Peppermint @ PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay - Gastronomic Journey To Korea With All-You-Can-Eat Seoul Good Korean Buffet

A few more days to enjoy the unique Seoul Good Korean Buffet at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, which was specially put together by Chef de Cuisine Leon Yee and his culinary team. You can expect a range of popular Korean dishes alongside classic international buffet highlights.

The buffet costs $68/adult for Weekday Lunch, $78/adult for Weekend Lunch, $98/adult for Dinner from Monday to Thursday, and $108/adult for Dinner from Friday to Sunday.

Do note that the menus for lunch and dinner across the week differ slightly and are available only till the end of May.

Seafood Island

The popular Seafood Island featured a selection of fresh seafood. Among them include Lobster, Snow Crab, Tiger Prawn and Freshly Shucked Oyster. We were especially impressed by the quality of the Lobster and Snow Crab, which had firm and fresh meat.

Starters

Other starters include a salad bar with an assortment of cheese, cold cuts, and bread and rolls that offer a variety, such as Mini Ciabatta and Dark Rye Sour Bread.

Japanese - Chilled

In the chilled selection at the Japanese Corner, there are four types of Sashimi on rotation, Maki and Sushi, chilled Soba and Udon, and more.

Japanese - Warm

You can enjoy Steamed Chawanmushi, Tempura, Miso Soup and other fried items for their warm selection.

Korean Highlights

Moving on to the main highlights of the buffet, the Korean dishes. During our visit, we had the comforting Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup), four types of Banchan - Spicy Fish Cake, Roasted Sesame Seaweed, Braised Potatoes and Cabbage Kimchi.

The hot Korean dishes were what we enjoyed most. These include Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus, Korean Cheese Grilled Lobster, Korean Spicy Chicken Skewers, Korean Rice Cake and Korean Style BBQ Premium Meat. They were each flavourful and authentic, reminding us of our recent Korea trip.

Korean Noodle Stall

At the Noodle Stall, there was Jjampong, a Korean Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup with a mini lobster and slices of cheese to pair. It packed a substantial heat.

Korean Dishes

Other Korean dishes featured include Soegogi Beef, Seafood, Noodles & Grains on rotation.

During our visit, there was Korean Grilled Angus Beef Slice, Seafood Scallion Pancake and Kimchi Fried Rice.

Indian Selection

The Indian section of the buffet was pretty popular among diners, especially for the light and crisp Pappadum and Vegetable Dahl.

Desserts

For Desserts, our favourites were the Whole Cakes - Gianduja Hazelnut, Tropical Mango and Strawberry Mascarpone.

Other sweets available were Durian Pengat, different Shooter Desserts and Korean specials, such as Yakgwa and Fried Rice Cake.

The dessert selection continued further. There were also Sliced Fresh Tropical Fruits, Nonya Kueh, Ice Cream and Cookies.

Reservations to the buffet can be made at https://www.tablecheck.com/en/parkroyal-collection-marinabay-peppermint/reserve/message or via a phone call to +65 6845 1111.

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.


Peppermint
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay
6 Raffles Blvd
Level 4
Singapore 039594
Tel: +65 68451111
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Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT (CC, DT Line), Esplanade MRT (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch
Weekdays: 12pm - 2.30pm
Weekends: 12pm - 3pm

Dinner
Daily: 6.30pm - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn right and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Promenade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Noodle Star K @ Tanjong Pagar Road - Authentic Korean Cuisine With Signature Handmade Buckwheat Cold Noodles

I have wanted to visit Noodle Star K for the longest time for its naengmyeon (cold noodles), and I finally found time to visit the restaurant. The place is usually pretty crowded, so it is advisable to go slightly early, before lunch/dinner time.

Upon placing our orders, we are served three different Banchan - Kimchi, Beansprouts and Pickles. The serving is small but refillable. It even comes with a cup of beef soup.

Bibim Naengmyeon 4.5/5

I could not decide between the Chik Naengmyeon and Bibim Naengmyeon ($16.80). Ultimately, I decided to go for the latter since I am in the mood for spicy food. The buckwheat noodles tossed in a spicy gochujang-based sauce are refreshing and flavourful. It is a bowl of slurping goodness served in a chilled broth.

Mixed Mandu 4.2/5

To complete the meal, we ordered the Mixed Mandu ($11.80) to try both flavours. The mandu are huge and plump! Between the Gogi and Kimchi flavours, my favourite is the meat dumpling packed with juiciness.

Spicy Sliced Pork 4.2/5

Another signature dish on the menu is the Spicy Sliced Pork ($15.80). The thinly sliced pork is pan-fried until cooked through and caramelized for a delicious balance of spicy and sweet flavours. It is best to go with a bowl of rice.


Noodle Star K
58 Tanjong Pagar Road
Tel: +65 62246061
Singapore 088479
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line), Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 330pm, 530pm - 930pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn left onto Duxton Hill towards Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

88 Pocha @ Holland Village - Korean Street Food In A Vibrant Pojangmacha-style Eatery

Newly joining the variety of dining options in Holland Village is 88 Pocha, brought in by a South Korean chef who has been living long-term in Singapore. Chef hopes to introduce the Korean Pojangmacha (covered wagon) culture and recreate the taste of his favourite Korean street food. The eatery is vibrantly styled with bright blue and red plastic dining furniture and has K-pop tunes playing through the space.

The menu is interestingly categorised into A, B, C, D and E, alongside canned drinks, alcoholic options and desserts. Each category is priced in tiers, ranging from $8.88 to $28.88. We tried a couple of dishes across the categories.

Gimmari 3.5/5

We started with the Gimmari ($8.88), which came in a portion of 4 pieces. Gimmari is fried seaweed rolls with a filling of glass noodles. Albeit crunchy, we found them too pricey for the size.

Sausage Gimbap 3.5/5

Rolled in seaweed with rice, sausage and cheese filling, the Sausage Gimbap ($11.88) had a pleasant mild aroma of sesame oil.

Corn Cheese Ramyeon 3.5/5

Their Corn Cheese Ramyeon ($11.88) reminded us a lot of the instant Samyang Volcano Noodles, with a milder heat. The noodles are tossed in the spice and topped with kernels, cheese, seaweed strips and sesame seeds. It wasn't too surprising in terms of taste, and we wished there was more to it at this price tag.

Kimchi Pancake 4/5

Despite being a little oily, the Kimchi Pancake ($15.88) impressed me with its taste. The pancake was done nicely thin with a good crisp all around. Their rendition has less batter, with more kimchi and melted cheese laid on top.

Half Fried Chicken 4.2/5

The Half Fried Chicken ($15.88) was done surprisingly well. Served with a side of sweet chilli sauce, each piece of fried chicken was fried to a spot-on crunch while retaining juicy meat within.

Oden Soup 4/5

Lastly, we had the Oden Soup ($18.88). We appreciated how the Korean fish cake soup was served in a kettle over a gas stove that kept it hot throughout our meal. We wished they were a bit more generous with the comforting soup. We enjoyed the intentional slight heat in the soup and the sticks of soft Korean fish cakes.

Beverages

For drinks, we opted for the canned drinks of Haitai Pear Juice ($3.88) and Milkis ($3.88). If you are interested in alcoholic beverages, you can expect a selection of Suntory highball creations, bottled beers, classic makgeolli and soju.

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.


88 Pocha
26A Lor Mambong
Singapore 277685
Tel: +65 62359950
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 12midnight
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right onto Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Liput and turn right onto Lorong Mambong. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes.[Map]

Annyeong Chicken @ Clementi West Street 2 - Korean Cuisine In Coffeeshop Cooked By Korean Chef

Near my hood, there is a Korean stall in a nondescript coffee shop by a Korean-Singapore couple. I am aware of Annyeong Chicken's opening since last year. Still, I procrastinated the visit as the stall has caught the media's attention and attracted long queues every day. The main person behind the cooking is Mr Hong, a Korean who has worked in several Korean restaurants. Unfortunately, the one-person show cannot handle the crowd. As a result, the stall reduced from the original 10 items on the menu to 5 to reduce the waiting time.

Spicy Seafood Noodles 3.5/5

The Spicy Seafood Noodles ($7) comes brimming with seafood such as prawns, mussels and clams in a fiery looking gochujang-based soup. Unfortunately, the soup base is a bit too light for my liking, lacking depth to justify the chewy Korean egg noodles.

Jajangmyeon 4.5/5

Compare to the Spicy Seafood Noodles, the Noodles in Black Bean Sauce ($7) fares much better. The bowl of noodles is loaded with sweet onions and minced meat. Each mouthful is slurping goodness. The addition of julienne cucumber gives it a refreshing and delightful texture bite.

Seafood Pancake 4.5/5

I usually do not order pancakes from Korean restaurants because they are huge. I probably only have a slice or two. Most versions are doughy, but the Seafood Pancake ($12) here is light and crispy. I applauded the chef for adding an egg to the pancake; the enhanced aroma felt like have our local carrot cake. Surprisingly, I finished the whole plate.

Overall, I have enjoyed the food at Annyeong Chicken. I would go back to try its Tornado Kimchi Fried Rice as it was sold out during my visit. I should also try its Korean Fried Chicken which seems quite popular among the diners. As it is a one-person show cooking behind the stall, diners have to be prepared to wait.


Annyeong Chicken
Rong Fa Coffeeshop
Blk 710 Clementi West Street 2
#01-247
Singapore 120710
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Nearest MRT: Clementi (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun: 11am - 4pm, 5pm - 8pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Clementi MRT station (Stop ID 17171). Take bus number 78. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Clementi MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Clementi Bus Interchange. (Stop ID 17009). Take bus number 285. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Wang Dae Bak Charcoal Grill BBQ @ China Square Central - Authentic Charcoal Grilled Korean Barbecue

Wang Dae Bak Charcoal Grill BBQ established in 2011 is famed for its authentic charcoal-grilled barbecue, signature seafood and kimchi pancake, and bibimbap. Currently, it has a Soulmeat Festive Set ($118) for the festive seasons. The set comes with two prime cuts, spicy marinated chicken, half half pancake, japchae and soup.

Truffle Boneless Prime Ribs (200gram) 4.5/5

Marinated Pork Belly 4.2/5

Truffle Duroc Pork Collar 4.2/5 and Spicy Marinated Chicken 4/5

Diner at Wang Dae Bak definitely cannot do without the premium and quality meats. Slow grill them over charcoal fire to get a nice char on the exterior while the meats remain tender and juicy. Have it on its own or wrap it with cabbage to appreciate the beautiful meats.

Japchae 4/5

While waiting for meats to be grilled, diners can start on some ala carte cooked dishes too. Though look simple and plain, each strand of the Japchae is infused with the savoury soy sauce flavour with a delightfully chewy texture.

Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup 4.5/5

The Soulmeat Festive Set comes with a choice of soups. Besides the Spicy Seafood Tofu Soup which I ordered, the other options are Kimchi Soup with Pork Belly and Seafood Beanpaste Soup. The soup is an excellent complement for the grilled meats. Not only does it help to wash down the greasiness, but it also whets the appetite for more grilled meats.

Half Hal Pancake 4.2/5

A signature and popular item on the menu is the Half Half Pancake. I notice almost every table in the restaurant ordered this. The portion is huge! Half seafood pancake, half kimchi pancake. It is crispy and yet not too doughy. 

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wang Dae Bak Charcoal Grill BBQ
China Square Central
22 Cross Street
#01-64
Singapore 048421
Tel: +65 62252646
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Nearest MRT: Chinatown (DT Line, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 2pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Turn right and walk to the traffic junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road. Cross the road, turn left and walk down South Bridge Road. 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
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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]