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]
