ilmiri @ Circular Road - Bringing Its Signature Jjimdak to Singapore

ilmiri, a renowned F&B brand in Korea, opened its first outlet in Singapore on Circular Road. Established in 2011, ilmiri is known as the leading chicken cuisine brand in Korea, with more than 200 franchise stores in the country.

Cloud Cheese Jjimdak 4.5/5

The dish that Ilmiri is known for is its Jjimdak - a hearty braised chicken dish that is well-loved by many Koreans and seen in many popular K-dramas. They are available in Soy Sauce, Red Chilli, BBQ and Truffle Jjiajang sauce. We tried the best-selling Cloud Cheese Jjimdak ($41.90), available in Soy Sauce or Red Chilli.

This modern rendition comes loaded with braised chicken, accompanied by a medley of rice cakes, potatoes, and glass noodles, along with Korean dumplings, which are hidden like bundles of treasures, all covered with melted Mozzarella cheese. There's a lot to like about this hearty dish, from the tender chicken to the juicy Korean dumplings, chewy rice cakes, and the well-caramelised leeks and onions. The melted cheese added to the fun of having it with friends and family.

Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice

It can be a tad saltish to have it on its own. Hence, it is recommended that you pair it with Seaweed Sunny Side-up Bibim Rice.

Tofu Stew 3/5

To complement our Jjimdak, we had a simple Soybean Paste Tofu Stew with beef. While the portion was relatively small, it was generously loaded with onions and zucchini, which added a delightful touch of sweetness to the stew.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


ilmiri
25/26 Circular Road
Singapore 049381
Tel: +65 8468 8566
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Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (EW, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Raffles MRT station. Take Exit G. Walk straight to Circular Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

88 Pocha + BBQ @ Duxton - Bringing Together The Atmosphere of Pojangmacha and Korean BBQ Under One Roof

88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton brings together the vibrant atmosphere of Pojangmacha with the enticing lure of Korean BBQ. The Korean BBQ selection showcases good quality cuts, including Chicken Set, Duroc Pork Set and A5 Wagyu Beef.

Duroc Pork Set 4/5

Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) comes with 180g Pork Belly, 180g Pork Jowl, Kimchi, Chinese Chives, and Watercress.

Pork Belly

Pork Jowl

The Pork Belly though thinly sliced, was as succulent as the Pork Jowl. The best parts were the charred bits, especially the Pork Jowl. The best way to barbecue the pork jowl is to cut it into small pieces when they are halfway done to get its edges charred and turn them into moreish morsels. The grilled kimchi and chives helped offset the fatty meats' richness.

Seafood Tofu Stew 2.5/5

Tteokbokki 3.5/5

88 Pocha + BBQ also offers a variety of stews to accompany the BBQ sets. We had Seafood Soft Tofu Stew and Tteokbokki. The stew could have been better. It wasn't much of a stew with a very thin consistency. The latter fared better. The rice cake was chewy with a nice bite, and the sauce complemented it well.

Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice 3/5

The BBQ set also comes with a complimentary Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice, which is heated up and tossed with cheese when you are done with the meats. The taste was average, but it was a nice touch to complete the experience.

To complete the experience of Pojangmacha, 88 Pocha also offers a wide range of beverages, from bottled beers, Soju, and Highball, to traditional Korean rice liquor and makgeolli.

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road
Singapore 089483
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Nearest MRT: Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130pm-3pm, 5pm-11pm

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

Wang Dae Bak Grill @ Holland Piazza - South Korean Barbecue in a Modernized Classic Setting

Wang Dae Bak Grill at Holland Piazza is the brand's 3rd outlet, offering authentic South Korean barbecue in a modernised classic setting. The menu features fresh gourmet varieties such as US Prime Sirloin, Marinated Prime Ribs and Flower Pork Belly, including sets that cater to different dining group sizes.

The banchan here was really delicious! Besides the kimchi, I most enjoyed the braised egg and sauteed brinjal. They are refillable too.

Duroc Pork Belly

Duroc Pork Collar

For 2 or 3 pax, Buddy Set ($68) would be ideal if you intend to enjoy your meats with other dishes. The set has Marinated Prime Ribs, Duroc Pork Belly/Collar, Flower Pork Belly, and Marinated Chicken. The Pork Collar had a balanced marbling, lending the meat a good amount of flavour as the fats rendered off slowly on the sizzling grill.

Marinated Prime Ribs

Marinated Chicken

Both the chicken and prime ribs meat were marinated, but the marination did the chicken more justice than the latter. The chicken thighs were succulent, with flavours elevated by the marination. On the other hand, the tender beef did not deliver the anticipated beefy notes of a prime rib.

Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew 4/5

Other signature WDB dishes include this Spicy Seafood Tofu Stew with soft wobbly tofu. It was robust and heady with a depth of crustacean flavour from the fresh prawns and clams.

Kimchi Cheese Rolls 2.5/5

Kimchi and cheese combination sounds enticing, but the execution fell short with the Kimchi Cheese Rolls, which turned out to be a tad greasy. The kimchi and the cheese melded into one saltish tang. A kimchi cheese mandu or dumpling may have been a better alternative.

Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese 4/5

Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese was hearty and flavoursome, with the kimchi bits evenly tossed together with the pearly rice grains. The cheese was absent though. The charred bits formed at the base of the fried rice imparted a tantalising smokey nuance to the overall taste.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wang Dae Bak Grill
Holland Piazza
3 Lorong Liput
#02-01
Singapore 277725
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Nearest MRT: Holland Village (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Holland Village MRT station. Take Exit B. Turn left and walk to Lorong Liput. Turn right at Lorong Liput. Walk down Lorong Luput. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Daejim BBQ @ Craig Road - Korean BBQ Restaurant Offering Fresh Seafood Air-flown From Korea

The latest addition to the buzzy Korean BBQ restaurants in Tanjong Pagar, Daejim on Craig Road, sets itself apart from other Korean BBQ joints by offering the option of fresh seafood, air-flown from Korea. Inspired by traditional Korean pojangmacha, where people gather over grilled meats and drinks, Daejim also provides a large selection of soju, makgeolli, beers, liquors and non-alcoholic beverages and their very own signature cocktails are a must-try.

Assorted Bancha 4/5

Rolled Omelette

While waiting for our seafood and meats to be prepared, we tucked into the banchan provided that were pretty wholesome. I love the housemade Kimchi here. They had a very good spicy kick balanced with a hint of sweetness. Compared to the commercial ones, they had a better depth of flavour and were less acidic. Having the Jaechae as a banchan is a bonus, especially when it was so deliciously done. Another highlight is the Rolled Omelette, which is also less commonly available.

Seafood Set

Daejim prides itself on providing premium grilled seafood to its customers, including abalone, octopus, scallops, squid and oysters. Its fresh seafood selection includes Ganjang Saewoo (soy-marinated raw prawns), Ojingeo-tonggui (marinated spicy BBQ Squid) and Godeungeo (grilled mackerel). We tried the signature Seafood Set ($118) that comes with oysters, scallops and even abalones.

Scallop with Cheese 4.5/5

Abalone 4.5/5

There are mini plates of butter and shredded mozzarella cheese, which you can melt over the fire or on the scallop itself. Slather the savoury butter over the abalone for an enriched texture and mouthfeel.

A Selection of Pork and Beef Cuts 4.5/5

The meat selection is equally comprehensive. The pork mainly comes from the Jeju Black Pig, known as the Kobe beef of pork. Daejim also offers a variety such as Kkotsal (prime cut boneless short rib, which translates to 'flower meat' in Korean due to its white flowers-like marbling). For the best of both worlds, you may choose the basic beef/pork set - USDA Beef/Pork Set with Prime Beef Finger-Rib, Sliced Beef Brisket, Pork Belly and Pork Collar.

Marinated Short Ribs

The Marinated Prime Beef Short Ribs had a satisfyingly rich texture, and it is best to eat it simply with the fresh lettuce provided without dipping sauce that might overwhelm their flavours.

Steamed Egg

Sundubu Jjigae 2.8/5

All sets include 1 Steam Egg, Choice of 1 Soup Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Soup ) / Sundubu Jjigae (Korean Spicy Tofu Stew) / Doenjang Jigae (Soybean paste stew) ), 3 Cream Cheese Croquettes and 1 Cheese Fondue. Unfortunately, my Sundubu Jjigae had a relatively weak soup base.

Honeycomb Makgeolli

The drinks here are superb. A must-try is the Honeycomb Makgeolli ($38++ for two people). The honey lent an uplifting flora aroma to the Makgeolli and a touch of sweetness, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savoury food.

Soju Cocktail

Another delightful drink is its Soju Cocktails, and we had this pretty pink lychee rose-flavoured soju cocktail inspired by the concept of bubble tea.

There's a launch promotion right now: Get 4x Cheese Scallops air flown from Korea with every order of the BBQ set for the whole month of September (from 1st till 30th September 2022). For more information, visit www.daejim.sg.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Daejim
4 Craig Road
Singapore 089664
Tel: 9796 9593
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily:12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 2am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]