If you've walked past MODU at Mandarin Gallery, you've noticed the long queues that form daily. With a no-reservation policy, diners eager to taste Singapore's first and only Samgyetang speciality shop must be prepared to queue for a spot. Founded by the original team behind DRIM Korean Steakhouse, MODU is dedicated to perfecting this iconic Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup, offering six different variations alongside a selection of authentic Korean small plates.
For dinner, we opted for the 2 Pax Set ($98), which includes an appetiser, a shareable dish, two choices of Samgyetang, and a shared dessert. This set provided a well-rounded sampling of MODU's offerings, showcasing the variety in their Samgyetang broths.
HwangTaeChae 5/5
The meal began with HwangTaeChae, a savoury and crisp snack made from dried pollock strips. It reminded me of dried sole fish but with a sweeter, more umami-laden profile. It is extremely addictive, and I found myself reaching for more even before the main dishes arrived.
Minari Pancake 4.2/5
We went with the Minari Pancake, a unique variation of the classic Korean pajeon, for our shareable dish. The minari (Korean watercress) gives the pancake a bright, herbaceous bite, while the Bori shrimp enhances its umami depth. The crisp, golden exterior added to the overall enjoyment, and when dipped into the accompanying special sauce, the flavours became even more pronounced.
Black Sesame SamGyeTang 4.5/5
MODU offers six variations of Samgyetang, and for our first choice, I decided on the Black Sesame Samgyetang — a flavour I had never encountered before in Korean cuisine.
While the chicken is not particularly large, it was fall-off-the-bone tender and came stuffed with glutinous rice. The black sesame broth turned out to be rich, creamy, and fragrant, with the nutty aroma of black sesame complementing the ginseng, leek, pine nuts, and jujube in the soup. The broth's unique earthy and slightly toasty notes worked surprisingly well with my palate, making this an unexpected but delicious discovery.
Collagen Herbal SamGyeTang 4.5/5
We chose the Collagen Herbal Samgyetang for our second soup, which leans closer to the traditional, original-style Samgyetang. The herbal broth was noticeably thicker due to the added collagen, giving it a silky, luxurious texture. Unlike the Black Sesame version, this one had a stronger ginseng aroma, making it a comforting, nutritious choice for those who enjoy the classic flavours of Samgyetang. Like the Black Sesame Samgyetang, this version also came with a whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, along with ginseng root, leek, jujube, pine nuts, and chives. If you're new to Samgyetang, this is a great starting point for an authentic experience.
The other four flavours on the menu are Beauty Samgyetang, Hangover Samgyetang, Perilla Seed Samgyetang, and Black Chicken Samgyetang.
GotGam Mari 4/5
To wrap up our meal, we were served GotGam Mari, a dried persimmon stuffed with creamy cheese and walnuts. The dried persimmon's natural sweetness was intensified due to dehydration, making it lusciously sweet and chewy. The cheese filling added a creamy, slightly tangy contrast, while the walnuts provided a crunchy texture.
MODU sets itself apart by offering a focused menu centred around Samgyetang, allowing diners to explore different variations of this traditional Korean dish. The Black Sesame Samgyetang was a unique standout, and I can see why their herbal broths have gained such a loyal following. With its authentic flavours, long queues, and no-reservation policy, MODU is clearly a hit among Korean food enthusiasts. If you're willing to brave the wait, it's worth a visit — especially if you're looking for a comforting, nourishing meal with a taste of tradition and innovation.
Note: This is an invited tasting.
MODU Samgyetang Specialty
Mandarin Gallery
333A Orchard Road
#02-37
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 8035 8833
Website
Nearest MRT: Somerset (NS Line)
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 1130am - 3pm, 530pm - 11pm
Sat-Sun, PH eve & PH: 1130am - 11pm
Direction:
1) Alight at Somerset MRT station. Take Exit B. Walk to ground level. Turn left onto Orchard Road. Walk down Orchard Road. Cross the road and walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]
