Bancheria @ Concourse Skyline (Beach Road) - Where Banchan Meets Tapas, First Korean X Spanish Concept in Singapore

Singapore has seen its fair share of fusion concepts, but Bancheria sets itself apart as the first Korean x Spanish dining experience. Cosy yet vibrant, the restaurant is a playful stage where tapas and banchan meet, creating bold, unexpected flavour pairings. Bancheria feels both familiar and adventurous, precisely the kind of place where you'll want to bring friends to eat, drink and explore.

Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter 4/5

Our meal began with the show-stopping Signature Bancheria Banchan Platter ($12 per guest), a colourful spread of nine in-house banchan. Seasonal and ever-changing, the platter promises a different mix with every visit. Highlights from our visit included the crunchy pickled mustard greens, Spanish tortilla, Jeju mandarin kimchi and spicy jamón cucumber. The platter is priced per head, must be ordered by the whole table and comes with up to three refills. This makes the perfect bite over drinks.

Bancheria Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam 4/5

Bancheria Paaprika Fried Chicken Wings 4/5

If there's one thing Bancheria does well, it's fried food. We sampled two signature tapas: Mozzarella Balls with Kimchi Tomato Jam ($7 for 3 pcs) and Paprika Fried Chicken Wings ($12 for 2 pcs). The mozzarella balls are exactly what you'd expect - hot, stretchy cheese encased in a crisp shell, but the kimchi tomato jam takes them up a notch, cutting through the richness with a tangy-sweet bite. The chicken wings were a revelation with crispy skin and juicy meat. Totally unexpected for wings to taste this good.

Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg 3.8/5

The Bancheria Jamon Fries with Broken Egg ($18) is indulgence done right, starting with the fries themselves, which are crispy, golden and easily some of the best fries I've had in a while. The creamy broken egg ties everything together, coating each fry in a rich, velvety layer. A generous snowfall of shredded cheese adds nutty depth while the jamón brings a punch of savoury-salty flavour that keeps things exciting. This is a great alternative to the usual truffle fries.

Iberico Bulgogi & Pipparas Montadito 4/5

Soy Crab Salad Montadito 3/5

Next came the Montaditos, open-faced bites served on crusty bread. The Iberico Bulgogi & Piparras ($8) was an instant favourite with tender, savoury bulgogi elevated by the kick of fresh piparras peppers. The Soy Crab Salad ($8) had generous chunks of crab, which I appreciated, though my dining partner found it a touch fishy. A squeeze of lime would have brightened the flavours and brought balance.

Chorizo Tteokbokki 5/5

For something heartier, the Chorizo Tteokbokki ($22) is a must-order. Chewy tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) are coated in an addictive gochujang cream, layered with broken manchego and finished with aged sherry vinegar. The dish also hides pieces of Korean fish cake for extra texture and nostalgia. It's rich, bold and utterly satisfying that we cleaned the plate in minutes. It's no surprise this is Bancheria's bestseller; it's the dish we're already craving to return for.

Hotteok with Homemade Honey Selections 3.8/5

Churros with Plum & Cinnamon 3.8/5

Desserts at Bancheria are as playful as the savouries. The Hotteok ($5 per pc) arrives with a tasting flight of housemade honeys, each infused with unique flavours like orange peel, barley, corn, peppermint and even garlic. We loved the crispy pancake skin with its gooey brown sugar centre, especially paired with the orange peel honey.

The Churros ($4 per pc) are dusted with plum and cinnamon, an inventive twist that’s intriguing, though we still prefer the classic cinnamon-sugar (which is also available). A new Gochujang Chocolate Dip is in the works, which we’ll definitely be back to try. For cheesecake lovers, keep an eye out as Basque Burnt Cheesecake by Michelin-starred chef Albert Adrià will soon debut on the menu as well!

Solmija

House Sangria (Red)

Be sure to check out Bancheria's cocktails, priced at a very approachable $12. We tried the Solmija (gin, lemon, mint, omija, egg white), which is refreshing with a touch of herbaceous complexity and the House Sangria (Red), a fruit-infused wine topped with a foamy crown of red wine. Both were easy-drinking and perfect complements to the bold flavours of the food.

Bancheria is more than a fusion restaurant — it's a creative playground that makes you excited to see what's next. With a cosy, friendly vibe, pet-friendly outdoor seating and a menu that evolves with seasonal banchan and new creations, it's the kind of spot that rewards repeat visits. Just make sure to book ahead as tables are limited, especially on weekends.

PS: By popular demand, the full menu will be available all day on weekends starting 6 September 2025. Weekday lunch features lunch sets alongside selected tapas.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Bancheria
Concourse Skyline
302 Beach Road
#01-06
Singapore 199600
Tel: +65 8788 3337
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Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun: 1130am - 9pm
(Closed on Tue)

Direction:
1) Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT station. Take Exit A. Take the overhead bridge and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

1864 The Bar @ Sofitel Singapore City Centre - Sofitel x Sulwhasoo Launches a New Sulwhasoo Cafe Experience

Following the success of their previous ginseng-themed afternoon tea collaboration last year, Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Sulwhasoo have reunited to launch a new K-beauty and wellness-inspired pop-up café experience - the Sulwhasoo Café. Together, they invite guests to indulge in a journey of inner radiance and self-care.

Running from 17 May to 13 July 2025, the exclusive Sulwhasoo Café is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the hotel’s 1864 Lobby Lounge in Sofitel Singapore City Centre. This limited-time café concept blends the time-honoured principles of Korean holistic wellness with the refined techniques of French cuisine. Each dish draws inspiration from Sulwhasoo’s signature skincare range, with ingredients ranging from ginseng, collagen, jujube, Nashi pear, and mugwort.

The Sulwhasoo Café menu features eight dishes and two beverages, all available à la carte. However, for the best value, ordering a set menu is recommended. Guests can choose between a two-course menu ($45++), which includes a starter or dessert and a main course, or the three-course menu ($65++), which offers a complete experience with a starter, main course, and dessert.

To make the dining experience even more memorable, guests will receive complimentary Sulwhasoo beauty kits with qualifying spends:

· A three-piece Daily Routine Kit (worth $60) with a minimum spend of $40++.
· A four-piece Anti-Aging Kit (worth $110) when ordering the three-course set menu at $65++.

These gifts are available while stocks last, and qualifying spend applies only to items ordered from the Sulwhasoo Café menu.

Tuna Hwe 4.2/5

For starters, guests have the choice between two hot options and a cold option:

The beautifully plated Tuna Hwe ($28) features chopped tuna tossed in a spicy calamansi chojang, topped with a silky egg yolk gel, and complemented by perilla, sesame, and pine nuts. Crisp rice wafers accompany the dish, allowing diners to scoop the tuna on top for an added layer of texture.

Black Sesame & Ginseng Samyetang Pao Fan 4/5

The Black Sesame & Ginseng Samgyetang Pao Fan ($26) is a reimagined version of the traditional ginseng chicken soup. It's served pao fan-style, with a warm chicken collagen broth poured over a comforting bed of tender chicken slices, rice puffs, and leeks. It's easy to drink, very gentle and clean-tasting, although I prefer a more flavourful broth.

Creamy Kimchi with Tteok 4.5/5

My favourite starter of the three was the Creamy Kimchi with Tteok ($24), which takes its cue from Korean budae jjigae (army stew) but cleverly uses a zucchini stew base with gochujang to offer a vegetarian option for guests. Topped with a slow-cooked egg and parmesan and featuring crispy, chewy tteokbokki (rice cakes), the dish tastes more like a Korean interpretation of shakshuka. Very delicious and hearty

Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap 4.2/5

Moving on to the main courses, there are also three options on the menu: Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap, Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang, and a vegetarian Naengmyeon.

The Doenjang Chicken with Yeonnibap ($34) features tender slices of chicken marinated in fermented soybean paste. Accompanying the chicken is glutinous rice mixed with a medley of ginkgo nuts, adzuki beans, jujube, and pumpkin seeds, adding to its nutritional value and taste. The rice is aromatic and subtly sweet. Slices of tamagoyaki-style omelette round off this tasty dish.

Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang 4.5/5

The Blackened Salmon with Clam Doenjang ($38) is really good and is my favourite main course dish. The salmon flesh is moist and flaky, bathed in a beurre noisette, and it is accompanied by clams, sauteed daikon, and capers. It is a well-balanced and delicious combination.

Naengmyeon 3.8/5

The Naengmyeon ($30) features buckwheat noodles immersed in a chilled black goji berry broth, which lends the soup a vibrant purple hue. Toppings include slices of Nashi pear, purple cabbage, and a boiled egg. The broth is quite refreshing, and the noodles are nice and chewy. However, I must admit that cold noodles have never been my favourite food as I'll always prefer noodles in hot soup. Hence, this dish may appeal more to those who appreciate this Korean speciality.

Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux 4.2/5

For dessert, diners can choose between two elegant creations.

The first is an Insam and Cointreau Gâteaux ($22), a decadent treat made with dark chocolate subtly infused with Cointreau and mandarin orange gel and finished with ginseng (insam) dusting. Rich, bittersweet, and slightly citrusy, this dessert is a lovely choice for chocolate lovers.

Peach Collagen Consommé 4.2/5

The second option is an equally good Peach Collagen Consommé ($19), a nourishing bowl packed with wholesome, traditional ingredients. It features soft poached peach, peach gum, and white fungus, all steeped in a subtly sweet consommé. On the side, jujube walnuts add some crunch. This dessert will particularly appeal to those who enjoy light, healthy, and heritage-inspired sweets. While it’s served chilled by default, diners can also request it to be served warm.

There are also two interesting drink options: the cold Ssukcha Mango Fizz ($9) made with mugwort tea, mango, and tonic, and their take on the viral Korean classic of hot Dalgona Coffee ($9) with milk and whipped coffee foam.

Whether you're a skincare enthusiast, a fan of Korean cuisine, or someone looking for a unique dining experience, this limited-time pop-up is a fun option. The dishes show care in both presentation and ingredient pairing and will be especially enjoyable for those who enjoy lighter, health-focused flavours with a creative twist. With the added perk of receiving Sulwhasoo beauty kits with your meal, there's now even more reason to treat yourself!

Photographed and penned by Shermine. Through her pictures and stories, she shares her journey of savouring new flavours and experiences. Note: This is an invited tasting.


1864
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Fifth Floor
9 Wallich Street
Singapore 078885
Tel: +65 6428 5000
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
High Tea: 2pm - 5pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn right on Peck Seah Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Taste Myeongdong @ Taste Orchard - New Food Hall with 7 Different Korean Concepts Under One Roof

Located along bustling Orchard Road, TASTE Myeongdong is the latest food hall concept that transports diners to the nostalgic, neon-lit streets of Myeongdong, South Korea. Inspired by the vibrant pocha (Korean street bar) culture, this food hall brings together seven distinct concepts, namely O'Bok Bibimbap, Red Cup, Gamtan Express, Singdang Bul Dakbal, Hoho Noodles, Myung Dong Pocha, and Breaders. They offer comforting, affordable, and all-day Korean fare under one roof. By evening, the space transforms into a lively pocha hub with a wide selection of sharing plates perfect for groups.

We visited for their Pocha Set Menu ($95 for 4 pax), available after 5pm. This menu includes a generous spread of Korean street favourites such as Tteokbokki, Fish Cake Soup, Fried Snacks, Gimbap, Chicken Feet, and a choice between Seafood Pajeon or Kimchi Jeon.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Gimbap 4/5

Our meal began with a classic Beef Gimbap. It is fluffy, well-seasoned rice wrapped in crisp seaweed and layered with marinated beef, egg, and vegetables. Lightly brushed with sesame oil and topped with sesame seeds, each bite was aromatic and well-balanced. It is a comforting introduction to our pocha feast.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Tteokbokki 4/5

Due to its often overly firm texture, I typically steer clear of Tteokbokki in Singapore. Thankfully, this version was a pleasant surprise. The rice cakes were delightfully soft and chewy, soaking up the spicy-sweet gochujang sauce with just the right amount of heat. It is a nostalgic nod to authentic Korean street food.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Fried Snacks 3/5

The Fried Platter included an assortment of vegetables, shrimp, sweet potato, and squid fritters. While each was golden and crisp, the squid stood out for its firm and bouncy texture. It was a satisfying side dish, though it could benefit from a lighter batter for better overall balance.

Singdang Bul Dakbal - Chicken Feet 3.8/5

Served in a rich, dry spicy sauce, the Korean-style Chicken Feet brought bold, tongue-tingling flavours. It was a unique and surprisingly enjoyable experience — the gelatinous texture of the chicken feet complemented the fiery seasoning. While it may be acquired for some, it's worth trying if you're adventurous.

Myung Dong Pocha - Fish Cake Soup 4/5

Nothing says Korean street food like a steaming bowl of Eomuk (Fish Cake Soup). The comforting, umami-rich broth and soft fish cakes instantly transported me back to my Myeongdong trip. It is a simple but deeply satisfying dish, especially on a cool evening.

Myung Dong Pocha - Seafood Pajeon 3/5

We opted for the Seafood Pajeon over the Kimchi version. While the edges had a slight crisp, the pancake leaned a bit too doughy for my preference. That said, it was generously studded with seafood and paired nicely with a tangy dipping sauce. Fans of Korean pancakes may appreciate it more.

Breaders - Original, Crumble Blueberry, Pecan Walnut 3.8/5

Rounding off the meal on a sweet note, we sampled three flavours from Breaders, a popular Korean custard tart brand: Original, Crumble Blueberry, and Pecan Walnut. Unlike traditional egg tarts, these are best enjoyed chilled, featuring a creamy, molten-like centre with a delicate, flaky crust. They're less eggy, more dessert-like, and perfect for those who enjoy a soft, custardy texture. With a total of six flavours (including Sweet Potato, Earl Grey, and Blueberry Cream Cheese), there's something for every palate.

TASTE Myeongdong captures the heart and soul of Korean street food culture with an accessible, family-friendly format. Whether craving comforting classics or looking to wind down with pocha-style bites and soju, this food hall brings a slice of Korea to the heart of Singapore.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Taste Myeongdong
Taste Orchard
160 Orchard Road
Singapore 238842
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Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to the traffic junction of Orchard Road and Killiney Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

POCHA! Korean Street Dining @ Compass One - Launches 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter

POCHA! Korean Street Dining has always been a go-to spot for those seeking authentic and flavourful Korean street food. This time, they've taken it up a notch with the launch of their 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter - a feast of eight different items, designed to transport you to the bustling street markets of Korea.

Seafood Pancake and Krispy Chunks 3.5/5

Sindang Tteokbokki 3/5, Eomuk 3/5 and Kimari 3.5/5

Kimchi Mandu, Corn Dog and Rice Balls 2.8/5

The 1-Metre Korean Street Food Platter ($34.90) presents a mix of hits and misses. While the Kimari, Seafood Pancake, and Krispy Chunks stood out with their rich flavours and delightful textures, some items could have been more enjoyable if served hotter. Despite this, the platter remains an excellent option for sharing between 2 to 3 people, offering a satisfying variety of street food favourites.

Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 3/5

Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon 4/5

The Fried Chicken Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) pairs a crispy chicken cutlet with stir-fried Shin Ramyeon, delivering a satisfying kick of spice. While the heat is spot on, the dish falls short in creativity, tasting more ordinary than expected.

The Cheese & Bacon Stir Fry Spicy Shin Ramyeon ($13.90) stands out with its rich, creamy texture, thanks to the addition of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Though the spice level is mild, the flavour profile is incredibly satisfying, making it our favourite.

Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki 4/5

With the added cheese topping, their signature Sindang-Dong Tteokbokki ($11.90) comes highly recommended. The sauce is packed with flavour, and the tteokbokki has just the right amount of chewiness, making it a comforting dish for any Korean street food lover.

Ganjang-Gejang 3/5

We ventured to try the Ganjang-Gejang ($15.90 per piece, 2 for $26.90, 3 for $33.90), a raw marinated crab dish. The crabs are soaked in a homemade soy sauce, giving them a jelly-like, unique texture. While slightly salty, the dish offers an intriguing flavour experience.

The new dishes are available at all POCHA! outlets.

Photos and words by Jaslyn. An avid cook who lives to eat and travel for food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


POCHA! Korean Street Dining
Compass One
#02-42
1 Sengkang Square
Singapore 545078
Tel: +65 98516240
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Nearest MRT: Sengkang (NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Sengkang MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

Chara Brasserie @ Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre - Mediterranean-Asian Buffet with 4 Rotating Menus

Chara Brasserie is an all-day dining restaurant of the new Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Offering a Mediterranean Asian theme buffet, the menu lineup took on inspiration from different countries each day of the week. There are four menus in rotation each week. Be enticed by more than 100 varieties, from classic flavours to modern takes on familiar dishes.

Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib 3.8/5

Seabass 4.5/5

Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie 4.5/5

On Friday and Saturday, the Live Rotisserie Station will be fully charged with beautifully roasted meats. As the theme is Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations will take centre stage. The star of this station is the Spice Marinated Whole Baby Lamb Rotisserie (for dinner), alongside other hearty roasts such as Australian Angus Beef Prime Rib and Roasted Chicken.

DIY Chicken Kebab 3/5

There is also an interactive DIY Kebab Station that lets you put together your own kebab. Although the chicken was a tad dry, the creamy hummus made up for the texture.

Seafood on Ice 4.5/5

The Seafood on Ice station brimmed with chilled clams, poached sea prawns, mussels, flower crabs, lobsters, crayfish, and oysters. The oysters were quite exceptional, and a variety of sauces complemented them.

Japanese Okonomiyaki 4.5/5

Korean Tteobokki 3/5

One standout dish from the buffet is the Japanese Okonomiyaki. It's a delightful blend of shredded cabbage, dough, whole egg, and oysters, resulting in a light and satisfying texture. The final touch of sauce and mayonnaise binds the savoury ingredients together with a contrasting sweet and creamy flavour. I reckoned the Korean Tteobokki needed a bit more sauce.

Sashimi 3.8/5

I appreciate the individually plated Sashimi from the Japanese station. You can also find aburi chirashi dons with free-flowing ikura, ebiko, and tobiko.

Chilli Crab 4/5

Black Pepper Crayfish 4/5

Local favourites and flavours are included as well. Both Black Pepper Crayfish and Chilli Crab were being snapped up really fast. Kung Po Smoked Chilli Prawns were an interesting rendition.

Prata Puff and Dahl Curry 4/5

Hand - Skewered Ariff Satay 4/5

Although the Prata Puff and Dahl Curry were a tad oily, they were exceptionally moreish. For the hand-skewered Ariff Satay, I suggest enjoying it early in your meal as they are limited in numbers.

Assorted Kuehs 4.5/5

The Dessert Station was decadent, with a wide range of Nyonya kueh, mini tarts, cupcakes, mini cakes, puddings, and even waffles, served with soft-serve gelato. I tried every single kueh, and they were really delicious!

To celebrate its grand launch, Chara Brasserie is offering an opening special of 25% off the prices of its buffet menu, valid daily until 31 May 2024

Chara Brasserie Buffet Lineup - Flavours From Across the World Four Rotating Menus.
Monday and Tuesday - Flavours of the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, with the hot stations firing up to cook seafood - focused specialties.
Wednesday and Thursday - Mediterranean with Japanese flair
Friday and Saturday - Mediterranean and Asia Pacific, with lamb rotisseries and roast carving stations set up.
Sunday - An international Mediterranean buffet serving up all three menus from across the week.

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.


Chara Brasserie
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
8 Club Street
#02 - 01
Singapore 069472
Tel: +65 8826 8585
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Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line), Chinatown (DT, NE Line)

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: 6.30am -10.30am
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm
Dinner: 6pm to 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit A. Turn left and walk down Cross Street. Turn left onto Club Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Chinatown MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk straight down Pagoda Street to North Bridge Road. Cross the road and walk to Mohd Ali Lane. Walk down Mohd Ali Lane. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]