WHUCHU @ UE Square - Elevated Korean Ssam Dining with Aged Jeju Pork and Wagyu Beef

Newly opened at UE Square, WHUCHU reimagines ssam (쌈), one of Korea’s most cherished dining traditions, as a more refined, interactive dining experience. The concept centres on freshness, fermentation, and craftsmanship, bringing together farm-to-table vegetables flown in from Korea, authentic Korean jeotgal (fermented salted seafood), and premium 100% certified Jeju pork aged in-house.

By day, WHUCHU offers a wellness-led ssambap experience, where fresh Korean greens take centre stage. In the evening, the restaurant transforms into a premium Korean BBQ destination, with aged meats grilled over high heat and enjoyed with an assortment of vegetables and fermented accompaniments.

I visited with a friend for dinner and chose the Signature Set ($188), designed for 2–3 people. The set includes a choice of two BBQ meats, Pot Rice, a choice of Cold Kimchi Noodle, Pork Belly Kimchi Stew or Beef Soybean Tofu Stew, a choice of Tofu & Stir-Fried Kimchi, Minari Pancake or Potato Pancake, and finishes with gelato for dessert.

For our meal, we picked the Aged Bone-in Pork Belly and Wagyu Beef Brisket for the BBQ meats, along with the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew and Minari Pancake.

Aged Bone-in Pork Belly 4.2/5

The Aged Bone-in Pork Belly was easily one of my highlights. Made with 100% certified natural Jeju pork sourced directly from Korea, the pork undergoes a combination of wet and dry ageing in-house. The wet ageing helps tenderise the meat, while the subsequent dry ageing concentrates the flavour, giving the pork a deeper and more developed taste.

Cut thick around the bone, the pork belly was beautifully marbled with a good amount of fat. Once it hits the grill, the fat slowly renders, crisping up the edges while keeping the meat juicy and tender. The slightly charred exterior contrasts with the rich, succulent pork within. It is the kind of cut that is delicious on its own, but even better when wrapped in fresh greens with rice and a little jeotgal.

Wagyu Beef Brisket 4.2/5

The Wagyu Beef Brisket offered a completely different experience. With its generous intramuscular marbling, the beef quickly renders its rich fat when grilled over high heat, coating the meat in its own buttery juices. The result is incredibly tender, with a rich, beefy and savoury flavour.

It is definitely on the more decadent side, with the high fat content giving each bite that almost melt-in-the-mouth texture. I found it particularly enjoyable wrapped up with the fresh vegetables, which helped cut through the richness and added a refreshing crunch.

Authentic Korean Jeotgal 4/5

One thing that sets WHUCHU apart is its emphasis on authentic Korean Jeotgal, rather than treating it as a side dish. Traditionally used as a concentrated flavour enhancer, jeotgal brings an intense hit of umami, saltiness and fermentation to the meal. WHUCHU offers a selection including Salted Pollock Roe, Seasoned Sea Squirt, Spicy Fermented Oysters and Spicy Salted Squid, each with its own distinct character. Some are rich and silky, while others are briny, spicy and deeply savoury. Enjoy them in small amounts, paired with the greens, rice, and grilled meats to create your own ssam combination.

Fresh Vegetables

And speaking of greens, the selection of fresh vegetables is an important part of the experience here. The wrap vegetables are flown in from Korea daily and include Fresh Garlic Leaves, Angelica, Red Lettuce, Perilla Leaves and Lettuce. Rather than being an afterthought to the meat, the greens form an integral part of the meal. Pick your preferred leaf, add rice, grilled meat, and a touch of jeotgal, then wrap it all into one bite. Each vegetable brings a different texture and flavour, from crisp and refreshing lettuce to the distinctive herbal aroma of perilla.

Minari Pancake 4.2/5

The Minari Pancake was another pleasant surprise. Instead of the thick, doughy pancakes you might sometimes encounter, WHUCHU’s version uses a light batter to bind a generous amount of whole minari stalks. Fried until crisp, the edges had a satisfying crunch while the minari retained a juicy bite. The Korean water parsley gives the pancake a clean, grassy, slightly peppery herbal flavour that comes through nicely without the batter masking it. It was airy, crunchy and surprisingly light rather than greasy, making it an enjoyable accompaniment to the richer BBQ meats.

We also had the Pork Belly Kimchi Stew, which brought a comforting, warming element to the meal. The tangy and savoury kimchi broth works particularly well alongside the fatty grilled meats, while the pork belly adds another layer of richness. It is the sort of dish that helps round out the meal, especially when paired with steamed rice.

For those looking for a more elevated Korean BBQ experience, WHUCHU at UE Square offers a polished take on the traditional ssam culture, with premium aged meats and Korean-sourced produce forming the heart of the experience. The Aged Bone-in Pork Belly was my favourite of the two meats, while the Wagyu Beef Brisket will appeal to those who prefer a richer, more indulgent cut. With its focus on ageing, fermentation, and fresh Korean vegetables, WHUCHU brings a more thoughtful dimension to Korean BBQ while still keeping the fun, communal nature of wrapping, grilling, and sharing.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


WHUCHU Korean Dining
UE Square
81 Clemenceau Ave
#01-18
Singapore 239917
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 1130am - 11pm
Fri-Sat, PH: 1130am - 1130pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk to the traffic junction between Clemenceau Ave and River Valley Road. Cross the road. Turn left and walk down Clemenceau Ave. Walk to the destination. The journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭) @ Peninsula Shopping Complex - New Chicken Rice Stall Hidden Inside A Shopping Mall

Chicken rice is one of those dishes that never really goes out of style, and there is always room for another stall to join the scene. One of the newer additions is Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭), a newly opened stall tucked away inside Peninsula Shopping Complex. Beyond the usual Poached Chicken and Roasted Chicken, the stall also offers a wider selection including Fried Chicken Cutlet Rice, Salted Baked Chicken Rice and Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly, along with a variety of sides and braised items. So if you are dining with a group, there’s plenty to choose from.

We started with the Roasted Chicken ($19 Half Chicken), which came with beautifully glossy skin coated in a soy and honey glaze. The glaze delivers rich, concentrated savouriness with lovely caramelised depth, balanced by earthy, subtly sweet notes from the honey. Despite the glaze’s richness and the chicken skin, I found it surprisingly easy to eat without feeling overly greasy or heavy. More importantly, the meat underneath remained tender, juicy and succulent, making each bite satisfying without being too rich.

Roasted Chicken 4.2/5

The chicken is good, but I think the condiments really complete the experience. The Garlic-Chilli Sauce packs a fiery kick with a bright, garlicky punch, while the fresh Ginger-Scallion Sauce adds a more aromatic, refreshing lift. Even the Dark Soya Sauce is worth mentioning, with a thick, sweet and fragrant profile.

Of course, a good plate of chicken rice is never just about the chicken. The rice here is fragrant and fluffy, with the grains infused with chicken essence. They are moist, plump and glossy, with enough savoury depth to complement the sweet-savoury profile of the roasted chicken. Personally, I prefer my chicken rice grains with a slightly firmer bite, so I would have liked the texture a little firmer. But this is very much a matter of personal preference, and the rice itself has good flavour.

Poached Chicken 4.2/5

The Poached Chicken ($19 Half Chicken) was equally enjoyable, especially if you prefer something lighter and more straightforward. The meat was exceptionally tender, silky and succulent, with the flesh remaining moist and juicy without feeling undercooked. It has a clean, naturally sweet poultry flavour, with gentle poaching aromatics that enhance rather than overpower the chicken.

Between the two, I would probably alternate depending on my mood — the Roasted Chicken for something richer and more caramelised, and the Poached Chicken when I want to taste the chicken’s natural sweetness.

Mixed Organ 3.5/5

Braised Egg, Tofu, Beancurd 3.8/5

For those who enjoy chicken innards, the Mixed Organ ($3/$5) comes with both chicken liver and gizzard. The liver was soft and creamy, while the gizzard offered a firmer, slightly crunchy bite. It is a simple side but works well with the chicken rice, especially with a little chilli and dark soya sauce.

You can also add a selection of braised items to make your meal more substantial. We had the Braised Egg ($1), Braised Tofu ($1) and Braised Beancurd ($1.20). Of the three, the Braised Tofu stood out for me. It had a soft and silky texture and soaked up the savoury braising sauce nicely. Definitely one I would get again as a simple accompaniment to the chicken rice.

Oyster Sauce Vegetable 3/5

Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts 3.5/5

For some greens, there are Oyster Sauce Vegetable ($5/$8) and Oyster Sauce Bean Sprouts ($4/$7). Between the two, I preferred the bean sprouts. They retained a nice crunch and came topped with fried shallots, which added a fragrant, slightly crispy finish and made the dish more interesting.

Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly 3.5/5

The Nan Ru Fried Pork Belly is another option if you are looking beyond chicken. The pork belly is marinated in Nan Ru, or fermented red bean curd, giving it a distinctive savoury umami flavour with a subtle sweetness and plenty of depth. The exterior is deep-fried until golden and crisp, while the meat inside remains tender, juicy and succulent. The crispy outer layer contrasts nicely with the softer, fatty pork belly within. You can order it on its own to share, or as a dedicated Nan Ru Pork Rice set.

Fried Chicken Cutlet 3.5/5

For something a little different, the stall also offers Fried Chicken Cutlet in three flavours — Original, Wasabi Mayo and Salted Egg. The cutlet has a crispy, golden-brown crust, while the meat stays tender, juicy, and moist. One thing to note, however, is that Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is primarily a chicken rice stall rather than a fried chicken specialist. The cutlets are prepared beforehand rather than deep-fried to order, so they may not have that just-out-of-the-fryer heat and crispness you would get from a dedicated fried chicken shop. Still, it is a useful option if you are dining with friends or family who want something other than traditional chicken rice.

Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights is a new addition to Peninsula Shopping Complex worth checking out if you’re in the area. The Poached and Roasted Chicken are the main draws for me. I particularly enjoyed the roasted version for its caramelised soy and honey glaze, while the poached chicken offers a cleaner and more delicate profile. The range of sides, braised items and alternative rice dishes also makes the stall suitable for sharing and for diners who want more than just a plate of chicken rice. It may still be a new stall, but the menu already offers a decent variety to explore. For me, I would return for the chicken rice, chilli and that silky braised tofu.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Hill Street Chicken Rice Delights (禧街鸡饭)
Peninsula Shopping Complex
3 Coleman Street
#01-12
Singapore 179804
Tel: +65 8152 2204
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am - 6pm
Tue-Sat: 10am - 7pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk down North Bridge Road. Walk to Coleman Street. Turn right onto Coleman Street. Walk down Coleman Street. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

Tong Le Private Dining @ OUE Tower - A Taste of Tóng Lè’s New Seasonal Creations

The only revolving restaurant in Singapore with breathtaking city views, Tong Le Private Dining continues to set the bar for elevated Chinese dining with the unveiling of its latest seasonal menus. Helmed by Senior Executive Chef To Kwok Kim (Chef Dicky), the refreshed offerings span across its Executive Lunch, themed menus and the indulgent Tong Le Experience Menu, alongside a comprehensive selection of à la carte and vegetarian options. Thoughtfully curated, the menus bring together modern flavours, innovative techniques and premium ingredients, reflecting a refined interpretation of contemporary Chinese culinary artistry.

Parma Ham, White Pepper, Marinated Lettuce Stem 4.2/5

We began with the Parma Ham, White Pepper, Marinated Lettuce Stem ($18), a visually striking appetiser that showcases precision in both plating and flavour pairing. The lettuce stem, cut into neat cubes, delivered a refreshing crunch with natural sweetness, while the delicate saltiness of the Parma ham provided a savoury counterpoint. A gentle sprinkle of white pepper tied the elements together, enhancing the overall profile without overpowering the dish.

Crispy Bean Curd Sheet Rolls 5/5

The Crispy Bean Curd Sheet Rolls ($18) followed, offering a satisfying textural contrast. Golden and crisp on the outside, the rolls encased a hearty filling of porcini mushrooms and mixed vegetables. Each bite revealed an earthy depth from the porcini, complemented by the vegetables’ natural sweetness and crunch, making it both comforting and flavourful.

Caramelised Barbecued Pork 4.2/5

A highlight from the barbecue selection was the Caramelised Barbecued Pork ($38). Executed with finesse, the cut struck a desirable balance between lean meat and a hint of fat, resulting in a tender yet structured bite. Served theatrically on a hot stone, the sauce was poured tableside, caramelising upon contact to form a lightly charred, glossy coating. Importantly, the glaze leaned towards a restrained sweetness, allowing the natural flavours of the pork to shine.

Double-boiled Fish Maw and Boneless Chicken in Jasmine Tea and Bamboo Fungus Consomme 4/5

For a lighter interlude, the Double-boiled Fish Maw and Boneless Chicken in Jasmine Tea and Bamboo Fungus Consomme offered a soothing clarity. The consomme was delicately perfumed with jasmine tea, lending a subtle floral aroma that elevated the clean, comforting broth. The fish maw and bamboo fungus added gentle textural contrast, making it both nourishing and refined.

Baked Western Australian Lobster 4.5/5

Chef Dicky’s expertise truly came through in the Baked Western Australian Lobster. The lobster was impeccably cooked, retaining a succulent, bouncy texture. Cloaked in a creamy mild cheddar cheese sauce, the dish leaned into a rich, indulgent profile, further layered with the earthy notes of morel mushrooms and the sweet-savoury nuances of Chinese sausage. This East-meets-West composition was luxurious yet thoughtfully balanced, delivering complexity in every mouthful.

48 Hours Slow-cooked Pork Belly in Aged’ Hua Diao’ 4.8/5

Equally memorable was the 48 Hours Slow-cooked Pork Belly in Aged’ Hua Diao’ ($20/pax). The pork belly was cooked to perfection, achieving a melt-in-the-mouth texture that spoke of patience and precision. The aged Hua Diao lent a deep, aromatic richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall depth of flavour. Accompanied by soft, fluffy mantou, it invited diners to savour every last drop of the luscious gravy.

Claypot Foie Gras, Fried Jasmine Rice, Saga-gyu, Black Pepper, Caramelised Soy Sauce 4/5

The Claypot Foie Gras, Fried Jasmine Rice, Saga-gyu, Black Pepper, and Caramelised Soy Sauce ($16/pax) delivered comfort with a touch of decadence. Fragrant and hearty, the dish combined the richness of foie gras and Saga-gyu with well-seasoned fried jasmine rice. The addition of crispy puffed rice introduced a delightful crunch, elevating both texture and enjoyment.

Creamy Strawberry, Lychee, Raspberry Crisp, Rose Cookie 4.2/5

Dessert came in the form of Creamy Strawberry, Lychee, Raspberry Crisp, Rose Cookie ($20/pax), elegantly presented in a cocktail glass. Light and refreshing, it resembled a delicate smoothie, with the sweetness of strawberry and lychee brightened by the tartness of raspberry. The rose cookie added a subtle floral finish, rounding off the meal on a gentle and uplifting note.

Tong Le Private Dining’s latest seasonal offerings demonstrate a confident interplay between tradition and innovation, in which classic Chinese flavours are reinterpreted with finesse and creativity. From refined soups to indulgent mains and thoughtful desserts, the experience reflects Chef Dicky’s commitment to delivering a cohesive and elevated dining journey.


Note: This is an invited tasting.


Tong Le Private Dining
OUE Tower
Level 10
60 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049322
Tel: +65 6634 3233
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 1130am - 3pm, 6pm - 1030pm
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles Place MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Clifford Centre. Cut across the building. Take the overhead bridge link across the road. Turn right at the base of the overhead bridge. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 8 minutes. [Map]

Kott-Don 360 @ Vivocity - Immersive Korean BBQ with Premium Hanwoo and 360-Hour Aged Meats

Kott-Don 360, the Korean BBQ specialist known for its premium wet-aged meats, has officially opened its second outlet at VivoCity on 15 June 2026. Building on the success of its Paya Lebar Quarter location, the new flagship raises the bar with a more immersive dining concept, anchored by a dramatic cave-inspired entrance that leads into a space adorned with traditional Hanok roof elements. The experience feels almost transportive, setting the tone for a meal that celebrates Korean craftsmanship, culture, and meticulous meat preparation.

Founded by the team behind Flower Pig 360, Kott-Don 360 continues its mission to elevate the Korean barbecue experience through expertly aged meats, attentive service, and a thoughtfully curated menu. The VivoCity outlet also introduces exclusive Hanwoo beef selections, making it a destination for those seeking a more refined Korean BBQ experience.

Hanwoo - Rib Finger, Ribeye

Hanwoo - Ribeye 4.2/5

Hanwoo - Rib Finger 4/5

We began with the Hanwoo Beef Set for sharing (from $268 Member Price), featuring prized cuts such as Rib Finger and Ribeye. The Hanwoo Rib Finger stands out for its robust, deeply meaty character. Cut from between the rib bones, it offers a more pronounced chew compared to more tender cuts, delivering a satisfying bite that beef lovers will appreciate. As it grills, the fat renders beautifully, creating a smoky, caramelised crust that amplifies its natural savouriness. Despite its structure, the meat remains juicy, striking a delicate balance between tenderness and resistance.

In contrast, the Hanwoo Ribeye leans towards indulgence. Richly marbled, it delivers a luxurious, buttery umami that coats the palate without feeling cloying. The texture is exceptionally tender, almost melting in the mouth with minimal effort. What impresses most is its clean finish. Despite the high fat content, it avoids the greasy aftertaste sometimes associated with heavily marbled beef, leaving behind a refined, lingering richness that keeps you reaching for more.

Duroc Black Pork - Pork Belly, Marinated Pork Neck and Jeju Black Pork - Pork Neck

Duroc Black Pork - Pork Belly 4.2/5

Duroc Black Pork - Marinated Pork Neck 3.8/5

The pork selections are equally compelling, showcasing different breeds and cuts. The Duroc Black Pork Belly ($29.90) is a highlight, widely regarded as the gold standard for pork due to its superior fat-to-meat ratio. Each slice grills up with crisp edges and a succulent interior, releasing a natural sweetness that is slightly nutty and far more pronounced than that of conventional pork. The marbling ensures the meat self-bastes as it cooks, resulting in a juicy, flavourful bite with a clean, non-gamey finish.

The Duroc Marinated Pork Neck ($33.90) offers a different but equally satisfying experience. The marinade enhances the pork’s inherent sweetness, caramelising over the grill to form a lightly charred, flavour-packed exterior. Unlike the belly, the neck cut provides a firmer, springy texture, delivering a hearty bite that feels substantial without being overly rich. It is well-balanced, making it easy to enjoy throughout the meal.

Jeju Black Pork - Pork Neck 4.5/5

Another standout is the Jeju Black Pork Neck ($33.90), often dubbed the “Wagyu of pork” in Korea. Raised in Jeju’s unique environment, the meat boasts a deeper, more concentrated flavour profile. The higher protein content gives it a pronounced meatiness, while the fat carries a clean, subtly sweet nuttiness. When grilled, the interplay of smoke and rendered fat creates an aromatic complexity that is both bold and refined, elevating it beyond typical pork offerings.

Kimchi Soup 4.2/5

Beyond the grill, the supporting dishes further round out the experience. The Black Pork Kimchi Soup ($18.90++) is a comforting staple, combining Duroc pork, kimchi, tofu, and spring onions in a hearty broth. The balance of spice, acidity, and richness makes it especially satisfying, and the refillable portions ensure it remains a warm, constant companion throughout the meal.

Cheese Steamed Egg 4.2/5

The Cheese Steamed Egg is soft and pillowy, almost cloud-like in texture. Topped with a layer of torched cheese, it gains added depth of flavour, with the creamy, slightly smoky notes of the cheese enhancing the delicate egg custard beneath.

Fish Cake Soup 4.2/5

A unique addition is the Kettle-Pot Fish Cake Soup (Non-Member: $55++; Member: $45++), served in a traditional kettle. Featuring imported Busan fish cake skewers in a broth brewed from radish, leek, and anchovy stock, it is both visually intriguing and deeply comforting. The kettle presentation allows diners to pour the soup themselves, adding an interactive touch to the dining experience.

Seafood Pancake 4/5

The Seafood Pancake (Non-Member: $32++; Member: $28++) impresses with its crisp exterior and well-balanced composition. It is not overly doughy, allowing the flavours of the seafood to shine through without being masked by excess batter. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by the natural sweetness of the seafood.

Kimchi Cold Noodle 4/5

For something lighter, the Cold Kimchi Noodle (Non-Member: $16.90++; Member: $14.90++) provides a refreshing contrast. The chilled fermented kimchi broth is tangy and invigorating, pairing well with the soft noodles, cucumber, seaweed, and boiled egg. It’s a welcoming, refreshing dish amid the richness of the grilled meats.

Beef Tartare Bibimbap 4.2/5

The Beef Tartare Bibimbap (Non-Member: $31++; Member: $26++) is another noteworthy dish. Featuring wagyu beef tartare, shredded egg, seaweed, and water spinach, it is brought together with a pasteurised egg yolk and ssamjang. The result is a rich, savoury bowl with layers of texture and flavour, in which the beef’s umami is complemented by the sauce’s nutty, slightly sweet notes.

To celebrate its opening, Kott-Don 360 is offering a limited-time promotion. Diners who sign up for a complimentary membership can enjoy a free 150g serving of pork belly with a minimum spend, limited to one redemption per bill while stocks last.

Kott-Don 360 at VivoCity is more than just another Korean BBQ spot. With its immersive setting, premium ingredients, and attention to detail, it delivers a dining experience that goes beyond the grill. Whether you are drawn by the exclusivity of Hanwoo beef or the depth of flavour in its carefully sourced pork, Kott-Don 360 at VivoCity is set to become a compelling destination for Korean barbecue enthusiasts.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kott-Don 360
VivoCity
1 HarbourFront Walk
#02-123/124
Singapore 098585
Tel: +65 9003 9688
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront (CC, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Harbourfront MRT station. Take Exit C & E. Walk to the destination. Journey time is about 3 minutes. [Map]