Seoul Restaurant @ Regent Hotel - Charcoal Grill A La Carte BBQ Buffet With Stew & Noodle Dishes

Do you know that there is a Korean restaurant located on level 3 of Regent Hotel? I didn't know that either until a couple of years back when the hotel Marcom shared with me. Since then, I have been wanting to check out Seoul Restaurant and finally got to do so recently. The restaurant serves authentic Korean dishes as well as premium BBQ on charcoal grill. I would recommend making a reservation as the place is quite crowded. I also notice a lot of Koreans dining at the restaurant, it just shows the food gets the recognition from the Korean community in Singapore too.

I decided to have the Seoul A La Carte Buffet ($69.90++ for adult / $42.90++ for kids). Besides the choice of beef, pork, chicken, sausage and seafood for BBQ, Diners also have the choices of a la carte, stew and noodle dishes. Not to forget the flew blow banchan which you can eat to your fill.

Grilled Meat 4.5/5

It is great to see that the restaurant still uses charcoal for the BBQ. It emits a consistent heat to cook the meat while infusing a smokiness to them.

For the beef section, diners get to have beef brisket, marinated beef boneless short rib, boneless short rib and marinated bone-in short rib.  As for the pork section, customers can eat their fill from the selection of pork belly, pork jowl steak, preserved pork prime rib and marinated pork collar.

For seafood lovers, the choices are smaller, but diners still can pick from the selection of squid, mackerel fish and prawn.

Sundubu-jjigae 4.8/5

Just having BBQ meat alone can be a bit heavy for the palate. Hence, it is nice to have something soupy to wash down the grilled meat. It is great that the a la carte buffet comes with a selection of stew dishes too. There are a total of six stew dishes to choose from, and I tried the Sundubu-jjigae (spicy soft beancurd stew with clams and egg yolk). This is legit authentic and delicious. In fact, I asked for a bowl of rice to go with it.

Mul-naengmyeon 4.5/5

BBQ is quite heaty for the body, so I am glad that among the noodle dishes, there are a few cold noodle dishes. I had the Chilled Buckwheat Noodle Soup (cold), which is really cooling and refreshing.

For those that have a bottomless stomach or prefer more premium items, you can pay for additional charges to enjoy another 10 more a la carte items on top of the buffet. These items include more premium beef, eel, crab, japchae, galbi-jjim, ginseng chicken and kimchi hotpot.


Seoul Restaurant
Regent Hotel
1 Cuscaden Road
#03-02
Singapore 249715
Tel: +65 63388548
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 3pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk towards Wheelock Place via ION. Exit Wheelock Place and turn left towards Liat Tower. Continue onwards to Forum Shopping Mall. Walk further down to Orchard Parade Hotel. Turn left onto Tanglin Road. Continue walking down Tanglin Road. Turn left onto Tomlinson Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 18 minutes. [Map]

Ninja Bowl @ Duxton Road - Hearty Meals at CBD Below $20

Take over the space at Department of Caffeine is Ninja Bowl. Ninja Bowl is opened by the same folks behind Chillax Cafe and Babette Restaurant & Bar. The restaurant offers diners an extensive menu filled with unique all day brunch options, sandwiches and hearty one bowl meals.

Coconut Lemon Mint 4/5

Recently the weather in Singapore has been really hot.  The Coconut Lemon Mint ($8) will be very refreshing and satisfying with its huge serving. It even comes with the coconut flesh. Furthermore coconut water supposes to have health benefit isn't it?

Yasai 4.2/5

Ninja Bowl offers 8 different types of bowls on the menu. Basically these bowls are carb free and comes with default ingredient combinations. However diners have a choice to add on the ninja rice, orzo pasta, garden greens and white quinoa for an additional cost of $2 to $3.

We started with the Yasai ($16) that comes with chunky salmon poke, mixed sultanas, tomatoes and onsen egg. We topped it with White Quinoa ($3) for a complete meal. A light and healthy Polynesian-inspired bowl.

Kabuki 4/5

The Kabuki ($14) comes with tender pieces of deboned chicken thigh marinated in miso, soy sauce, garlic and honey. It is rounded off with baby corn, pickled beetroot, snow peas, onsen egg and fried shallots. We chose to add on the Ninja Rice ($2), which is a blend of vinegared Japanese pearl rice and brown rice with seaweed flaks. A substantial Japanese style mixture vegetable rice, in my own layman description

Buta 3.8/5

If you are one that cannot resist a delicious piece of pork belly, then the Buta ($14) is for you. The bowl comes with Japanese aburi chashu, cherry tomatoes, onsen egg, roasted pumpkin, and ume-pickled apples. We added Orzo Pasta ($2), a rice shaped short cut pasta to round off the whole meal.

Ebisu 4.2/5

From the brunch menu, the Ebisu ($18) is a creamy stew that comes with pan seared hokkaido scallops, mussels and miso butter cream. It also comes with two slices of toast to soak up the delicious cream. I only wish there was more of the sauce.

Gyu & Tama 4.2/5

The Gyu & Tama ($17) comes with Ninja Bowl's signature 24 hour braised beef cheek that literally melted in the mouth. It is paried with a side of creamy scrambled eggs, mushrooms and toast. It is one of the better scrambled eggs I have eaten for a long while.

Fancy French 4.2/5

Worth waiting for 20 minutes is the Fancy French ($16). The French toast is stuffed with fig jam and then drizzled with honey that is infused with umeboshi (pickled plum) and topped with homemade hazelnut butter. The slices of figs, plums, green grapes and edible flowers not only make the dish pretty but also helps to balance the sweetness from the fig jam.

The menus at Ninja Bowl as per the name suggested or you would have guessed, is Japanese inspired. The delicious bowls come with quality ingredients, healthy and affordable priced below $20. What's more attractive is that they are all nett cost and the restaurant does not have service charge.


Ninja Bowl
15 Duxton Road
Singapore 089481
Tel: +65 62228055
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 930am - 730pm
Sat-Sun: 9am - 6pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. At Orchid Hotel turn right onto Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road to the opposite side of Tanjong Pagar Road. Walk along Tanjong Pagar Road to Duxton Hill. Turn left onto Duxton Hill and then turn right on Duxton Road. Journey time about 15 mins. [Map]

Tokyo Sundubu @ Suntec City Mall

I was thinking about the angle for this review while playing Europa Universalis IV at the same time, and it occurred to me - culinary empire-building is not unlike the real thing. It’s always a balance. You can sell people the equipment and a licence and be done with it; Subway does this and they’re everywhere. Or you can keep a shorter leash, keep a firm hand on the reins; the growth is slower, but more of the original is preserved.

You’d think Tokyo Sundubu would take the first path, considering what their specialty is. Sundubu jjigae is a little more complicated than its name suggests, but it’s still a straightforward stew. But no - the Singaporean outpost of the chain, which has grown to some 35 outlets in its native Japan, is adamant about consistency and control over its chief ingredient.

But I’ll get to that later. Tokyo Sundubu is the least obviously Japanese of the several restaurants in Eat at Seven, the Japanese corner of Suntec City, and perhaps also the most family-oriented in its looks - clean lines, bright lighting, with decor consisting of stacked ttukbaegi pots - the things the jjigae come in.

Yuzu Fizz 3/5

Yuzu Fizz ($3.50) is a bright and clean drink too, not too sweet and very citrusy with plenty of peel, and we are given a little time to look over the menu. The chain was created out of a Japanese chef’s fascination with this homely Korean staple; from the basic material of sundubu jjigae the menu spins out some 20 varieties. To order, you choose what goes in the pot, followed by a choice of soup and spice level; then the jjigae is made to order.

Health and Beauty Sundubu 3.5/5

The Health and Beauty Sundubu ($18) comes in a broth where gochujang and miso mingle with the sweetness of mirin, all gently bubbling around a slab of tofu. And here’s the place to talk about that tofu - they go to some length to maintain that abovementioned control and consistency. The tofu is made in house, since sundubu doesn’t keep long; the soy milk is actually flown in from Nagoya, just so it’s the same stuff they have back home.

Is it worth it? The soybean’s light flavour somehow manages to float above the gochujang; the curd is fluffy and wobbly. So that’s a yes. Tofu and okra constitute health; beauty comes from the egg, as well as another wobbling globe of collagen made from fish skin, which shimmers as it dissolves.

Seafood Sundubu 3.5/5

Similar elements appear in the Seafood Sundubu ($24) as well, the main difference being the salt and ginger soup base, which carries a little more warmth from the ginger. For the broth, Tokyo Sundubu does make a compromise - the versions used in Singapore have been tweaked to the local taste. The spice levels, though, are still pretty mild - at level 2 you can easily taste the ginger. If it is chilies you are after, go for level 3. Seafood includes clams, squid, prawns and even swimming crab which keeps its marine sweetness well.

Potato Cheese Pancakes 3.8/5

Potato Cheese Pancakes ($12) may look a little plain to the camera, but are as tasty as you expect anything with cheese and potato to be - the cheese distinct but still friendly, with strips of starchy, soft potatoes that have felt the heat of the teppan. Nonetheless, I do notice they have the good old pajeon (with scallions), and I would probably still have gone for that.

Tokyo Sundubu’s attention to detail is impressive, and they are rightly proud of it. That they have trained the staff properly about what they do is also apparent; throughout the meal we are introduced to the dishes by the wait staff. That is how we learn, for instance, that each bowl of sundubu jjigae contains less than 500 calories.

But at the same time, the soups we try do blur into each other quite a bit, in a problem common to Korean food (for me anyway) - the range of flavours is fundamentally limited when you have things as potent as gochujang and gochugaru being thrown into everything liberally. I do notice they have more exotic flavours which might break the mould, though, so actually I’d recommend you bring people with you and try a few at once when visiting.

Guest Writer: Wilson’s perfect day consists of a good meal and a laptop, on a table, next to a window, overlooking the sea, in a rainstorm. You can see more of his reviews at his blog, Dear Babette


Tokyo Sundubu
Suntec City Mall (Eat at Seven)
3 Temasek Boulevard
#03-312
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6884 4435
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Promenade (CC Line, DT Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily, 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 10pm

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

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Masizzim @ 313 Somerset

A new Korean restaurant, Masizzim has sprout up in 313 Somerset basement 3 next to Chir Chir. In fact, Masizzim is brought to you by the same folks that opened Chir Chir. Masizzim focus is on Korean stew, complemented by a medley of traditional and modern Korean side dishes.

Pork Rib Stew 3/5

Guests at Masizzim have a choice of the Pork Rib Stew, Beef Rib Stew or Spicy Chicken. For the Pork Rib Stew (individual $16 / Double $29), we decided to go for the soy flavour which is non spicy. The Australian pork mixed ribs is slow cooked in a blend of soy sauce, pineapples and Korean pear resulting in a sweet base with fall of the bone meat. The stew also comes with a choice of Korean udon or glass noodles. We had the Korean udon for the pork rib stew. We even added on Toppoki ($2).

Beef Rib Stew 4/5

Many of the us preferred the Beef Rib Stew (Individual $18 / Double $32) among the three choices. The Australian beef short ribs is slow cooked in a spicy base made of gochujang (red pepper paste), offers a choice of level 1 to 4 for spiciness. The soup base is more robust and flavourful with the tender meat.

Spicy Chicken Stew 4/5

My personal favourite is actually the Spicy Chicken Stew (Individual $18 / Double $29). The soup base may not be as rich in flavour compared to the beef rib stew, the creamy chilli base is some what similar to our local curry chicken. It was the similarity that connected with my palate.

Masizzim's Rice Ball (Tuna or Anchovy) 4.2/5

The Masizzim's Rice Balls ($8) comes with the choice of Tuna or Anchovy. Diners actually get to get the hands dirty mixing the bowl of ingredients and shaped them into a ball shape for consumption. It actually quite hard to say which is better as each has its own goodness.

Anchovy Rice Ball 4.2/5

The Anchovy Rice Ball comes with crispy anchovies, seaweed crumbs and crushed chilli padi atop three mixed grains; medium-grain white rice stained purple from Korean black rice and barley. This has more textures compared to the Tuna Rice Ball.

Tuna Rice Ball 4.2/5

The Tuna Rice Ball is wetter and richer in flavour. It comes with flakes of tuna with mayonnaise and fried kimchi, seaweed crumbs and crushed chilli padi atop three mixed grains; medium-grain white rice stained purple from Korean black rice and barley.

Tomato Cheese Kimchi Pancake 3/5

A modern interpretation of the tradition Korean pancake is the Tomato Cheese Kimchi Pancake ($13) which has kimchi and stuffed beef, further topped with tomato paste, mozzarella and chopped basil. While it tasted reasonably good, I thought it tried too hard to be a fusion dish which I don't quite buy the idea.

Potato Pancake 3/5

The Potato Pancake ($12) is really an unique Korean pancake. I don't remember having this dish anywhere else before. The pancake itself can be very one dimensional in terms of taste. Very important to have it together with the house blended dipping sauce for a wholesome enjoyment.

Squid & Leek Pancake 4.2/5

One of the best pancake at Masizzim is the Squid & Leek Pancake ($14). The traditional pancake comes with tender silvers of squid and leek. The light batter allows one to appreciate the freshness of the seafood and leek with the slightly charred exterior that comes with each bite.

Overall, I would recommend trying the Beef Rib Stew, Masizzim Rice Balls and Squid & Leek Pancake in your next visit to Masizzim.


Masizzim
313 Somerset
313 Orchard Road
#B3-02
Singapore 238895
Tel: +65 65095808
Facebook
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

Direction: 
Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to 313 Somerset. Take the escalator to basement 3. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Brizo @ Park Hotel Clarke Quay

Within a short 3 months period, I am back again at Brizo at Park Hotel Clarke Quay. For the period of 1 October to 27 December 2015, guests can look out for a gastronomic buffet spread from different Mediterranean regions, featuring a mouth watering array of 20 seafood dishes and a new Lobster in a Pan dish.

Some of the Mediterranean dishes available on the spread include Provencal Seafood Stew, Seafood Paella, Mediterranean Grilled Sea Bream in Paprika, Rosemary & Garlic, Black Mussel & Clam in White Sauce with Fresh Herbs and Pasta Fusilli Crabmeat Au Gratin.

Brizo has also recently added a BBQ section, guests can tuck into BBQ items such as Tiger Prawns Marinated in Cajun Spices, Dory Fish Fillet and Squid with Sambal Chilli, assorted vegetables and grilled potato.

Lobster in a Pan with Cioppino Sauce

Lobster in a Pan with Garlic Cream Sauce

The star of the Aloy! It's Seafood Night! buffet dinner is the Lobster in a Pan that contains a whole maine lobster, tiger prawns, clams, black mussels, potatoes, corn and gourmet sausages. There is a choice of garlic cream or cioppino sauce. I preferred the garlic cream sauce over the cioppino. Each pan is also served with refillable truffle steak fries to accompany the luxurious seafood.

Rest assured with the Mediterranean theme, the all time favourite crab dishes such as Chilli Crab, Black Pepper Crab and Salted Egg Yolk Crab will still be available in the buffet spread.

The Ahoy! It's the Seafood Night! buffet dinner is available every Thursday to Sunday, from 630pm to 1030pm at $65++ per adult. Children aged 6 to 12 years old at $32++ per child, complimentary for children under 6 years old.


Brizo
Park Hotel Clarke Quay
1 Unity Street
Singapore 237983
Tel: +65 65938888
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 6am - 1030am, 12pm - 230pm, 630pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to bus stop at Clark Quay Station (Stop ID 04222). Take bus number 54. Alight 3 stops later. Walk to the end UE Square Shopping Mall. Journey time about 8 minutes.  [Map]

La Taperia @ Shaw Centre

La Taperia opened at the newly refurbished Shaw Centre in October 2014 is the latest addition to the Les Amis family, offering traditional Spanish fare. The restaurant is modelled as a Spanish home, giving it a nice comforting, relax and homely ambience.

Gambas Al Ajillo 4.2/5

Lunch at the restaurant started with the Gambas Al Ajillo ($18) that comes with huge crunchy prawns cooked with garlic chilli and extra virgin oil. Enjoyed the simplicity of execution, allowing the main ingredient to shine.

Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Paja 4/5

Following that, I had the Huevos Estrellados con Patatas Paja ($18) which comes with a medley of ingredients such as fried egg, iberico chorizo, piquillo red pepper, mushroom and straw potato. A complex, robust and flavourful dish.

Costillitas de Cordero a la Parrilla 4.2/5

Glazed with honey mustard, the Costillitas de Cordero a la Parrilla ($25) or charcoal grilled lamb rib literally fell of the bone with each bite. Excellent pairing of the honey mustard, bringing out the flavour of the lamb.

Caldereta Asturiana 4/5

The seafood stew, Caldereta Asturiana ($34) comes with a pool of Asturian seafood such as shrimp, clam, squid, scallop and rockfish. A lot of textures and flavours were in play, swimming among the taste buds.

Paella de Bogavante 4.5/5

A must try at every Spanish restaurant is the staple paella and definitely not to be missed at La Taperia is the Paella de Bogavante ($78) which simply blown me off with its intense flavours. The paella is well infused with the lobster essence and together with the addition of saffron, runner bean and tomato, giving it the rich and robust flavours.

Churros Con Chocolate 3/5

Marquesa De Chocolate 4/5

For dessert, I got to tried the Churros Con Chocolate ($14) and Marquesa De Chocolate ($14). The churros with chocolate sauce was not bad but I have better ones elsewhere. I would recommend the chocolate marquise topped with baked almond praline instead. The richness and creaminess of the chocolate was just pure enjoyment for chocolate lover.


La Taperia
Shaw Centre
1 Scott Road
#02-10/11
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 67378336
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lataperiaSG
Website: http://www.lataperia.com.sg/
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 10pm
Thu-Sat: 12pm - 2pm, 630pm - 12midnight

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Follow the underground walkway to Shaw House/Isetan. From Shaw House/Isetan walk to Shaw Centre, Take the elevator to level 2. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]