired Korean Steakhouse

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Drim Gold marks a confident and polished addition to the dining line-up at WEAVE, the newest lifestyle and dining enclave within Resorts World Sentosa. What sets Drim Gold apart from its predecessor is sheer scale and ambition. This is Singapore's first Korean steakhouse to merge a dramatic, large-scale cave-inspired interior with refined modern Hanok architecture. You enter through a sculpted stone passageway, its textured walls and warm concealed lighting immediately slowing your pace, as if inviting you to leave the bustle of the island behind entirely. Inside, wooden frameworks, layered fabric panels, and raw stone surfaces coexist in a balance that feels simultaneously grounded and quietly luxurious. At its core, Drim Gold champions premium Korean produce, from prized Hanwoo beef to Jeju abalone, framed within a menu that balances indulgence with restraint.

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Kimchi Scampi 4.2/5

Kimchi Scampi comprises two sashimi-grade scampi, arriving plump and glistening. A staff member torches them lightly tableside, just a quick pass of flame that barely kisses the surface. The scampi stays almost raw within, springy and sweet, with that fresh oceanic snap that only top-quality shellfish delivers. The kimchi XO sauce adds depth and umami, delivering a savoury punch without overwhelming the delicate shellfish.

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Jeju Jeonbok Butter Gui4.2/5

Jeju Jeonbok Butter Gui comes with fresh Jeju abalone, gently seared in butter until just tender. Butter coats every surface in a glossy, golden finish, and a scattering of Parmesan cheese and roasted garlic melts into that fat to create a savoury, nutty glaze that clings with every bite. The combination sounds indulgent, and it is.

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Korean Beef Cut – Hanwoo 4.2/5

An exclusive selection of premium Hanwoo Beef, chosen for its fine marbling and clean, refined flavour. Grilled simply, the beef shines with its natural juiciness and tenderness, delivering a depth of flavour that lingers without heaviness. This is Korean beef at its best, allowing quality to speak louder than technique.

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Drim Prime Cut – Signature Galbisal 4/5

Iberico boneless ribs are grilled to reveal their signature nutty richness. Tender and juicy, with just enough char to enhance their natural fats, the Signature Galbisal is satisfying and comforting. While less nuanced than the Hanwoo cuts, it remains a crowd-pleasing option for those who enjoy a richer, meat-forward experience.

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Condiments and Vegetable Wrap

A classic accompaniment done well, featuring ssamjang, kimchi and an assortment of fresh vegetables for wrapping. The condiments add balance and contrast, cutting through the richness of the grilled meats while allowing diners to customise each bite according to their preference.

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DRIM Signature Noodle – Deulgireum Makguksu 4/5

Made with 100% buckwheat, the Deulgireum Makguksu cold noodles are light yet satisfying, coated in fragrant perilla seed oil that lends a gentle nuttiness. Give everything a good toss to fully release the aromas before digging in. A vegetarian option is available, making it a refreshing and inclusive way to round off the meal.

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Korean Beef & Vegetable Hot Pot – Eobok-Jaengban 4.2/5

The Eobok-Jaengban is a generous platter of Hanwoo beef brisket and beef shank, gently simmered in a rich Korean beef broth. The result is comforting and deeply flavourful, with the beef becoming tender as it enriches the soup. Served bubbling at the table, it is both hearty and communal, ending the meal on a warm and satisfying note.

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Overall, Drim Gold delivers a thoughtfully curated Korean dining experience that emphasises ingredient quality, subtle technique and polished presentation. It is a welcome addition to Resorts World Sentosa, appealing to diners seeking premium Korean flavours in a refined yet relaxed setting.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Drim Gold
Weave
Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
#B1-204
Singapore 098138
Tel: +65 65776256
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 3 to Vivocity Monorail Station. Take the Monorail to Sentosa. Alight at Resorts World Station. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 10 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) @ Bugis+ - China's Number 1 BBQ Chain with unique Korean-influenced Clay Stove Barbecue Debuts First Southeast Asia Outpost

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Fresh from the accolades of being crowned China’s Number 1 BBQ chain by the 2025 China Restaurant Industry Awards, Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太) makes its much-anticipated entry into Southeast Asia, right in the heart of Bugis+. With over 600 outlets across China and a reputation for snaking queues in cities like Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, this cult-favourite Korean-style charcoal BBQ brand finally brings its fiery charm to Singapore.

What sets Xita Lao Tai Tai apart is its traditional clay stove charcoal grill, a nod to its origins in the Xita district. The clay stove retains higher heat than conventional grills and imparts a deep, smoky aroma to the meats, an essence born out of heritage and innovation.

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At Xita Lao Tai Tai, beef is unquestionably the star of the show. With an astonishing variety of over 20 cuts to choose from, the menu is a carnivore's dream. Each cut is meticulously curated. Some are left in their natural form to let the pure beefy flavours shine, while others are infused with house-made marinades crafted from a repertoire of 28 secret blends for an added punch of flavour.

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We began with the Xita Speciality Sliced Beef Chuck ($30.90 for 130g), a tender and juicy cut with just the right amount of fat to absorb the smoky kiss of the charcoal grill. The Flagship Feather Blade Steak ($36.90) offered a meatier bite, with rich marbling that turned buttery on the tongue once seared. Equally indulgent was the Marbled Beef Short Rib ($44.90 for 120g), where the luscious fat rendered beautifully over the clay stove, enhancing the cut's natural umami. Meanwhile, the Xita Fatty Beef Short Plate ($27.90 for 130g) was thinly sliced and ideal for quick grilling, delivering bold beefy notes with every bite.

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Among the most memorable was the Pineapple Glazed Beef Rib Finger ($34.90 for 150g), marinated to tender perfection with pineapple juice that gave the meat a subtle sweetness and balanced acidity. The Special Marinated Beef Rib Finger ($32.90 for 140g) was another standout, deeply soaked in the founder's signature Korean-style marinade, which is sweet, savoury, and utterly addictive.

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Whether you're a fan of natural beef flavours or crave bold, marinated cuts, Xita's beef selection offers something to satisfy every palate. It is elevated by the rich, smoky magic of the traditional clay stove grill.

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Non-beef eaters are not left out. Three pork options are available: Thick Cut Pork Belly ($28.90), Special Marinated Pork Collar ($35.90), and Special Marinated Pork Fillet ($30.90), each offering a luscious bite and satisfying grill char. The Secret Marinated Chicken Chop adds even more variety, ensuring something for everyone.

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Spicy Bulgogi Mid Joint Chicken Wings

A variety of cooked dishes and sides, including free-flow banchan (小菜) like kimchi, tofu skin, pumpkin porridge, and more, complement the grilled meats.

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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Feet

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Grandma Seafood Pancake

We particularly enjoyed the Spicy Bulgogi Mid Joint Chicken Wings ($14.90 for 5 pcs), which were succulent with a smoky, sweet heat, and the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Feet ($12.90 for 4 pcs), which offered a satisfying chew and kick. The Grandma Seafood Pancake ($16.90) was crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and generously studded with seafood morsels.

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Cold Buckwheat Noodles

The Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($16.90) are a must-try for something more filling. Served in an icy, tangy broth, the chewy noodles refreshed our palate and contrasted with the bold grilled meats.

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Strawberry Ice Burst 

To cool things off, we ended the meal with the Strawberry Ice Burst ($9.90). It was a refreshing mound of fruity shaved ice, crowned with fresh strawberries. It was light, revitalising, and perfect for combating the grill's heat and Singapore's weather.

Xita Lao Tai Tai brings an immersive and hearty barbecue experience to the Singapore food scene. Its signature clay stove, high-quality meats, extensive marinades, and vibrant sides make it a smoky, flavour-packed adventure worth braving the queue for.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Xita Lao Tai Tai (西塔老太太)
Bugis+
201 Victoria Street
#04-06
Singapore 188067
Tel: +65 6908 4181
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW, DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit C. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Victoria Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Friday, April 11, 2025

Sodeng Street @ Amoy - Singapore’s First Korean BBQ with Grilled Duck

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If you're a fan of Korean BBQ and looking for something beyond the usual beef and pork, Sodeng at Amoy Street is a must-visit. Brought to you by the same folks behind Um Yong Baek, Sodeng is not only dishing out premium cuts of meat but is also Singapore's first Korean BBQ restaurant to serve grilled duck.

While there are two Sodeng outlets in the Telok Ayer vicinity, I visited the one located along Amoy Street. This sleek and modern space offers a traditional Korean BBQ experience elevated by meticulous service and tableside grilling by the attentive staff.

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Exclusive Butcher's Cut 4.5/5

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We began our meal with the Exclusive Butcher's Cut (Seasonal Price), a premium beef selection featuring cuts with gorgeous marbling. Grilled to perfection by the staff, what stood out was how the team went above and beyond by demonstrating multiple ways to enjoy the beef—pairing it with peppercorn, grilled kimchi, or wrapping it with shiso leaves. These extra touches helped bring out different flavour profiles in the meat and enhanced the entire dining experience, setting Sodeng apart from many other K-BBQ spots.

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Fresh Plain Duck 4.2/5

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One of Sodeng's biggest draws is its grilled duck, a first for Korean BBQ in Singapore. The Fresh Plain Duck ($34/pax), made from young duck, is thinly sliced and boasts succulent, tender meat once grilled. The staff guided us through the grilling process and even suggested the best way to enjoy the duck with different condiments. It's a refreshing alternative to the usual meats offered at K-BBQ joints.

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3072 Woo-Dae Galbi 4.8/5

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The 3072 Woo-Dae Galbi ($45/pax) is the undisputed star of the dinner. This premium prime-grade beef rib is marinated for 72 hours in a special house-made sauce that includes a whopping 30 ingredients. Served whole on the bone and cut tableside before grilling, the beef is juicy, rich, and deeply flavourful, with each bite bursting with umami. For an extra indulgent twist, you can pair the grilled galbi with melted cheese – a sinful but delicious touch.

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Frice Rice 4.5/5

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Once you're done with the galbi, the staff can use the remaining beef fat and trimmings to cook up a glorious Fried Rice ($17 for 2 pax) on the grill. Cooked with kimchi, seaweed, vegetables, and cheese, the result is a plate of deeply flavourful, hearty fried rice that perfectly rounds off the meal.

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Grilled Pork Collar 4.5/5

Not to be missed is the Charcoal Grilled Pork Collar ($27/pax), made from the finest pork neck, marinated in a special soy blend, and grilled over charcoal. The result is tender, juicy pork with a satisfying smoky flavour that lingers on the palate. It's a great alternative if you're not in the mood for beef or duck.

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Spicy Toft Tofu Stew 4.2/5

Beyond BBQ, Sodeng also offers a solid range of a la carte dishes. The Spicy Tofu Stew ($17) is comforting and robust, with silky soft tofu in a spicy broth made from house seasoning. It's well-balanced, rich, and flavourful – exactly what you'd expect from a great Soondubu Jjigae.

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Spicy Kimchi Cold Noodles 3/5

We also tried the Spicy Kimchi Cold Noodles ($17) to balance the grilled meats. The noodles were chewy and bouncy, tossed in a tangy and spicy kimchi sauce. While the flavour profile was on point, the broth wasn't cold enough, and the portion was slightly too dry with minimal broth.

Sodeng isn't your typical Korean BBQ joint. From exclusive cuts and thoughtful service to being the first in Singapore to offer grilled duck, it brings a unique and elevated K-BBQ experience that's both traditional and modern. Whether you're a Korean BBQ regular or a curious foodie looking to try something new, Sodeng's impressive selection and execution make it worth the visit. Don't skip the 3072 Woo-Dae Galbi, and be sure to save space for that fried rice at the end!


Sodeng
88 Amoy Street
Singapore 069907
Tel: +65 96158785
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 5pm - 1030pm
Sat: 1130am - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Amoy Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk down Telok Ayer Street. Turn left onto Amoy Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]