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
Facebook
Website
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]

Diamond Kitchen @ Laguna Park - Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Lip-smacking ‘3 Crabs for $49.90’ Deal

I still remember my first visit to Diamond Kitchen at Laguna Park eight years ago after an article by Straits Times food critic Wong Ah Yoke brought it to fame. The restaurant saw snaking queues overnight, and I heard they even have to turn away customers. It was so hard to get a table then. Yet, in a blink of an eye, the restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Honey Marmite Crab 4.5/5

In conjunction with the restaurant's 10th anniversary, it is rolling out an irresistible crablicious deal. The special promotion allows customers to enjoy 3 Crabs for $49.90 for both dine-in and takeaway. Each crab weighs about 500g. What's more astonishing is your can choose to cook the crab in 20 different flavours.

Gan Xiang Crab 4.2/5

I was surprised that the restaurant now offers up to 20 flavours for the crabs. Some of them are unique flavours, such as Honey Marmite Crab. It never occurs to be the sweet and savoury combination of honey and marmite that come together harmoniously with the crustaceans. It is a good change from the usual chilli and black pepper crab, which is more suitable for children.

Curry Crab 4.8/5

The Gan Xiang Crab was the signature when the restaurant first opened. I am glad that it is still on the menu. However, I find the spice level has been toned down and is sweeter now, which didn't showcase the spices' aroma. The crowd's favourite for the night is the Curry Crab served in claypot with long beans and eggplant. It is like a crab version of the curry fish head. The curry sauce is very appetising, and I love the new style of having crab.

X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup 4/5

Another beautiful crab dish on the menu is the X.O Crab Bee Hoon Soup ($55.90). It hits the spot for for a good bowl of crab bee hoon soup. The only disappointment is I couldn't taste the X.O in the soup.

Salted Egg Yolk Sotong 4.5/5

Besides the crab promotion, Diamond Kitchen also rolls out an All-Stars Set Menu ($85++ for 3-4pax / $155++ for 6-8pax) that showcases their all-time signature dishes over the ten years. It comprises five courses, starting with the Salted Egg Yolk Sotong, which is coated in a light crispy batter of cream crackers and flour for that addictive crunch. It is further tossed in handmade salted egg yolk powder and curry leaves, elevating the taste profile.

Champagne Pork 4.2/5

Juicy and tender is the Champagne Pork. The double deep-fried pork collar is tossed in a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavour that is delightful with each bite.

Brinjal Claypot 4.5/5

The best to savour with a bowl of steaming rice is the Brinjal Claypot cloaked in piquant homemade sauce. The sauce is so delicious that I can have a few bowls of rice with it.

Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon 4.5/5

Another dish that brought Diamond Kitchen to fame is the Superior Stock Clam Bee Hoon. The silky bee hoon served in a thick superior stock is packed with natural sweetness from the generous portion of succulent fresh clams and wolfberries. I recommend having it together with their fragrant homemade sambal chilli if you love spicy food. It elevates the enjoyment to a whole new level.

Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste 4.2/5

Ending the 5-course meal on a sweet note is the Pumpkin & Ginko Yam Paste. I love Orh Nee and enjoyed the rich, creamy, and flavourful warm pureed yam.

It is glad to see Diamond Kitchen is still around after all these years, surviving the tough years of COVID. I am happy that the head chef is still around, maintaining the same standard and quality all these years. The promotions will be available at both their Laguna Park and Science Park outlet.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Diamond Kitchen (钻石小厨)
Laguna Park Condominium
5000F Marine Parade Road
#01-22/23
Singapore 449289
Tel: +65 64480629
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Bedok (EW Line), Siglap (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 230pm, 530pm -11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to bus stop at Bedok MRT station (Stop ID 84039). Take bus number 31. Alight 6 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Bedok MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to Bedok Bus Interchange (Stop ID 84009). Take bus number 196 or 197. Alight 7 stops later. Walk to destination. Journey time about 15 minutes. [Map]

3) Alight at Siglap MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]