YeYak Korean Restaurant @ Neil Road - Native Korean Chef with Receipes Rooted in Tradition From Her Grandmother

YeYak, which means “reservation” in Korean, has relocated from Keppel Road to Neil Road, where it has been quietly building a following over the past year. The kitchen is helmed by a native Korean chef, while the front-of-house is managed by her Singaporean husband. Together, bringing a warm, personal touch to the dining experience. Many of the recipes are rooted in tradition, passed down from her grandmother.

The complimentary banchan here comes in three varieties - kimchi, cucumber and potato salad, served free-flow. A pleasant surprise is the japchae, which is served once at no additional charge, unlike many other restaurants. Fragrant with sesame oil, it’s incredibly moreish and hard to stop at just one serving.

Braised Short Ribs LA Galbi 4.8/5

We were recommended the LULA Set ($160), ideal for 3–4 diners. A highlight of the set is the Braised Short Ribs LA Galbi, featuring exceptionally tender beef slow-cooked for nearly 48 hours. The tteokbokki, soaked in the rich, slightly sweet broth, complements the dish beautifully. Interestingly, their version uses miltteok (flour-based rice cakes) instead of the usual rice variety, resulting in a softer, less chewy texture.

Original Spicy Stir-Fried Dakgalbi 3.8/5

Also included in the set is the Original Spicy Stir-Fried Dakgalbi, served bubbling hot with a generous mix of ingredients, including tteokbokki, cabbage, carrots, onions, and tender chicken pieces. The spice level is fairly mild, which is approachable for most, but we found ourselves wishing for a bit more heat and depth. It pairs well with rice, though a bolder flavour profile would further elevate the dish.

Deep Fried Pork Belly 5/5

The Deep Fried Pork Belly is a standout. Served with their signature “magic sauce,” garlic, marinated baby tomatoes, shiso leaves and lettuce wraps, it delivers on both texture and flavour. The pork is crisp on the outside, juicy within and notably free of any unpleasant porky aftertaste. That is such a detail we truly appreciated. Paired with the sauce, this dish is incredibly satisfying and easily one of our favourites.

Bacon Corn Cheese Pancake 4/5

The final item in the set is the Bacon Corn Cheese Pancake, generously layered with melted cheese. While it leans more indulgent than traditional, it’s a must-try for cheese lovers. The sweetness of the corn helps balance the richness of the cheese and bacon. For the best experience, enjoy it hot while the cheese is still perfectly melted.

YeYak Fish Cake Soup 4/5

We also added the YeYak Fish Cake Soup ($18 for 4 sticks), charmingly served in a teapot. While the fish cakes themselves are familiar, it’s the broth that truly shines - light, comforting and especially welcome between heavier dishes. A spray bottle of homemade soy sauce is provided, allowing you to customise the flavour to your liking.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crab 4/5

Another add-on we tried was the Soy Sauce Marinated Crab ($32 for 1, $56 for 2, $72 for 3), served with rice topped with seaweed and spring onions. Unlike other versions that can be overly salty, the marinade here leans towards a balanced sweet-savoury profile, making it more approachable. That said, this dish remains an acquired taste and may not appeal to everyone.

Honey Makgeolli 4.5/5

Sunyang Soju 4.5/5

No Korean meal is complete without drinks. We tried the Honey Makgeolli ($35) and Sunyang Soju ($20), both of which impressed us. The makgeolli, served in a charming pot with a ladle, carries a subtle honeyed fragrance, while the soju is smooth and slightly sweet. Both pair wonderfully with the bold flavours of the dishes.

Looking through their à la carte menu, we appreciate the flexibility in portion sizes, which cater to different group sizes, including solo diners.

The space itself is thoughtfully designed, evoking the charm of traditional Korean hanok village homes with a modern touch. There are also floor seating options that offer a more authentic dining experience, and the walls are adorned with charming artwork by the chef-owner.

What stood out to us during our visit was learning that many of the sauces used across the dishes are made in-house by the chef herself, adding a deeply personal and authentic touch to the overall experience. There are also plans to retail these sauces in the future, which is something to look forward to.

YeYak delivers not just on food, but on atmosphere and storytelling. We will definitely be back.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


YeYak Korean Restaurant
39 Neil Road
Singapore 088823
Tel: +65 88287770/ 88282011
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Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 2am

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

Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks @ Neil Road - Bringing the Lively Spirit of Korea to Singapore

Nestled in the heart of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Sinchon Korean Anju & Drinks brings the lively energy of Korea's iconic dining culture right to our doorstep. Inspired by the vibrant streets of Sinchon, Seoul, this casual eatery celebrates all things Korean — flavour-packed dishes, refreshing drinks, and the warmth of shared meals with Korean heritage.

Refillable Banchan 3.5/5

Sinchon offers two types of refillable Banchan, both of which are excellent palate cleansers. They are tangy, spicy, and delightfully crunchy.

Fresh Oyster 3.8/5

The Fresh Oysters ($25 for 5 pieces) were a highlight. They were served with minimal chilli toppings that enhanced rather than masked their natural brininess. The freshness was unmistakable, delivering a taste of the ocean in every bite.

Scallop Butter Grill 3.8/5

The Scallop Butter Grill ($24 for 4 pieces) was a delectable starter. The savoury melted cheese atop the tender scallops added a rich layer of flavour, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.

Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs 3.8/5

Sinchon's Soy Sauce Marinated Crabs ($50 for 1 piece, $80 for 2 pieces) are marinated in-house by the owner. They boast a fresh taste with a perfect balance of saltiness. The crabs' jelly-like texture, combined with a hint of spice, creates a harmonious flavour that's truly satisfying.

We were told that the traditional way to enjoy this is with seaweed and white rice. It is a very interesting experience.

Mixed Sashimi Platter 4/5

It was our first experience with Korean Sashimi, and it was an eye-opener! Unlike Japanese sashimi's delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, Korean-style sashimi boasts a firmer, chewier bite, with some cuts even offering a satisfying crunch. The variety of textures alone made it an exciting dish to explore.

What's even more delightful is the versatility of how you can enjoy it. You can dip it simply in wasabi and soy sauce, wrap it in shiso leaf or lettuce with garlic and chilli for a burst of flavour, roll it in seaweed, or pair it with Korean chilli sauce for a spicy kick. Each method brings out a unique aspect of the sashimi, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.

The Mixed Sashimi Platter ($68) offers a customizable selection of premium fish, including Rockfish, Korean Halibut, and Flounder, all flown in fresh from Korea. The options vary with availability and seasonality, ensuring the freshest catch every time.

Cheese Steamed Egg 3/5

A quintessential Korean comfort dish, the Cheese Steamed Egg ($15) arrived piping hot and fluffy. While the egg was slightly overcooked, the addition of cheese offered a rich flavour. A suggestion for improvement would be to incorporate melted cheese within the egg for a smoother texture rather than placing it on top.

Japchae 3.5/5

The Japchae ($22) featured a medley of vegetables, mushrooms, fish cake, and chewy glass noodles, all brought together with fragrant sesame oil. While the flavours were milder compared to other versions, the overall dish was light and satisfying.

Kimchi Pancake 3.8/5

The Kimchi Pancake ($20) impressed with its crispy exterior and generous chunks of kimchi embedded within the batter. The pancake was light yet flavourful, offering a delightful balance of textures, tanginess and spice.

Kimchi Fried Rice 4/5

Sinchon's Kimchi Fried Rice ($15) was an undeniable favourite. It was packed with strong kimchi flavours and topped with a perfectly crispy egg with a runny yolk and seaweed garnish. This dish was so addictive that it kept us coming back for more.

Stir-Fry Chilli Pork 3.5/5

Served on a sizzling hotplate, the Stir-Fry Chilli Pork ($30) featured marinated pork chunks accompanied by fresh lettuce and big pieces of Shiso leaves, which is rarely seen in Singapore's version of this dish. While the dish was flavourful, the pork could have been more tender and spicier to elevate the experience.

Clams Stew 4/5

The Clams Stew ($40) served bubbling over a flame is on fire, literally. The spicy broth was packed with meaty clams, sweet white radish and a fiery kick that made it perfect for a rainy night. However, non-spicy eaters should approach with caution!

Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju 4/5

Refreshing and vibrant, the Mango Soju and Watermelon Soju ($18 per glass, $48 per jug) were delightful beverages to accompany the meal. The fruity Soju also come in pineapple flavour, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.

After indulging in Sinchon's diverse menu, it's clear that this spot is more than just a restaurant — it's an experience. The thoughtful attention to detail, authentic Korean flavours, and relaxed vibe make it a perfect place for food lovers and social diners alike. Come here for a slice of Seoul in Singapore.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Sinchon
55 Neil Road
Singapore 088892
Tel: +65 81891538
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minut4es. [Map]