Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ Restaurant @ Takashimaya Shopping Centre

Crystal Jade is a household name in Singapore but little did I know that the group actually runs a Korean cuisine restaurant established since 2004. Celebrating its 10 years anniversary, Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant has relocated from the 4th floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre to its new prime location next to the atrium area at the basement with a larger seating capacity and expanded line up of authentic home styled Korean food.

Banchan 4/5

One of the  reasons why patrons enjoy Korean cuisine is the various complimentary banchan or side dishes that are served before the mains. Do note that the side dishes at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is chargeable. The set of 6 different Banchan ($10) are changed daily, others are available separately at $4 per servicing. Although chargeable, they are refillable.

Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup 4.2/5

The Authentic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup ($28) has been one of the signature dishes for the past 10 years. This is a summer dish whereby the Koreans believe that ginseng can help to cool one from the summer's heat, detox and rejuvenate the body. Using whole chicken, four years old ginseng root, glutinous rice, red dates and gingko nuts, the chicken soup is slow cooked for hours to fully extract the goodness and flavours of the ingredients. The portion served is good for 2-4 pax. I felt that the soup is well balanced without the ginseng taste overpowering it.

Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib 4.8/5

The other popular dish at the restaurant is the Stewed Top Grade Beef Short Rib ($29). This is a special dish that will only be served during celebratory and significant occasions. Using prime Australian beef ribs, the dish is braised for several hours in a accompaniment of rock sugar, pepper, sesame, red dates, ginger, garlic, apples, pears, carrots and radish developing a very delish flavour. This is extremely delicious and it is a must try here.

Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable 4/5

New in the menu is the Korean Imperial Hotpot with Assorted Vegetable ($39). The hotpot which is good to serve up to 4 pax comes with a choice of chicken, beef or pork. Accompanying the flavourful soup stock is a generous servicing of ingredients such as sweet corn, carrots, cucumbers, black fungus, silken tofu, golden enoki mushrooms and straws mushrooms. This is definitely a luxurious and healthy hotpot for sharing.

Korean Handmade Noodles  4.5/5

If you prefer noodles over rices, you can order these Korean Handmade Noodles ($3 per servicing) to enjoy together with the hotpot. Made using eggs and high grade Korean flour, the noodles were very springy. Even being soaked in the hotpot for a while, it still retained a delectable bite in texture.

Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ restaurant offers 12 types of marinated meat dishes and two combination sets for its barbeque. A worthy note is the special grilling stations with vacuum capability on the side of the grills, sucking the fumes away. I would say this is the few rare occasions where I can step out a barbeque restaurant without any of the smoky smell on my clothes.

Marinated Beef Short Rib 4.5/5

Pork Collar 4.2/5

Ox Tongue 3.8/5

For the barbeque, I tried the Marinated Beef Short Ribs ($28 per servicing), Ox Tongue ($25 per servicing) and Pork Collar ($22 per servicing). The marinated beef short ribs is my favourite among the three which is marinated similarity as the stewed top grade beef short rib which is extremely flavourful. The ox tongue although juicy and succulent can be a bit gamy for some. The pork collar on the other has a very nice tender bite after it has been grilled.

Double Boiled Snow Pear 4.5/5

The Double Boiled Snow Pear ($5) available in either hot or cold is the perfect dessert particularly after the barbeque or a spicy meal. Doubled boiled with Chuan Bei or fritillaria extracts, dried longans and rock sugar, this soothing yet refreshing dessert helps to cook off the heat as well as cleanse the palate from all the greasiness. This dessert is also known for its remedy for colds and coughs.

I was told by my friend that the food at Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ is really good before my visit. After trying it I have to agreed with her. While the food and quality is good, I could not get over the fact that the restaurant is charging for banchan and soup refill. I understand the restaurant is running a business but as a consumers I would compare it with other Korean restaurants. Moreover it kind of taken away the basic enjoyment of Korean cuisine.


Crystal Jade Korean Ginseng & BBQ Restaurant
Takashimaya Shopping Centre
391 Orchard Road
#B2-36A
Singapore
Tel: +65 67333229
Website: http://www.crystaljade.com/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 10pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit D. Cut through Wisma Atria. Take the pathway between Wisma Atria and Takashimaya. Walk to Takashimaya. Proceed to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Bornga @ Vivocity

Following the successful opening of its first outlet at Star Vista, Bornga opens its second outlet at Vivocity in May 2013. To commemorate the new out at Vivocity, Bornga has also launched a bigger menu with new dishes that is available at both outlets. Compared to the first outlet, it has more indoor seating with a section having a nice scenic view of Sentosa.

At Bornga if you order any of the Korean BBQ meat, the service staff will barbecue the meat for you. You can also request to do it on our own too.

Mansinjang Samgyupsal 4.2/5

The Mansinjang Samgyupsal ($24 / 200g) is one of the new item on the menu. The tenderized pork belly is likely seasoned with parsley flakes, salt and pepper before serving and this allows one to enjoy the original flavours of the lovely pork.

Yangnyum Dwaeji Galbi 4.2/5

The other new item on the menu is the Yangnyum Dwaeji Galbi ($33 / 250g). The porb rib is marinated in a special house sauce. The meat was very juicy and tender. It was so tender that we even thought we were having beef instead of pork.

Woosamgyup 4.2/5

A must try at Bornga is the Woosamgyup ($28 / 220g). This is Chef Paik's patented recipe of thinly sliced US beef short plate seasoned in Bornga's secret marinade just before serving. The beautifully marbled beef was tender and succulent. The unique marinade enchanced the taste from the traditional korean barbecue.

Dwaeji Gohchujang Barbeque 4.2/5

For those that wants to avoid the hassle of barbecuing the meat, try the Dwaeji Gohchujang Barbeque ($36). The spicy pork slices are grilled and stir fried with spring onions, served on a hot plate.

Bornga Bulgogi 4.5/5

Bornga Bulgogi 4.5/5

For a change from the usual hot plate, Bornga Bulgogi ($45) comes in a sumptuous bubbling beef hotpot which resembles the Thai Mookata. Underneath the pile of fresh vegetables is the delectable beef fillet that has been marinated with Bornga's special sauce.

Sundubu Jjigae 4/5

The Sundubu Jjigae ($18) is a spicy assorted seafood soup with tofu and egg. It is a hearty and comforting soup packed with ingredients. I will be contented to settle a meal just having the soup with a bowl of rice.

Yukgaejang 4/5

Another hearty and comforting soup on the menu is the Yukgaejang ($20). It is a spicy beef soup with shredded beef, scallions, bean sprouts and glass noodles. Compared to Sundubu Jjigae, the beef soup has a more complex and robust flavour.

Bornga continues to impress me with their food quality and standard. I am also delighted that they have introduced more pork items on their menu. It remains an ideal place for family and friend gathering.


Bornga
Vivocity
1 Harbourfront Avenue
#02-123/124
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 63768268
Website: www.bornga.kr
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC Line, NE Line)

Opeining Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C or E. Walk to Vivocity Level 2. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Bornga @ The Star Vista

The brain child of celebrity Chef Jong Won Paik, Bornga is established in 2002 in Korea. Famed for numerous patented under his belt, Woo Samgyup is one of his original creations offered at Bornga. Bornga has 46 outlets internationally, including 33 in Korea and 13 across China, United States, Indonesia and now Singapore. Opened at Star Vista in November 2012, Bornga adds to the growing Korean BBQ-dinning scene in Singapore.

Ssamcheban

A long tray of fresh raw vegetables is served at Bornga when you dine you. I actually adore the idea instead of repeat request for refilling. Interesting fact that even the long tray is patented.

Like all Korean restaurants, side dishes are served.

Samgyupsal

Samgyupsal 4.2/5

If you noticed, the meat at Bornga is in its natural colour without any pre-marination causing the colour of the meat to be dark brown or black. Concerned about the appearance of Korean BBQ meats, Chef Paik created a new Korean style of BBQ while keeping the natural colour and taste of meats. The Samgyupsal or Grilled Pork Belly ($18) is chosen for the right proportion of fat and meat. Surprisingly the grilled pork belly tasted as good or even much better in its natural flavour without marination.

Woo Samgyup

Woo Samgyup 4.5/5

The star attraction and probably the reason for repeated customers is the Woo Samgyup or Thinly Sliced Beef with Bornga's Special Sauce ($22). Woo Samgyup is served shortly after being doused in a unique dressing that retains the meat's natural colour while enhancing the traditional bulgogi taste. The beautiful marbled meat was tender and juicy. In exact fact, it tasted better than bulgogi/galbi. I will definitely return for it again.

3 different types of dipping sauces are served at Bornga. Woo Samgyup sauce, Bean Paste sauce and Sesame Oil with Salt. The darker coloured one is the Woo Samgyup sauce, another of Chef Paik's patented creation.

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae

Chadol Duejang Jjigae 4.2/5

Another signature at Bornga is the Chadol Duejang Jjigae ($16). The Korean beef stew made with rich soybean paste is reduced over a few minutes at table side over a table top stove. The stew is then poured over the rice, mixed and served like a bibimbap. Each mouthful of the rice coated with the beef stew was filled with wonderful flavours partying on the palate.

Jap Chae 3/5

The Jap Chae ($23) which is glass noodles stir fried with pork and vegetables. The silky glass noodles were nicely flavoured by the soy sauce but I felt it was a bit on the oily side.

Naengmyeon 4.2/5

Another favourite of mine in Korean cuisine is Naengmyeon ($15), buckwheat noodles with cold broth. The best method of eating cold noodles is to add some mustard and vinegar to it. The combinations of sour, sweet and spicy was very appetising and refreshing summer dish for the Singapore weather.

Kimchi Jjigae 4.2/5

Kimchi Jjigae ($15) is a hearty and comfort spicy stew with kimchi, pork, tofu and vegetables. Give me a pot of kimchi jjigae and a bowl of rice I will be content.

Haemul Pajeon 3.5/5

The Haemul Pajeon ($22), Korean pancake made with scallions and a variety of seafood. The egg batter, wheat flour and rice flour mixture was not too thick with a slight crisp on the surface. The haemul pajeon itself was a bit bland and it is best enjoyed with the dipping sauce.

Omija

At the end of dinner, diners at Bornga will be served a complimentary drink, Omija also known as 5 flavour tea. The refreshing drink with its sour, sweet and bitter taste is really ideal to cleanse the palate after all the BBQ meat.

Bornga is an ideal place for family and friend gathering. Like any other Korean BBQ restaurant, do expect to smell like BBQ meat yourself after meal.


Bornga
The Star Vista
1 Vista Exchange Green
#02-24
Singapore 138617
Tel: +65 66944696
Website: http://bornga.co.kr/bonga/index.asp?str_na=en
Nearest MRT: Buona Vista (CC Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Buona Vista MRT station. Take exit A or C. Follow the shelved walkway and walk to Star Vista. Journey time about 5 minutes.

Kkongdon Korean BBQ @ Marina Square (Marina Link)

Kkongdon Korean BBQ is a new food and beverage establishment brought to you by JP Pepperdine Group. If you don't know JP Pepperdine Group, they are the one that brings you Jack's Place, Seafood Harvest, Eatzi Gourmet, Brewbaker's and Restaurant Hoshigaoka to the local food scene.

Kkhongdon in Korean literally means best price value. The history started back with the first Korean BBQ restaurant in Sinchon, Seoul in January 2005. To date there are 67 outlets in Korea providing high quality Korean BBQ at reasonable price.

The restaurant is nicely spaced with extendable air suction pipe. It also has an air purifier placed in corner to freshen the air in the restaurant so customers do not smell like BBQ after dining.

Free flow Kimchi and Korean side dishes are available at the buffet counter but rather limited selections.

Aaron the restaurant manager cooked us some kimchi and bean sprouts saying that it tasted better when it is warm. Indeed it did and I will do so when I next visit another Korean BBQ restaurant.

Raspberry Rice Wine 3/5

As I wanted to try something different on the beverage menu, Aaron recommended me the Raspberry Rice Wine 360ml ($19). Unfortunately I did not know how to appreciate it. I should have just stick to my beer.

Beef Skirt 4/5

Beef Fingers 4/5

On the beef menu, I tried both the Beef Skirt ($16) and Beef Fingers ($16). The beef was directly imported from JP Pepperdine's own Silver Fern Farms in New Zealand. These are the same beef used for Jack Place's steak. The beef was tender and succulent.

Pork Belly 4/5

Knowing my weakest for Pork Belly ($16), I would always prefer them over the beef. The beautiful layers of fat and meat when grilled were simply sizzling yummy.

Spicy Pork Belly 4/5

They have the spicy version too. The Spicy Pork Belly ($16) was just as good but it was a bit too mild in the spices. I did not get the hot rush I was expecting.

Bibimbap 3.5/5

Beside the Korean BBQ, the restaurant also offers authentic Korean dishes on the menu prepared by the lady Korean chef. Being a rice person, the Bibimbap was served at the right time to fill my stomach. We asked Aaron how come there was no egg and it was not served in hot stone? He told us this is from the lunch set menu. Without the hot stone cooking the rice, the crisp and burnt rice at the bottom was missing which was the delectable part of it.

Seafood Pancake 4.2/5

The Seafood Pancake ($12) had a nice thin crust on both the top and bottom while the inside was moist and fluffy. Topped with seafood it was quite a sumptuous pancake.

Kimchi Pancake 3.8/5

For kimchi lover, the Kimchi Pancake ($10.80) is definitely one pancake for you. With a generous amount of kimchi in between the flour batter, each bite of the crunchy kimchi inside was an enjoyment.

Ginseng Chicken 4/5

It was a cold night and the Ginseng Chicken ($18) was perfect for warming the body. A well executed dish that was hearty and comforting. If I want to be picky, the soup was lacking the ginseng flavour.

Kimchi and Pork Belly Stew Hotpot 4.5/5

The Kimchi and Pork Belly Stew Hotpot ($22) is the most popular Korean dish. The well fermented kimchi with tasty pork belly worked harmoniously in the bowl of spicy broth. Besides the soft and tender pork belly, the hotpot also comes with soft and silky tofu.

Steamed Egg 4/5

The Steamed Egg ($6) was quite flavourful with custard like texture topped with scallions and carrots. I couldn't tell what's the broth used to thin the egg mixture but it definitely lifted the taste and dimension of this humble dish.

Overall I think Kkongdon Korean BBQ is worth a visit with good quality meat. On top of that, there are a good selection of authentic Korean dishes. It would be nice if they can expand the selection of free flow kimchi and side dishes. I still left the restaurant smelling of BBQ so it probably need to install a few more air purifiers.


Kkhongdon Korean BBQ
Marina Square (Marina Link)
6 Raffles Boulevard
#B1-01/02
Singapore 039594
Te1: +65 63362580
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kkongdon.sg
Nearest MRT Station: Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Marina Square Link. The restaurant is at the end of the link near the escalator exiting to Marina Square. Journey time 3 minutes.