Kimchi Dining @ Orchard Central - Aesthetic Korean Restaurant Offering Modern Korean Dining Concept

Kimchi Dining is a modern Korean dining concept located on the 6th floor of Orchard Central. The menu offers ala carte dishes as well as set menu for 2-pax and 4-pax. We tried the 2-pax set menu ($60/pax) that comes with appetisers and mains, 2 desserts and 2 makgeolli cocktails (tea options are also available).

Makgeolli Bread 4/5

Our meal started with warm and comforting Makgeolli Bread, served with a generous portion of White Bean butter. The bread was mildly sweet and fluffy with a slight chewy texture.

Kimchi Platter 3.5/5

Next came the Kimchi Platter, showcasing 6 types of house-fermented kimchi. While the portion of some of the kimchi was rather sad-looking with a couple of vegetable strands, I enjoyed the experience of being able to try their different taste profiles.

Gaji Ganjeong 3.8/5

Then came Gaji Ganjeong. This charcoal tempura eggplant had an airy batter and was delectable with an umami-sweet honey soy dressing.

Gamjajeon 5/5

The set includes the much highly-raved Gamjajeon. These potato pancakes are shaped into mini rosti with moreish crispy edges. Topped with sharp Parmesan cheese, radish, and tangy onion jangaiji, the various flavour nuances woven into these otherwise simple potato pancakes make them even more irresistible. The creamy Siberian onion truffle mayo gives it a satisfying, mouth-filling texture.

Arongsatae & Dogani 4/5

Jeju Pork Noodle 3/5

For Mains, we chose Arongsatae & Dogani and Jeju Pork Noodle. Arongsatae & Dogani is a beef heel muscle and tendon braised for over six hours. The beef itself impressed with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. As for the tendons, I appreciated their clean taste, but some were less tender than expected. The Jeju Pork Noodle, on the other hand, while it had a light and tasty Jeju-style pork broth, paled in comparison due to a rather tough pork belly.

Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae 3/5

Chocolate Injeolmi Tart 3.8/5

For desserts, we had Chocolate Injeolmi Tart and Black Sesame Injeolmi Sundae. Both desserts incorporated chewy rice balls, adding a contrasting texture. I prefer the bitter-sweet notes of the chocolate tart. The sundae was a tad too sweet due to the drizzling of jujube syrup.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kimchi Dining
Orchard Central
181 Orchard Road
#06-10
Singapore 238896
Tel:+65 9113 7090
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm 0 930pm
Sat-Sun, PH: 1130am - 930pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit C. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Daejim BBQ @ Craig Road - Korean BBQ Restaurant Offering Fresh Seafood Air-flown From Korea

The latest addition to the buzzy Korean BBQ restaurants in Tanjong Pagar, Daejim on Craig Road, sets itself apart from other Korean BBQ joints by offering the option of fresh seafood, air-flown from Korea. Inspired by traditional Korean pojangmacha, where people gather over grilled meats and drinks, Daejim also provides a large selection of soju, makgeolli, beers, liquors and non-alcoholic beverages and their very own signature cocktails are a must-try.

Assorted Bancha 4/5

Rolled Omelette

While waiting for our seafood and meats to be prepared, we tucked into the banchan provided that were pretty wholesome. I love the housemade Kimchi here. They had a very good spicy kick balanced with a hint of sweetness. Compared to the commercial ones, they had a better depth of flavour and were less acidic. Having the Jaechae as a banchan is a bonus, especially when it was so deliciously done. Another highlight is the Rolled Omelette, which is also less commonly available.

Seafood Set

Daejim prides itself on providing premium grilled seafood to its customers, including abalone, octopus, scallops, squid and oysters. Its fresh seafood selection includes Ganjang Saewoo (soy-marinated raw prawns), Ojingeo-tonggui (marinated spicy BBQ Squid) and Godeungeo (grilled mackerel). We tried the signature Seafood Set ($118) that comes with oysters, scallops and even abalones.

Scallop with Cheese 4.5/5

Abalone 4.5/5

There are mini plates of butter and shredded mozzarella cheese, which you can melt over the fire or on the scallop itself. Slather the savoury butter over the abalone for an enriched texture and mouthfeel.

A Selection of Pork and Beef Cuts 4.5/5

The meat selection is equally comprehensive. The pork mainly comes from the Jeju Black Pig, known as the Kobe beef of pork. Daejim also offers a variety such as Kkotsal (prime cut boneless short rib, which translates to 'flower meat' in Korean due to its white flowers-like marbling). For the best of both worlds, you may choose the basic beef/pork set - USDA Beef/Pork Set with Prime Beef Finger-Rib, Sliced Beef Brisket, Pork Belly and Pork Collar.

Marinated Short Ribs

The Marinated Prime Beef Short Ribs had a satisfyingly rich texture, and it is best to eat it simply with the fresh lettuce provided without dipping sauce that might overwhelm their flavours.

Steamed Egg

Sundubu Jjigae 2.8/5

All sets include 1 Steam Egg, Choice of 1 Soup Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Soup ) / Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Spicy Tofu Stew) / Doenjang Jigae (Soybean paste stew) ), 3 Cream Cheese Croquettes and 1 Cheese Fondue. Unfortunately, my Sundubu Jjigae had a relatively weak soup base.

Honeycomb Makgeolli

The drinks here are superb. A must-try is the Honeycomb Makgeolli ($38++ for two people). The honey lent an uplifting flora aroma to the Makgeolli and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savoury food.

Soju Cocktail

Another delightful drink is its Soju Cocktails, and we had this pretty pink lychee rose-flavoured soju cocktail inspired by the concept of bubble tea.

There's a launch promotion right now: Get 4x Cheese Scallops air flown from Korea with every order of the BBQ set for the whole month of September (from 1st till 30th September 2022). For more information, visit www.daejim.sg.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Daejim
4 Craig Road
Singapore 089664
Tel: 9796 9593
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Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Joo Bar and Restaurant @ Tan Quee Lan Street (Bugis)

Joo is a new makegeolli bar and restaurant setting a whole new trend in Singapore food and beverage scene with inspiring modern Korean fare and tipples. Joo which means alcohol in Korean, is located in a three storey heritage shophouses along Tan Quee Lan Street, spotting a sleek, casual and inviting venue.

Hong Dae Tripping 4/5

Makegeolli cocktail could be the next trendsetting drinks using the oldest alcoholic beverage native to Korea. I had the Hong Dae Tripping ($24) which is made from Joo's house brew organic makegeolli (also known as Joo Brew). The cocktail is a mixture of Joo Brew, Grey Goose, Apricot Brandy, Cherry Blossom, Lemon and Rosemary. A light, refreshing and zesty drink.

A trio of Korean banchan welcomes diners as being our diner experience at Joo.

Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa 4.2/5

Kick starting the evening we started with the Anju which is similar to bar food that goes well with alcohol. First is the Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa ($14). The house made tofu chips is so what like the nachos. I preferred the kimchi salsa but both is as well. It's really addictive and I could not stop going back for more.

Baby Eel Paper 3/5

The Deep Fried Baby Eel Paper ($14) imported from Korean is an interesting snack bite but I don't quite know how to appreciate it.

Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam 4.5/5

Many bars have introduced spam fries as a trend for bar snack however I find it too salty to have it on its own. The Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam ($16) was an excellent idea to pair house made kimichi, mangalitsa pork belly, tofu, onion and scallion with the luncheon meat. It may sounds complex but the flavours actually work harmoniously.

Makgeolli Sampler 4/5

Being a makegeolli specialized bar and restaurant, I am sure it can be a bit overwhelming with the different selections not knowing where to start with. Worry not as Joo offers a Makgeolli Sampler ($35 for 5). Among the samplers, my favourite is the Yuzu infused makegeolli which is sweet and easy to drink.

Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie 4/5

A nice twist is the Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie ($14) covered by a golden flaky pastry dome. Inside it is a rosy kimchi bechamel gravy studded with chicken tenderloin, celery, carrot, mushrooms, onion and corn. The additional of kimchi gave it good lift in flavour from the somewhat boring traditional taste.

Joo Bossam 4.5/5

Joo uses Mangalitsa for it's pork dishes which is a domestic breed developed in the 19th century by cross breeding the traditional Hungarian Bakonyi an Szalontal breeds with imported Sumadia pigs from Serbia. I thought the Joo Bossam ($28) showcases the sweetness the flavour of the mangalitsa pork belly excellent. Take a piece of the boiled mangalitsa pork belly, white yucha kimchi and a bit of the spicy radish salad and eat it all together.

Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly  4.2/5

Another version showcasing the mangalitsa pork is the Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly ($32). The thick cut mangalitsa pork belly is eaten together with spring onion salad and Dijon mustard. Have a bit of everything together to get a nice concoction of flavours in the mouth.

Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak 4.2/5

Beautifully marinated, the Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak ($20) literally melted in the mouth. Topped with garlic flakes, chopped nuts and spring onions to give it another layer of texture and flavour, lifting the whole enjoyment.

Sojurita 4.2/5

Perfect for chilling out with friends is the Sojurita ($28) which a good for 2 to 4 pax. The easy to drink alcohol, making up of soju and beer will be tough to just stop at one.

Seafood Gochujang Risotto 4.5/5

Last but not least, if you need something substantial then a must try is the Seaffod Gochujang Risotto ($24). The red pepper paste cream sauce risotto comes with an Asian influenced flavour served with shrimp, black mussel, clam and squid. Korean can cook their risotto too!

I left Joo Bar and Restaurant having a better appreciation of makegeolli, especially their preservative free makegeolli with organic rice and purified water which is brew in Singapore locally. The modern take of Korean fare also impressed me a lot. It modernizes the way we appreciate classic Korean cuisine while retaining the traditional flavours.


Joo Bar and Restaurant
5 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188094
Tel: +65 81381628
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joobarsg
Website: http://www.joo-bar.com/
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]