JIHO Samgyetang SBCD @ Cross Street Exchange - 35-Year Korean Ginseng Chicken Heritage Arrives in Singapore

Tucked away in the basement of 18 Cross Street, JIHO Samgyetang marks its first international outpost in Singapore, bringing with it over three decades of heritage in Korean herbal cuisine. Founded in 1991 by Dr Lee Ji-ho, the brand has built a strong reputation across Korea and beyond for its dedication to hanbang (traditional herbal medicine) cooking, particularly its signature samgyetang. Backed by SBCD F&B Group, known locally for its speciality Korean concepts, JIHO’s arrival introduces a wellness-driven take on Korean comfort food to the CBD dining scene.

At the heart of JIHO’s menu is its patented herbal blends and the use of young, tender chickens, slow-simmered to extract maximum nourishment. Unlike the robust and sometimes intense ginseng broths found elsewhere, JIHO’s rendition leans towards a cleaner, more refined profile — making it especially appealing for modern diners seeking both flavour and health benefits.

Beauty Samgyetang 4/5

We began with the Beauty Samgyetang ($29.80), a signature offering tailored for skin health and vitality. Served piping hot, the young spring chicken is exceptionally tender, with meat that gently falls off the bone. Hidden within is a stuffing of glutinous rice, fully infused with the essence of the herbal broth. The soup itself is light yet deeply comforting, silky on the palate with a delicate sweetness from red dates and ginseng, without veering into overly medicinal territory. It’s a restorative bowl that feels indulgent yet nourishing, perfect for a midday recharge in the bustling CBD.

Squid & Minari Salad (Avocado & Seaweed) 4.2/5

A refreshing contrast comes in the form of the Squid & Minari Salad ($29.80). This vibrant dish showcases tender squid paired with crisp minari (water dropwort), offering a fresh, herbaceous bite. The addition of creamy avocado lends a modern twist, balancing the spicy-sweet dressing with its buttery richness. Diners are encouraged to wrap the ingredients in seaweed sheets to create a harmonious bite that is smoky, zesty, and texturally dynamic. It’s an excellent communal dish that cuts through the richness of the mains.

Perilla Samgyejuk 4/5

For something heartier and more fuss-free, the Perilla Samgyejuk ($32.80) is a comforting alternative. Instead of a whole chicken, this dish features shredded chicken in a thick porridge base. The inclusion of finely ground perilla seeds elevates the dish, lending it a nutty aroma and a velvety consistency. Each spoonful is rich and satisfying, with a rustic depth that complements the savoury chicken notes. Its hearty, “stick-to-your-ribs” quality makes it especially comforting on a rainy day or when you need something soothing yet substantial.

Vegan Fried Dumpling 4.5/5

Rounding out the meal is the Vegan Fried Dumpling ($15.80), a surprisingly standout side. Deep-fried to a golden crisp, the dumplings boast a thin, delicate skin that shatters lightly with each bite. Inside, a well-seasoned filling of glass noodles and vegetables delivers a satisfying savoury profile without any greasiness. It’s a simple yet well-executed dish that provides a delightful textural contrast to the otherwise soup-centric menu, and a thoughtful inclusion for plant-based diners.

JIHO Hanbang Samgyetang’s entry into Singapore offers a refreshing perspective on Korean cuisine — one that centres on wellness without compromising on flavour. With its refined broths, quality ingredients, and comforting dishes, it stands out as a destination for those seeking nourishing meals in the heart of the city. Whether you’re looking for a restorative lunch or a wholesome dining experience, JIHO delivers a bowl of tradition with a modern, health-conscious touch.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


JIHO Samgyetang SBCD
Cross Street Exchange
18 Cross Street
#B1-01
Singapore 048423
Tel: +65 8242 6988
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Bugis (DT, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm
Sat-Sun: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk down Cross Street. Walk to Capri by Fraser. Locate the escalator beside Capri by Fraser. Take it down to the basement. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit F. Walk to the traffic junction of Cross Street and South Bridge Road. Cross the road. Walk to Capri by Fraser. Locate the escalator beside Capri by Fraser. Take it down to the basement. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

MODU Samgyetang Specialty @ Mandarin Gallery - Launches New Nokdu (Mung Beans) Samgyetang

After my visit to MODU last year, I returned to try a new menu item — the Nokdu Samgyetang. It was pleasant to see that the restaurant still draws a long queue of diners eager to savour its comforting ginseng chicken soup. Just like our previous visit, we opted for the 2 Pax Set ($98), which includes an appetiser, a shareable dish, two choices of Samgyetang, and a shared dessert. The set offers a well-rounded sampling of MODU’s offerings while allowing diners to explore the variety of Samgyetang broths available.

HwangTaeChae 5/5

The meal began with HwangTaeChae, a savoury and crisp snack made from dried pollock strips. It reminded me of dried sole fish, but with a sweeter and more umami-laden profile. Light, crunchy and incredibly addictive, it was difficult to stop reaching for more even before the main dishes arrived.

Minari Pancake 4.2/5

For our shareable dish, we went with the Minari Pancake, a unique take on the classic Korean pajeon. The minari (Korean watercress) lends the pancake a bright, herbaceous note, while the addition of Bori shrimp enhances its umami depth. The pancake arrived with a crisp, golden exterior that added to the overall enjoyment, and dipping it into the accompanying special sauce further amplified the flavours.

Nokdu Samgyetang 4.2/5

MODU offers six variations of Samgyetang, and for our first choice, I decided on the Nokdu Samgyetang, a new flavour on the menu. This lighter and revitalising interpretation of Korea’s iconic ginseng chicken soup features mung beans (nokdu) simmered with traditional ingredients. The result is a cleaner, lighter herbal broth that still retains the nourishing qualities the dish is known for. The mung beans impart a gentle nuttiness and natural thickness to the soup, making it comforting yet not overly heavy — perfect for those seeking something wholesome and balanced.

Perilla Seed Samgyetang 4.5/5

We also tried the Perilla Seed Samgyetang, another distinctive variation that stood out for its rich, nutty depth. Ground perilla seeds enrich the broth with a creamy texture and aromatic fragrance that coats the palate beautifully. Compared to the Nokdu version, this felt more robust and hearty, with the perilla lending an earthy, slightly toasted flavour that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken and herbal broth.

GotGam Mari 4/5

To wrap up the meal, we were served GotGam Mari, a dried persimmon stuffed with cream cheese and walnuts. The dehydration intensifies the persimmon’s natural sweetness, giving it a luscious, chewy texture. The creamy cheese filling adds a slightly tangy contrast, while the walnuts provide a pleasant crunch, rounding off the meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

Overall, the return visit to MODU reaffirmed why the restaurant continues to draw crowds for its comforting Korean ginseng chicken soup. The 2 Pax Set offers a satisfying and well-balanced way to experience the menu, from the addictive HwangTaeChae to the flavourful Minari Pancake. Among the Samgyetang selections, the Nokdu version impressed with its lighter, more wholesome profile, while the Perilla Seed Samgyetang delivered richer, nuttier depth for those who prefer a heartier broth. Rounded off with the delightful GotGam Mari dessert, the meal showcased MODU’s thoughtful approach to traditional flavours with distinctive variations. For anyone craving nourishing Korean comfort food, MODU remains a worthwhile destination.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


MODU Samgyetang Specialty
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#02-37
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 8035 8833
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

MODU Samgyetang Specialty @ Mandarin Gallery - Singapore’s First & Only Korean Ginseng Chicken Specialty Shop

If you've walked past MODU at Mandarin Gallery, you've noticed the long queues that form daily. With a no-reservation policy, diners eager to taste Singapore's first and only Samgyetang speciality shop must be prepared to queue for a spot. Founded by the original team behind DRIM Korean Steakhouse, MODU is dedicated to perfecting this iconic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, offering six different variations alongside a selection of authentic Korean small plates.

For dinner, we opted for the 2 Pax Set ($98), which includes an appetiser, a shareable dish, two choices of Samgyetang, and a shared dessert. This set provided a well-rounded sampling of MODU's offerings, showcasing the variety in their Samgyetang broths.

HwangTaeChae 5/5

The meal began with HwangTaeChae, a savoury and crisp snack made from dried pollock strips. It reminded me of dried sole fish but with a sweeter, more umami-laden profile. It is extremely addictive, and I found myself reaching for more even before the main dishes arrived.

Minari Pancake 4.2/5

We went with the Minari Pancake, a unique variation of the classic Korean pajeon, for our shareable dish. The minari (Korean watercress) gives the pancake a bright, herbaceous bite, while the Bori shrimp enhances its umami depth. The crisp, golden exterior added to the overall enjoyment, and when dipped into the accompanying special sauce, the flavours became even more pronounced.

Black Sesame SamGyeTang 4.5/5

MODU offers six variations of Samgyetang, and for our first choice, I decided on the Black Sesame Samgyetang — a flavour I had never encountered before in Korean cuisine.

While the chicken is not particularly large, it was fall-off-the-bone tender and came stuffed with glutinous rice. The black sesame broth turned out to be rich, creamy, and fragrant, with the nutty aroma of black sesame complementing the ginseng, leek, pine nuts, and jujube in the soup. The broth's unique earthy and slightly toasty notes worked surprisingly well with my palate, making this an unexpected but delicious discovery.

Collagen Herbal SamGyeTang 4.5/5

We chose the Collagen Herbal Samgyetang for our second soup, which leans closer to the traditional, original-style Samgyetang. The herbal broth was noticeably thicker due to the added collagen, giving it a silky, luxurious texture. Unlike the Black Sesame version, this one had a stronger ginseng aroma, making it a comforting, nutritious choice for those who enjoy the classic flavours of Samgyetang. Like the Black Sesame Samgyetang, this version also came with a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, along with ginseng root, leek, jujube, pine nuts, and chives. If you're new to Samgyetang, this is a great starting point for an authentic experience.

The other four flavours on the menu are Beauty Samgyetang, Hangover Samgyetang, Perilla Seed Samgyetang, and Black Chicken Samgyetang.

GotGam Mari 4/5

To wrap up our meal, we were served GotGam Mari, a dried persimmon stuffed with creamy cheese and walnuts. The dried persimmon's natural sweetness was intensified due to dehydration, making it lusciously sweet and chewy. The cheese filling added a creamy, slightly tangy contrast, while the walnuts provided a crunchy texture.

MODU sets itself apart by offering a focused menu centred around Samgyetang, allowing diners to explore different variations of this traditional Korean dish. The Black Sesame Samgyetang was a unique standout, and I can see why their herbal broths have gained such a loyal following. With its authentic flavours, long queues, and no-reservation policy, MODU is clearly a hit among Korean food enthusiasts. If you're willing to brave the wait, it's worth a visit — especially if you're looking for a comforting, nourishing meal with a taste of tradition and innovation.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


MODU Samgyetang Specialty
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#02-37
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 8035 8833
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]