Joo Bar and Restaurant @ Tan Quee Lan Street (Bugis)

Joo is a new makegeolli bar and restaurant setting a whole new trend in Singapore food and beverage scene with inspiring modern Korean fare and tipples. Joo which means alcohol in Korean, is located in a three storey heritage shophouses along Tan Quee Lan Street, spotting a sleek, casual and inviting venue.

Hong Dae Tripping 4/5

Makegeolli cocktail could be the next trendsetting drinks using the oldest alcoholic beverage native to Korea. I had the Hong Dae Tripping ($24) which is made from Joo's house brew organic makegeolli (also known as Joo Brew). The cocktail is a mixture of Joo Brew, Grey Goose, Apricot Brandy, Cherry Blossom, Lemon and Rosemary. A light, refreshing and zesty drink.

A trio of Korean banchan welcomes diners as being our diner experience at Joo.

Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa 4.2/5

Kick starting the evening we started with the Anju which is similar to bar food that goes well with alcohol. First is the Tofu Chips with Guacamole & Kimchi Salsa ($14). The house made tofu chips is so what like the nachos. I preferred the kimchi salsa but both is as well. It's really addictive and I could not stop going back for more.

Baby Eel Paper 3/5

The Deep Fried Baby Eel Paper ($14) imported from Korean is an interesting snack bite but I don't quite know how to appreciate it.

Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam 4.5/5

Many bars have introduced spam fries as a trend for bar snack however I find it too salty to have it on its own. The Warm Kimchi with Tofu & Spam ($16) was an excellent idea to pair house made kimichi, mangalitsa pork belly, tofu, onion and scallion with the luncheon meat. It may sounds complex but the flavours actually work harmoniously.

Makgeolli Sampler 4/5

Being a makegeolli specialized bar and restaurant, I am sure it can be a bit overwhelming with the different selections not knowing where to start with. Worry not as Joo offers a Makgeolli Sampler ($35 for 5). Among the samplers, my favourite is the Yuzu infused makegeolli which is sweet and easy to drink.

Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie 4/5

A nice twist is the Kimchi Chicken Pot Pie ($14) covered by a golden flaky pastry dome. Inside it is a rosy kimchi bechamel gravy studded with chicken tenderloin, celery, carrot, mushrooms, onion and corn. The additional of kimchi gave it good lift in flavour from the somewhat boring traditional taste.

Joo Bossam 4.5/5

Joo uses Mangalitsa for it's pork dishes which is a domestic breed developed in the 19th century by cross breeding the traditional Hungarian Bakonyi an Szalontal breeds with imported Sumadia pigs from Serbia. I thought the Joo Bossam ($28) showcases the sweetness the flavour of the mangalitsa pork belly excellent. Take a piece of the boiled mangalitsa pork belly, white yucha kimchi and a bit of the spicy radish salad and eat it all together.

Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly  4.2/5

Another version showcasing the mangalitsa pork is the Slow Roasted Mangalitsa Pork Belly ($32). The thick cut mangalitsa pork belly is eaten together with spring onion salad and Dijon mustard. Have a bit of everything together to get a nice concoction of flavours in the mouth.

Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak 4.2/5

Beautifully marinated, the Hand Chopped Korean Minced Rib Steak ($20) literally melted in the mouth. Topped with garlic flakes, chopped nuts and spring onions to give it another layer of texture and flavour, lifting the whole enjoyment.

Sojurita 4.2/5

Perfect for chilling out with friends is the Sojurita ($28) which a good for 2 to 4 pax. The easy to drink alcohol, making up of soju and beer will be tough to just stop at one.

Seafood Gochujang Risotto 4.5/5

Last but not least, if you need something substantial then a must try is the Seaffod Gochujang Risotto ($24). The red pepper paste cream sauce risotto comes with an Asian influenced flavour served with shrimp, black mussel, clam and squid. Korean can cook their risotto too!

I left Joo Bar and Restaurant having a better appreciation of makegeolli, especially their preservative free makegeolli with organic rice and purified water which is brew in Singapore locally. The modern take of Korean fare also impressed me a lot. It modernizes the way we appreciate classic Korean cuisine while retaining the traditional flavours.


Joo Bar and Restaurant
5 Tan Quee Lan Street
Singapore 188094
Tel: +65 81381628
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joobarsg
Website: http://www.joo-bar.com/
Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT Line, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 530pm - 12midnight

Direction: 
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk straight to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk to destination. [Map]

Miam Miam @ Westgate

Miam Miam first started in Bugis, which I thought was once of the most ideal spot to test our their concept - modern, European - Japanese fusion. Now with a second outlet at Westgate, Miam Miam seems to have found its way into the heartlanders. Miam Miam @ Westgate has recently launched a executive Lunch menu. It comes with a soup, a main course ( Sandwich, Pasta or Rice), and rounding it up with a choice of coffee or tea.

Cream of Broccoli 2.8/5

We had Cream of Broccoli to start of the evening. It is not too green, hence, it didn't taste too 'raw' to me.

Miam Miam Spaghetti 3/5

Modern Yaki 3/5

For Pasta, we were presented with Miam Miam Spaghetti ($15.80++) and Modern Yaki ($14.80 ++). You can see the Japanese influence in there. The use of seaweed, bonito flakes and shimeiji mushrooms. I like the use of the savoury ingredients which flavors the pasta naturally without the need to drown them in sauce. Honestly, for both pasta, the taste is there. What disappoints me is that both pasta were way under cooked. If not for that, I would have enjoyed both of them very more.

Riz Noir 3.5/5

Riz Au Curry 3/5

For Rice, we had a choice of Riz Noir ($17.80++) and Riz Au Curry ($14.80++). Again for these 2 dishes, the Japanese elements remains strong. I enjoyed the squid ink rice which remains firm to bite and the sweet milky tamago on top, which complements the savoury rice and seafood. The Riz Au Curry is a crowd pleaser with favourite ingredients such as pork frankfurters, broccoli, cheese and egg, combined and baked in homemade Japanese curry.

Teriyaki Chicken 2.8/5

Available also are sandwich offerings such as Teriyaki Chicken ($15.80++) or BLT ($11.80++). I would suggest giving these a miss and opt for either their Pasta or Rice. I mean why sandwiches, when you can try their signature dishes?

Matcha Red Bean Cream Pancake 3.5/5

Ordering 2 executive Lunch sets will get you and your partner a complimentary Matcha Red Bean Cream Pancake ($12.80 ++). Due to its thickness, the pancake can be a bit dry but the cream gels it well with the melt-in-your-mouth jelly. When I bite into coffee flavoured jelly. Explosive is the word! This really give you the best bang for your buck.

Depending on which dish you choose, at $17.90++ per pax, and together with the complimentary dessert can be quite value for your money. Hence, if you happen to be working around here or have some time to spare for a nice lunch, give it a try.

Written 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. 


Miam Miam
Westgate
3 Gateway Drive
#01-21/22
Singapore 608532
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miam.sg
Website: http://miam.sg/
Nearest MRT: Jurong East (EW Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 1130am - 10pm

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