Gwangjang GAON @ Jewel Changi Airport - Bringing The Authentic Taste of Traditional Korean Recipes to The Lion City

Gwangjang GAON, by renowned Korean culinary Professor Hyo Soon Park, brings a slice of traditional Korean heritage to Singapore with its first overseas outpost at Jewel Changi Airport. With two well-established outlets in South Korea, the restaurant is highly regarded for its time-honoured Korean recipes, so much so that it has been frequented by Korean celebrities like Han So-hee, Lee Jung-jae of Squid Game fame, and actress Choi Myung-gil, who became such a fan that she opened a franchise herself.

Helmed by a fourth-generation culinary philosophy, Gwangjang GAON presents dishes rooted in Korean royal and household traditions, now refined and served in a modern dining environment.

Modm-Jeon 4.2/5

A classic starter that sets the tone is the Modm-Jeon ($29.90), an assorted platter of Korean-style pancakes or fritters made from shrimp, pollack, zucchini, ground pork, and crab surimi. Handmade fresh daily using Professor Park's family recipe, the jeon are pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a soy-vinegar dip that enhances their light, eggy fragrance. It's a dish steeped in heritage, dating back to the Joseon Dynasty and a rarity in restaurants today due to its labour-intensive preparation.

Chogye-Nangche 4/5

A refreshing cold appetiser, Chogye-Nangche ($18.90) features chilled chicken salad tossed in a tangy vinegar and mustard dressing. It's light yet punchy, a perfect palate awakener in Singapore's tropical heat.

Deulgireum Maguksu 4/5

For noodle lovers, the Deulgireum Makguksu ($21.90) is a standout. This cold buckwheat noodle dish is coated with nutty perilla oil and sprinkled with crunchy perilla seeds, while subtle heat from cheongyang red pepper adds an unexpected yet welcome depth. The fresh perilla leaves elevate the dish with their herbal brightness.

Classic Bibimbap 4/5

No Korean meal is complete without Bibimbap ($22.90), and GAON’s version delivers with over 13 ingredients, including egg, meat, and vibrant vegetables served atop warm rice. Diners can choose between gochujang (red pepper paste), doenjang (soybean paste), or a blended sauce for added complexity. Mix it all together for a hearty, textural medley of flavours.

Bossam 4.8/5

The Bossam ($43.90) is a must-order. Slices of tender pork belly are gently simmered in a prized 15-year-old mother stock flown in from Korea. The meat is rich and aromatic, pairing beautifully with fresh cabbage, homemade kimchi, saeujeot (fermented shrimp sauce), and ssamjang. It's a dish that exemplifies depth, balance, and tradition, all presented on a Hojokban, a traditional Korean tray.

Gaon Galbi 4.8/5

Another signature, the GAON Galbi ($69.90), features premium beef short ribs sous-vide for over 24 hours in a blend of 20 herbs and spices. Finished with a light torch for smoky depth, the ribs retain a satisfying bite while being exceptionally tender. Served ceremoniously on a Hojokban tray, this dish pays homage to Korea’s royal culinary heritage while embracing modern technique.

Gwangjang GAON offers a rare opportunity to experience the finesse of traditional Korean cuisine crafted with generational wisdom and elevated techniques. With a deep respect for ingredients and authenticity, this Jewel Changi gem is more than just a restaurant. It is a cultural showcase on a plate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gwangjang GAON
Jewel Changi Airport
78 Airport Boulevard
#02-243
Singapore 819666
Tel: +65 8279 3101
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Nearest MRT: Changi Airport (EW Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 11am -10pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Changi Airport MRT station. Take Exit A or B. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Fortuna @ Craig Road - A New Vibrant Menu Inspired by the Street Food Culture of Napoli

FORTUNA, the lively Italian pizzeria nestled in Tanjong Pagar, has launched a vibrant new menu inspired by the street food culture of Napoli. Think bold flavours, soulful dishes and warm hospitality that whisk you straight to Southern Italy.

Wood Fire Bread 4.5/5

Ricotta Dip 4.5/5

We kicked things off with the Wood Fire Bread ($18), served piping hot with Sicilian EVOO and wild oregano, providing an aromatic and crusty texture and the perfect companion to the Ricotta Dip ($12). This creamy whipped ricotta, paired with spicy honey, was an addictive start. It was sweet, savoury and silky smooth, which made us scrape the bowl clean.

Burrata 4.2/5

A classic Burrata ($26) followed, elevated with crispy chilli oil, taralli crumb and basil. That house-made chilli oil? Served on every table and a must-try. Pro tip: Use it liberally, especially with the bread.

Mafalde Ragu 4.8/5

From their hearty pasta offerings, the Mafalde Ragu ($36) stood out; our server highly recommended it and we now understand why. Perfectly al dente ribbons of pasta were coated in a rich beef and pork ragu, finished tableside with smoked provolone flambéed on the spot. Smoky, cheesy and saucy. This is a flavour bomb that we'll return for.

Singapore Tribute Piccola 4/5

The Singapore Tribute Piccola pizza ($35 for 4 slices, $48 for 6) was an instant eye-catcher. Paying homage to our local flavours, it's topped with chilli crab sauce, crab meat, Fior di Latte, lemon zest and fresh herbs. With its airy, flavourful crust, which is fermented over 50 hours and baked in a wood-fired Valoriani oven, this was a standout. Add their signature crispy chilli oil to take it up a notch.

Broccolini 4/5

To balance the richness, we had the Broccolini ($20), charred and tossed in anchovy butter with lemon breadcrumbs and Parmigiano. Light, bright and a welcome palette cleanser in between the heavier dishes.

Fortunamisu 3.8/5

We wrapped up with the Fortunamisu ($18). While we wished the ladyfingers were a little more soaked, the malted crumb and that sweet, fruity liqueur added a fun twist to this Italian classic.

The vibe? Warm, buzzy and utterly inviting, which is very much in line with its Napoli roots. FORTUNA is perfect for gatherings over good food and conversation. Be sure to book ahead, as it was packed even on Friday lunch.

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


Fortuna
7 Craig Road
Singapore 089667
Tel: +65 9115 1597
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Sun-Wed: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 930pm
Thu-Sat: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 11pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk to Orchid Hotel. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road and walk to Craig Road. Continue on Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Cross the road and walk to Duxton Road. Walk down Duxton Road. Turn right onto Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]