Monday, July 15, 2024

Dal.Komm Playground @ Guoco Midtown - Offering an Expanded Range of Korean-inspired Dishes, alongside a Variety of Korean Alcoholic Beverages

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Dal.Komm Coffee has opened a new concept at Guoco Midtown called Dal.Komm Playground offers an expanded range of Korean-inspired dishes alongside a variety of Korean alcoholic beverages, complementing their original cafe offerings.

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Pan-fried Sotteok 4/5

From the Small Bites menu, we sampled the Pan-fried Sotteok ($16.90). This dish was a delight, featuring mouthwatering cheese sausages and chewy rice cake. The tomatoey sauce had a hint of spiciness, and the caramelized onions added a delectable sweetness that helped mellow the cheese sausage's saltiness.

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Seafood Pancake 4.5/5

Next, from the Sharing Plates, we enjoyed a delicious Seafood Pancake ($23.90). Packed with shrimp and squid, the pancake boasted a juicy and chewy interior contrasted with a crisp exterior. The accompanying vinegary dipping sauce enhanced each bite, making the dish even more irresistible.

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Galbi-Jjim with Mashed Potato 4.8/5

The Galbi-Jjim with Mashed Potato ($28.90) was exceptional for mains. The slab of braised beef was incredibly fork-tender and flavourful, and the accompanying carrots, radish, and mushrooms added a comforting taste. The buttery mashed potato further elevated the marbled meat's overall texture and indulgence.

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Spicy Ssamjang Prawn Noodles 3.8/5

The Spicy Ssamjang Prawn Noodles ($20.90) was a crowd-pleasing fusion pasta dish. The prawns had a satisfying crunch, and the slightly spicy sauce coated the pasta just right. Bursts of sweetness from the blistered cherry tomatoes added a pleasant contrast.

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Cruffin French Toast 3/5

For dessert, we had the Cruffin French Toast ($18.90), topped with cream, vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of granola. While enjoyable, the experience could have been improved by substituting the granola with salted nut clusters or a similar option for added texture and taste.

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Dal.Komm Playground also offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The Coffee Cube ($8.90) is one of their signature drinks, and their interesting selection of flavoured Makgeolli is also worth trying.

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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.


Dal.Komm Playground
Guoco Midtown
124 Beach Road
#01-08
Singapore 189771
Tel:+65 9008 4886
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Nearest MRT: Bugis (DT, EW Line), Esplanade (CC Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sun: 10am – 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Bugis MRT station. Take Exit D. Walk to Tan Quee Lan Street. Turn left and walk down Tan Quee Lan Street to Beach Road. At Beach Road, cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Esplanade MRT station Take Exit F. Walk straight down Beach Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Chef X @ Clarke Quay Central - Wanting Kimchi the 2nd Home-Based Chef to Take Residency at The Commerical Space

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After Baker X's successful launch at Orchard Central, the Far East Organization introduced Chef X at Clarke Quay Central. This retail innovation allows home-based chefs to experience running a restaurant in a commercial space with minimal risk. Each resident chef helms the 24-seater restaurant for four to eight weeks, serving dine-in customers and offering takeaway options.

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I recently visited Chef X to experience Wanting Kimchi, the second line-up at this innovative space, from 1 July to 26 August 2024. Diners can expect an array of signature low salt, sugar, and MSG-free handcrafted fermented side dishes alongside new hot dishes.

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Banchan 4.2/5

We began our dinner with an array of Banchan, handcrafted by Wanting, the founder of Wanting Kimchi. Each side dish was meticulously fermented from scratch using the freshest, highest-quality produce, naturally rich in antioxidants and probiotics. The effort and dedication to crafting these banchan were evident in every bite. Highlights include Wanting Kimchi's top sellers: Signature Cabbage Kimchi ($15 per tub) and Addictive Apple Kimchi ($15 per tub).

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Kimchi Jjim 5/5

Next, we had the Kimchi Jjim ($69 for 2 pax), a new hot dish introduced by Wanting Kimchi for Chef X. Served in a clay pot, the dish features whole braised kimchi crafted with slow-aged, whole-head cabbage kimchi, accompanied by generous servings of tender pork ribs in a robust, full-bodied homemade stock. The aged kimchi's natural sourness perfectly balanced the meat's richness, whetting our appetites with its depth of flavour.

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Doenjang Jjigae 4.5/5

For those who prefer non-spicy options, the Doenjang Jjigae ($25 for 1 pax) is a hearty, delicious, and comforting fermented soybean paste stew. The stew includes tender pork ribs, potatoes, and zucchini, making it a satisfying choice for a wholesome meal.

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Probiotic Lemon Cheesecake 4/5

To wrap up our meal, we indulged in the Probiotic Lemon Cheesecake ($9). The sweet and sour combination provided a perfect ending to the meal, with a delightful balance of flavours that left us feeling satisfied and refreshed.

Chef X at Clarke Quay Central is an exciting concept that provides home-based chefs with a platform to showcase their culinary skills in a commercial setting. Wanting Kimchi's residency has been a testament to the potential of this innovative space, offering a unique dining experience with its handcrafted, healthy, and flavourful dishes. Whether you're a fan of traditional Korean banchan or looking to explore new hot dishes, Wanting Kimchi at Chef X is worth a visit.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Wanting Kimchi
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Chef X
Clarke Quay Central
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#03-103/104
Singapore 059817
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Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (NE Line)

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

Direction:
1) Alight at Clarke Quay MRT station. Take Exit E or F. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]