Kko Kko Na Ra @ Hansik Dining Collective (Tanjong Pagar) - OG Korean Restaurant Celebrates 17th Anniversary with Special Gourmet Trail

Korean food enthusiasts will undoubtedly recognise Kko Kko Na Ra, one of Singapore’s pioneering Korean restaurants that helped popularise Korean fried chicken and late-night dining. This February marks its 17th Anniversary.

Now located on Level 2 of Hansik Dining Collective, Kko Kko Na Ra is part of a unique Korean dining hub featuring six distinct restaurants and a bar within a two-storey shophouse. The other brands include ChungSa ChoRong, Hanyang Bulgogi, Gogijip, Halmae Gukbap, and My Patio.

Hansik Dining Collective is offering 17% off signature dishes across all outlets until 31 March 2025 to celebrate this milestone.

Another highlight is the HDC Air Boarding Pass, a curated gourmet trail available for $117 (U.P. $156) or $217 (U.P. $266). Perfect as a gift, the pass lets diners enjoy a signature dish at each restaurant and a complimentary Polaroid photo. It's available for purchase until 28 February 2025 and is valid for three months.

Korean meals are incomplete without banchan, and we enjoyed the fresh kimchi here, which is made with apples and pears for a subtle sweetness.

Jipyeong Makgeolli

Our trail experience started with a bottle of Jipyeong Makgeolli ($30) from My Patio. This preservative-free Korean rice wine had a smooth, lightly sweet flavour.

Cheese Kimchi Pancake 4.2/5

From ChungSa ChoRong, we tried the Cheese Kimchi Pancake ($25), a must-try for cheese lovers. The crispy pancake was generously packed with kimchi and topped with a gooey, stretchy layer of melted cheese.

Combo Chicken 4/5

Kko Kko Na Ra's Combo Chicken ($35 for 9 pieces) featured a mix of Original, Garlic Soy, and Yang Nyum flavours. While the batter was satisfyingly crispy, we had hoped for juicier meat.

Siraegi Gukbap 4.5/5

We redeemed a Siraegi Gukbap ($25) from Halmae Gukbap to round off our meal. This comforting dried radish greens soup, served with rice, is exclusive to this restaurant in Singapore and uses imported radish greens from Korea. This comforting and flavourful number was also my favourite of the night, carrying just the right level of heat.

With four dishes redeemed from our HDC Air Boarding Pass, we're excited to return and try the rest.

Photos and words by Jo. A girl who loves her Mala (麻辣) at Da La (大辣), discovering hidden food gems and a good cup of matcha latte. Note: This is an invited tasting.


Kko Kko Na Ra
33 Tras Street
#02-01
Singapore 078973
Tel: +65 6225 9282
Facebook
Instagram
Website
Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 1am

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Tras Street. Turn right onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 2. Turn left and walk down Tanjong Pagar Road. Turn left onto Tras Street. Walk down Tras Street. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

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

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.

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.

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.

Surf & Turf Plattter 4.5/5

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.

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

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.

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.

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
Facebook
Instagram
Website
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]