Sunday, February 16, 2025

GU:UM @ Keong Saik - Contemporary Korean Steakhouse Lunaches Refreshed Menus

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GU:UM, which literally means to grill, roast, or cook over fire in Korean, is a premium Korean steakhouse by One Michelin-starred NAE:UM’s Chef Louis Han. Unlike traditional K-BBQ restaurants, GU:UM elevates the experience with top-quality meats, refined techniques, and distinct Asian influences, creating a sophisticated and modern take on Korean barbecue.

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Yukhwae Jeon 5/5

We started with the Yukhwae Jeon ($32), a creative pairing of Korean beef tartare with a crispy potato pancake. This combination was nothing short of brilliant—the rich, umami-packed tartare contrasted beautifully with the crisp, starchy pancake. It’s a unique dish that I have never seen elsewhere, making it a must-order.

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Mulhwae 4.5/5

The Mulhwae ($28) followed — a refreshing cold salad soup with raw fish. It’s somewhat reminiscent of ceviche, but with more intricate layers of flavor. The sharp, tangy notes of the broth were incredibly appetising and invigorating, making it a perfect dish to whet the appetite.

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Surf & Turf Plattter 4.5/5

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Perfect for sharing, the Surf & Turf Platter ($328) was a showstopper. It featured a variety of premium cuts from both land and sea, accompanied by grilled vegetables and side dishes. The beef and pork were grilled to perfection, exuding deep, smoky flavours that showcased their high-quality marbling. The seafood selection, including lobster and abalone, further elevated the indulgence of this luxurious platter.

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To enjoy it the Korean way, wrap the meats in lettuce with a variety of condiments — a satisfying experience that enhances the flavours.

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Al Bibimbap 4.2/5

For those who want something more filling, the Al Bibimbap ($34) is a delightful twist on the classic Korean mixed rice dish. This white-based bibimbap comes with chunks of lobster, seaweed flakes, and roe, adding an extra layer of umami richness. A good mix of all the ingredients ensures a harmonious balance of textures and flavours in every bite.

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Hotteok 4.8/5

Even after a hearty meal, saving space for dessert is a must. The Hotteok ($18) was a standout, featuring a pan-fried Korean pancake with a chewy, almost mochi-like texture. It was exceptional when paired with the burnt honey ice cream, which added a sweet, caramelised depth to the dish.

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Injeolmi Tiramisu 4.2/5

Another noteworthy dessert was the Injeolmi Tiramisu ($16), an innovative take on the classic Italian dessert. Served inside a tart shell, the Nespresso-infused tiramisu was enhanced with toasted rice cake powder, creating a unique fusion of flavours. This Korean-inspired twist on tiramisu was a fantastic way to end the meal.

GU:UM is a game-changer in Korean barbecue, seamlessly blending premium steakhouse elements with Korean culinary traditions. The Yukhwae Jeon, Surf & Turf Platter, and Hotteok were clear highlights, showcasing Chef Louis Han’s creativity and finesse. Whether you're looking for a refined dining experience or a luxurious take on Korean grilling, GU:UM is a must-visit destination for steak and barbecue lovers alike.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


GU:UM
29 Keong Saik Road
Singapore 089136
Tel: +65 8831 6308
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Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Thu: 6pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 1130am - 230pm, 6pm - 11pm
Sun: 1130am - 430pm
(Closed on Mon)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight towards Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right onto Keong Siak Road. Walk down Keong Siak Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Walk straight down Neil Road to Teck Lim Road. Turn right onto Teck Lim Road. Walk down Teck Lim Road to Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 3 mintues. [Map]

Saturday, February 15, 2025

One Prawn Co @ New Bahru - A Modern Asian Seafood Restaurant That Challenges Traditional Flavour Pairings

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From its humble beginnings as a hawker stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, One Prawn Co has undergone an impressive evolution under the bold vision of Chef Gwyneth Ang. After expanding into a dine-in space at Macpherson (later rebranded as Zhup Zhup), her adventurous culinary journey continues with a brand-new modern Asian seafood restaurant at Singapore’s latest lifestyle hotspot, New Bahru.

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Fresh Ostra Regal Oysters and Lime Cheek 4.2/5

We started the meal with Fresh Ostra Regal Oysters ($36), which delivered sweet and briny flavours that filled the palate with the essence of the ocean. The lime cheek provided a subtle citrusy lift, enhancing the natural freshness of the oysters.

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Beef Bulgogi and Bafun Uni 4.2/5

An unexpected yet harmonious pairing, the Beef Bulgogi and Bafun Uni ($24) was served atop a buttery, crispy toast. The rich umami flavours of the bulgogi and uni blended seamlessly, creating a bold, indulgent bite.

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Seaweed Skate and Lime Crema 4.2/5

The Seaweed Skate ($12) was crispy on the exterior and moist inside, offering a meaty and satisfying bite. The lime crema added a refreshing zesty contrast, complementing the fish's natural flavours.

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Dry-aged Hamachi, Kimchi, Puffed Rice 4.5/5

Though visually unassuming, this dish was a pleasant surprise. The tangy kimchi amplified the umami depth of the Dry-aged Hamachi ($26), while the puffed rice provided a light crunch, adding textural contrast to the dish.

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Haricot Verts and Burrata 5/5

A highly recommended dish, the Haricot Verts and Burrata ($24) pairs sambal with burrata — an unexpected but genius combination. The spicy, umami-laden sambal beautifully complements the creamy, milky burrata. This dish was so good that I immediately recommended it to my friends as a must-order.

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Coconut Chicken Broth, Prawns White Fungus 3/5

The Coconut Chicken Broth ($26) with prawns and white fungus fell short of expectations. The broth was too salty, overshadowing the sweetness of the coconut and chicken essence. That said, the fresh, perfectly cooked prawns were a highlight, boasting a crunchy and succulent bite.

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Holy Haddock! - Signature Fish Burger 4.8/5

The star of the night was the Holy Haddock! – Signature Fish Burger ($24). A buttery toasted brioche bun sandwiched with a moist, flaky fish patty, elevated by a yuzu aioli that added a bright, citrusy touch. For an extra indulgence, diners can top up $75 for 30g of caviar, creating a next-level fish burger experience.

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King Crab, Preserved Radish Butter, Green Chilli 4.2/5

The King Crab ($32 per 100g) was generously topped with preserved radish butter and green chilli, which beautifully complemented the sweetness of the crab meat. While the accompanying sourdough bread was a nice touch, there wasn't enough sauce to mop up, leaving us wishing for more of that flavorful buttery goodness.

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Gindara, Seaweed Congee, Jujube 4/5

Instead of the crowd-favourite Lobster Poached Rice, we opted for the Gindara, Seaweed Congee ($20 per 100g), and Jujube. The smoky, crispy skin and fatty, flavourful flesh of the gindara were delightful. However, this dish is not recommended for children, as the fish contains many small bones. The smooth and creamy congee, infused with seaweed and jujube, added an extra layer of depth and comfort to the dish.

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Tropical Fruits, Lime Mousse, Pavlova 4.2/5

To wrap up our meal, we indulged in the Pavlova with Tropical Fruits and Lime Mousse ($15). The light and airy pavlova was perfectly balanced — not overly sweet — with the tropical fruits adding a bright, juicy contrast. The lime mousse introduced a refreshing, zesty finish, making this a fantastic ending to the meal.

One Prawn Co's latest venture at New Bahru is an exciting fusion of Asian flavours with contemporary execution. Chef Gwyneth continues to push boundaries, offering creative dishes that challenge traditional flavour pairings while maintaining familiar comfort. The Haricot Verts and Burrata, Holy Haddock! Fish Burger and King Crab with Preserved Radish Butter are definite standouts, making this a must-visit for seafood lovers looking for something new and adventurous.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


One Prawn Co
New Bahru
46 Kim Yam Road
#01-10
Singapore 239351
Tel: +65 83660130
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Nearest MRT: Fort Canning (DT Line)

Opening Hours:
Lunch: 11am - 3pm
Bites: 11am - 6pm
Dinner: 6pm - 10pm
Drinks: 11am - 10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Fort Canning MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to traffic junction River Valley Road and Clemenceau Ave. Cross the road and cut through UE Square to Unity Street. Turn right onto Unity Street and walk to Mohamed Sultan Road. Cross the road and walk to Kim Yam Road. Walk down Kim Yam Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]