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]

Bomul Samgyetang @ Chijmes - Singapore’s Largest Range of Korean Organic Chicken Soups

Korean comfort food lovers, there’s a new spot to bookmark at CHIJMES. BOMUL Samgyetang has officially opened its doors, bringing with it Singapore’s largest dedicated selection of samgyetang — the iconic Korean ginseng chicken soup prized for its nourishing and restorative qualities. Specialising exclusively in this traditional dish, BOMUL presents 10 thoughtfully curated variations, ranging from collagen-boosting, detoxifying broths to indulgent modern interpretations such as black truffle samgyetang.

Each bowl arrives like a warm embrace on a cool day — a whole organic chicken gently slow-simmered in a fragrant hanbang herbal broth brewed from over 18 medicinal ingredients. The result is a deeply comforting soup that feels both hearty and therapeutic, delivering wellness one spoonful at a time.

Energy Samgyetang

We began with the Energy Samgyetang ($36), which leans towards subtlety and balance. Infused with 100% Korean perilla, the broth carries a gentle nuttiness with soft, savoury undertones. The perilla adds an aromatic lift without overpowering the soup, much like a quiet supporting note that enhances the overall harmony. Light yet intensely flavourful, this bowl is ideal for those seeking nourishment without heaviness.

Rejuvenation Samgyetang

The Rejuvenation Samgyetang ($36) takes on a richer profile with the addition of aged black garlic. Slow-cooked to coax out its natural sweetness, the garlic lends the broth layers of caramelised depth, adding warmth and complexity. It’s a comforting, soul-soothing bowl — the kind that feels especially restorative after a long day.

Spicy Cure Samgyetang

For those who enjoy a fiery kick, the Spicy Cure Samgyetang ($32) delivers bold flavours that truly live up to its name. Brewed with extra-spicy chilli peppers, the soup packs a satisfying heat, while chives and enoki mushrooms add freshness and crunch. This is the bowl to order when you need something invigorating — like a culinary wake-up call that clears the senses.

Vitality Samgyetang

The most luxurious of the lot is the Vitality Samgyetang ($40), prepared with rare black ginseng that has undergone the traditional “Nine Steaming and Nine Drying” (kujeungkupo) process. The broth is more profound, more intense, with a refined herbal bitterness that lingers pleasantly. Said to enhance circulation and energy levels, this bowl feels like a premium tonic — robust, grounding, and unapologetically medicinal.

Spicy Chicken Feet

To complement the soups, BOMUL also offers a solid range of Korean classics and sides. The Spicy Chicken Feet ($18) are stir-fried in a fiery, glossy sauce that clings to every bite, delivering both heat and addictive umami.

Seafood Pancake

The Seafood Pancake ($25) is crisp on the outside and generously studded with fresh seafood, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser with each savoury mouthful.

Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi

The Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi ($22) pairs tender duck and chicken breast with chewy rice cakes, all glazed in a savoury-sweet sauce and finished with crushed peanuts for added texture.

Pumpkin Samgyejuk

For something gentler, the Pumpkin Samgyejuk ($25) offers a naturally sweet Korean pumpkin porridge that’s smooth, comforting, and packed with vitamins and fibre — perfect as a light meal or shared side.

Maesaengi Abalone

The Maesaengi Abalone Samgyejuk ($29) is richer and more luxurious, enriched with fresh abalone and nutrient-dense maesaengi seaweed, resulting in a bowl that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

With its focused dedication to samgyetang and an impressive range that spans both tradition and innovation, BOMUL Samgyetang positions itself as a destination for those seeking Korean comfort food with a wellness-driven approach. Whether you’re after gentle nourishment or a robust herbal boost, there’s a bowl here that feels thoughtfully crafted for the occasion.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bomul
Chijmes
30 Victoria Street
#01-11/12
Singapore 187996
Tel: +65 9232 3838
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Nearest MRT: City Hall (EW, NS Line), Bras Basah (CC Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at City Hall MRT station. Take Exit A. Cut across Raffles City Shopping Centre to Bras Basah Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and North Bridge Road, cross the road to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bras Basah MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk southwards towards Victoria Road. At the junction of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Road, cross the intersection to Chijmes. Journey time is about 5 minutes. [Map]