Um Yong Baek @ Telok Ayer - Second and Bigger Outlet to Enjoy the Popular Pork & Rice Soup

The popular Um Yong Baek on Boon Tat Street has expanded with a new, larger outlet on Telok Ayer Street. This new location offers the same signature Dwaeji Gukbab (Pork & Rice Soup) for lunch and Korean grilled meats for dinner. Eager to try their famed Dwaeji Gukbab, I finally got the chance to visit the new outlet, which conveniently allows reservations.

Busan Style Daejigukbab 4.5/5

We began our meal with the Busan Style Daejigukbab ($21). This version boasts a broth made by roasting aged pork and then boiling it for long hours to draw out the deep, savoury flavours of the meat into a clear broth. The dish includes various cuts of pork, each boiled separately to retain their distinct taste and texture. Even the rice is prepared using a traditional Korean method to remove starch, allowing the savoury broth to permeate each grain. This meticulous preparation results in a lighter, cleaner taste that highlights the original flavours of the pork.

Milyang Style Daejigukbab 4.2/5

Next, we tried the Milyang Style Daejigukbab ($21). The main difference lies in the broth, which is made from various pork bones to achieve a thicker, richer pork flavour. While both styles are delicious, I preferred the Busan style for its lighter, cleaner taste, allowing the original pork flavours to shine more distinctly.

The meal is accompanied by complimentary banchan, with the kimchi standing out in particular. It effectively cuts through the richness of the pork broth, refreshing the palate and enhancing the overall dining experience.

Ohsorigamtoo Sooyuk 4.8/5

The lunch menu offers other delightful dishes in addition to the pork and rice soup. We sampled the Ohsorigamtoo Sooyuk, which features generous portions of boiled pork maw. The pork maw was clean and had a delightful chewy texture. What truly surprised me was the accompanying sauce, which paired excellently with the pork maw, elevating its flavour.

Ohgyeopsal Sooyuk 4.5/5

We also tried the Ohgyeopsal Sooyuk, which is a boiled pork belly with skin. The pork belly had a nice, bouncy gelatin texture and didn't feel fatty at all. It came with sides of tofu, garlic, and chives, which offered a unique and delicious way to appreciate the boiled pork belly. Eating the pork belly in four different ways with these sides was a novel and enjoyable experience.

Um Yong Baek's new outlet on Telok Ayer Street successfully brings the essence of authentic Korean cuisine to Singapore, offering a delightful journey through the flavors of Busan and Milyang Dwaeji Gukbab. The attention to detail in the preparation of each dish, from the broth to the banchan, ensures a memorable dining experience. Whether you prefer the lighter Busan style or the richer Milyang style, Um Yong Baek is definitely worth a visit for an authentic taste of Korean Pork & Rice Soup.

Note: THis is an invites tasting.


Um Yong Baek
80/82 Telok Ayer Street
#01-01
Singapore 048466
Tel: +65 8122 3498
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Sat: 11am - 330pm, 530pm - 10pm

Direction:
Alight at Telok Ayer MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 minutes. [Map]

One Morning Catch Seafood (一品鲜 活海鲜) @ KINEX - A Seafood Haven Relocated from Bartley to Tanjong Katong

Previously located in an industrial area in Bartley, The Morning Catch Seafood found its new home within the KINEX mall, serving fresh live seafood at reasonable prices. As we stepped into the restaurant, we were captivated by the fresh, live seafood tanks on full display for the customers. Interestingly, many seafood options here are priced per piece, unlike most seafood restaurants that charge by weight. Lobster, abalone, scallops, Dungeness crab, and more - if you can name it, they have it.

Lobster “Sha Cha” Vermicelli 4/5

The showstopper to kick off our meal was the Lobster "Sha Cha" Vermicelli ($198), cooked in a rich broth reminiscent of lobster bisque. The lobster was incredibly fresh and meaty. Although the "Sha Cha" flavour in the broth was subtle, and the thin vermicelli could have absorbed the broth better for a more flavourful bite, we still thoroughly enjoyed this dish.

White Pepper Collagen Soup Vermicelli with Red Flower Crab 4.2/5

Similar to the lobster dish, the White Pepper Collagen Soup Vermicelli with Red Flower Crab ($78) is cooked in a rich collagen soup infused with white pepper. This time, it's paired with Red Flower Crab, which is less meaty but noticeably sweeter than the lobster. The white pepper flavour is distinctive and aromatic without being spicy. You can also choose other types of shellfish to be cooked in this flavourful broth.

Golden Collagen Soup with Star Red Grouper 4.2/5

Another soupy dish we enjoyed was the Golden Collagen Soup with Star Red Grouper ($88). The silky-smooth meat had been de-boned for easy consumption, which we truly appreciated. Despite its name, the golden collagen soup tasted richer than Suan Cai Yu. Sweet potato noodles and enoki mushrooms nestled underneath were a delightful addition to the slightly spicy, rich broth.

Salt & Pepper Mantis Prawn 4/5

Next, we have the Salt & Pepper Mantis Prawn ($12.50/pc) garnished with bits of fried garlic that elevate its flavour. Despite the challenge of peeling them, the Mantis Prawns were exceptionally sweet and chewy!

Hometown BBQ Lamb Rack 3/5

They offer a variety of meats in addition to seafood. We tried their Hometown BBQ Lamb Rack ($38), seasoned with a distinctive cumin spice. While we didn't find it exceptionally unique and quite fatty/oily for multiple pieces, the manager assured us it might just be this particular rack. Nonetheless, it was nicely grilled with a crispy crust.

Salted Egg Chicken 3/5

Our last dish was the Salted Egg Chicken ($16), a Singaporean favourite. The salted egg sauce was nicely balanced — sweet and savoury with the fragrance of curry leaves. This dish pairs perfectly with rice. While it may not be unique, it is definitely a must-order for salted egg lovers or kids at the dinner table.

The Morning Catch offers a total of 7 beautifully decorated private rooms suitable for all occasions. The smaller rooms can accommodate up to six seated guests, while the largest room can host 22 seated guests and up to 40 guests with a very reasonable minimum spend of $1988.

Two private rooms come equipped with karaoke systems for you to sing your heart out. The largest room even features a 'living room' area with a comfortable sofa and an automated mahjong table! Open until 1am, The Morning Catch is the perfect venue for your next family party.

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


The Morning Catch Seafood
一品鲜活海鲜
KINEX
11 Tanjong Katong Road
#02-21
Singapore 437157
Tel: +65 88580101
Facebook
Instagram
Nearest MRT: Paya Lebar (CC, EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Paya Lebar MRT station. Take Exit E. Walk to Sims Ave. Cross the road and walk to Tanjong Katong Road. Walk down Tanjong Katong Road to Kinex Mall. Walk to destination. Journey time about 8 minutes. [Map]