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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Feet

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.

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.

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]

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

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.

Exclusive Butcher's Cut 4.5/5

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.

Fresh Plain Duck 4.2/5

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.

3072 Woo-Dae Galbi 4.8/5

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.

Frice Rice 4.5/5

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.

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.

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.

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]

The House of Ghungdam @ Duxton Road - The House of Korean Grill and Dish

The House of Gungdam is the latest addition to Duxton Road, offering a contemporary Korean barbecue experience in a stylish modern hanok-inspired interior. Guests can choose between counter or table seating, with charcoal and gas grilling options available. During our visit, we opted for counter seating, where we enjoyed the charcoal grilling experience, allowing the smoky aroma to elevate the meats.

Boneless Short Rib 4.5/5

We indulged in the House Feast Set ($129 for 2 pax), which includes:

- Boneless Short Rib
- Marinated Boneless Short Rib
- Thinly Sliced Brisket
- Soy Bean Soup, Banchan, Steamed Egg, and Vegetables

We began with the Boneless Short Rib, expertly grilled over charcoal by the staff. The smoky aroma beautifully enhanced the natural richness of the beef, which was tender, juicy, and packed with flavour. With minimal seasoning, the quality of the meat truly shined, allowing for a pure appreciation of its robust taste.

Thinly Sliced Brisket 4.5/5

Next, we had the Thinly Sliced Brisket, which featured excellent marbling that melted in the mouth upon each bite. The fatty richness of the brisket contributed to its buttery texture, making it incredibly enjoyable.

Marinated Boneless Short Rib 4.2/5

The Marinated Boneless Short Rib was a highlight for those who enjoy a hint of sweetness in their meats. Chunky and substantial, each bite was tender and flavourful, thanks to the well-balanced marinade that enhanced the meat’s natural juiciness. These BBQ meats can also be enjoyed with fresh vegetables and condiments, adding texture and contrast to each bite.

Steamed Egg 4/5

Served soufflé-style, the Steamed Egg was light, fluffy, and well-seasoned. The delicate eggy aroma added to its overall comforting appeal.

Soy Bean Soup 4.2/5

A hearty bowl of Soy Bean Soup packed with depth and umami, featuring tender beef cubes and daikon. Each spoonful was rich and satisfying, making it a perfect accompaniment to the grilled meats.

Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles 4.2/5

The Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles ($19) was a standout dish with its chewy, springy texture and refreshing, tangy broth. The addition of sweet pear and crisp cucumber enhanced the overall flavour, making each bite light yet satisfying — perfect for enjoying on a warm day.

Cheese-Potato Jeon 4.2/5

Unlike the typical Korean pancake, the Cheese-Potato Jeon ($27) was a delightful twist. Made with fluffy-textured potatoes from Gangwon, it had a crispy, golden-brown exterior similar to a Swiss rosti, providing a satisfying charred texture and rich aroma.

Galbi Mandoo 4/5

From the bar bite menu, we tried the Galbi Mandoo ($17). These oversized Korean dumplings were generously stuffed with minced beef, wrapped in delicate, translucent skin, and served in a light yet flavourful broth.

Mango Shaved Ice, Red Bean Shaved Ice 4.5/5

We ended our meal on a refreshing note with the Mango Shaved Ice ($10) and Red Bean Shaved Ice ($10). Both featured soft, sweet, and milky bingsu, but the Red Bean Shaved Ice deserves a special mention — the homemade red bean was slow-cooked to perfection, delivering deep, natural sweetness that elevated the dessert.

The House of Gungdam brings a modern yet authentic Korean barbecue experience to Duxton Road. It offers top-quality meats expertly grilled over charcoal, along with delicious side dishes and comforting Korean classics. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or simply a fan of Korean cuisine, this new restaurant is well worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


The House of Ghungdam
72 Duxton Road
Singapore 089531
Tel: +65 83362068
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 10pm
Fri-Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes [Map]

2) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Walk down Craig Road towards Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant @ Gemmill Lane - Celebrates June Holidays with Moo-ve & Tail Campaign, and A Revamped Menu Featuring Seafood Barbecue and Traditional Korean Dishes

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant at Gemmill Lane is celebrating the June holidays with a new "Moo-ve & Tail" campaign. The campaign offers diners a chance to win various prizes, such as a free steamed egg, complimentary side dishes, free plates of pork/beef, and more. The grand prize is 30% off the total dining bill. Along with this exciting campaign, the restaurant has revamped its menu, featuring seafood barbecue delights and traditional Korean dishes.

Black Trumpette Angus Beef Tataki 4/5

We began our meal with the Black Trumpette Angus Beef Tataki ($32) and Truffle Steamed Egg ($16) to whet our appetites before diving into the barbecue. The Angus Beef Tataki was a standout, with its beefy richness beautifully complemented by the accompanying components.

Truffle Steamed Egg 4/5

The Truffle Steamed Egg, resembling a soufflé, was extremely fluffy and pillowy. The truffle's earthy note elevated its flavour profile.

Korean BBQ 4.2/5

Marinated Chicken Thigh 150gm

US Prime 2MM Beef Short Plate 150gm

2MM  Pork Belly 150gm

Moving on to the highlight of the night, the Korean Charcoal BBQ, I appreciated the use of charcoal fire, which imparted a wonderful smokiness to the grilled ingredients. For our BBQ selection, we had:

- Marinated Chicken Thigh (150gm)
- US Prime 2MM Beef Short Plate (150gm, $31)
- 2MM Pork Belly (150gm, $28)

Marinated US Scallops with Dill

South Africa Live Abalone

Besides the meats, the restaurant also offers a variety of seafood for grilling. We tried the Marinated US Scallops with Dill ($36 for 5pcs) and the South Africa Live Abalone ($18/pc). Watching the live abalone being grilled over the charcoal fire was a unique experience, as this is not commonly seen in most Korean BBQ restaurants.

Spicy Kimchi Tuna Soup 3/5

Apart from the BBQ, the restaurant offers several mains. We started with the Spicy Kimchi Tuna Soup ($20), a hearty and flavorful stew that showcased the bold and tangy flavours of the kimchi, making it a comforting choice.

Korean Beef Tartare Bibimap 4/5

The Korean Beef Tartare Bibimbap ($25) is an innovative two-in-one dish where traditional Korean bibimbap is topped with beef tartare. The beef tartare added a textural contrast and an extra layer of flavour, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the dish.

Japchae 4/5

The Japchae ($23) featured glass noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables in a sweet-savoury soy-based sauce. The delightful mix of flavours and textures, along with the fragrance of sesame oil, made this dish a joy to eat.

Coconut Jelly with Coconut Ice Cream 4.2/5

We ended our meal with the Coconut Jelly with Coconut Ice Cream ($12.50). The coconut jelly, made with coconut water, was very refreshing, and the coconut ice cream added an extra touch of sweetness, rounding off the dinner perfectly.

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant at Gemmill Lane offers an exciting dining experience with its "Moo-ve & Tail" campaign and revamped menu. The use of charcoal fire for grilling imparts a delicious smokiness to the dishes, while the inclusion of seafood and traditional Korean mains adds variety. Whether you're there for the BBQ or the mains, Ajoomma promises a delightful meal.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant
No 2 & 4 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069247
Tel: +65 8789 8650
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]