If finishing the season finale of Descendants Of The Sun has left you a little empty inside, there’s no void that can’t be filled by indulging in oppa’s favourite dishes from back home.
As we await the next big K-drama to hit the screens and change our lives forevermore, here are 17 Korean restaurants that need to be on your K-cuisine feast list.
These places are now even more affordable with savings and free vouchers to boot. So there’s no excuse not to wrangle up your K-drama kakis! Gush over your favourite moments of the series while digging into a piping hot ginseng chicken steamboat, or battling over the last piece of bulgogi (grilled marinated beef).
Mention K-BBQ to any local foodie in the know and they’re sure to recommend I’m KIM with gusto. Conveniently located at School of the Arts just 5 minutes away from Dhoby Ghaut Station, this is a next-level buffet establishment where diets go to die.
Get stuffed silly with snacks like nuggets, wedges and hot dogs. For some serious BBQ action, indulge in a marinated meat galore featuring beef rolls, bacon and short ribs, which you can pair with seafood and a variety of fresh vegetables. Because, you know, it never hurts to get those vitamins in.
Don’t miss out on their legendary volcano chicken, which is 100% worth having your taste buds set on fire. Anyway, I’m KIM has free-flow teas, juices and other beverages to quell the flames!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION:
Weekdays
– Buffet Lunch at S$12.90++ (Mon – Fri, U.P. S$14.90++)
– Buffet Dinner at S$20.90++ (Mon – Thu, U.P. S$23.90++)
Weekends
– Buffet Lunch at S$20.90++ (Sat/Sun/PH, U.P. S$23.90++)
– Valid for all UOB Cardmembers, till 31 July 2016.
Address: School of the Arts, #01-04 1 Zubir Said Drive S(227968)
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 3.30 pm & 5 pm – 10.30 pm daily
Contact: 6238 7218
Website
If you’re looking to inject a little more colour into your diet, but fruits and veggies aren’t your thing – behold, all my fellow carnivores, E!GHT’s eponymous 8 Colour Set.
Thick and scrumptious rolls of premium Mangalitsa pork belly lay across the table, awaiting to be devoured in sequence. Start off with the naked Original, before working down the Miso, Herb, Curry, Garlic, Ginseng, Red Wine, and Red Pepper Paste versions of marinated meats.
Hardcore meat lovers can go the extra mile and try their quality beef too. Offering only USDA Prime and Kagoshima Wagyu, be assured that each bite will be melt-in-your-mouth succulent.
This is a full service BBQ restaurant, so just relax and knock back a makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or two while the expert staff prepare the food right at your table.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill. Valid for all UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The central, #02-79/90 S(059817)
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 11.30 am – 2.30 pm & 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm, Sat & Sun 11.30 am – 10.30 pm
Contact: 8692 1188
Website
GoroGoro’s cutesy name stems from the sound of flavourful broths bubbling away as they boil. “Goro Goro” is also the familiar rumbling noise of your tummy after shopping up a monster appetite in town.
With up to 3 different broths at each table, this is heaven for any steamboat aficionado. Choose from vegetable, ginseng chicken, spicy mala, tomyam, tomato, or a milky collagen soup that’s boiled overnight.
Knock yourself out with their huge selection of quality meats, fresh veggies, and other steamboat ingredients including 4 different noodle types. While waiting for your food to cook, there’s a bunch of snacks for you to attack in the meantime, from ddeokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to Korean leek pancakes!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION:
Weekday
– Buffet Lunch at S$14.90++ (Mon – Fri, U.P. S$16.90++)
– Buffet Dinner at S$23.90++ (Mon – Thu, U.P. S$25.90++)
Weekend
– Buffet Lunch at S$23.90++ (Sat/Sun/PH, U.P. S$25.90++)
Valid for all UOB Cardmembers, till 31 July 2016.
Address: Orchardgateway@Emerald #04-01, 218 Orchard Rd, S(238851)
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 11.30 am – 2.30 pm & 5 pm – 10.30 pm, Sat & Sun 11.30 am – 3.30 pm & 5 pm – 10.30 pm
Contact: 6385 7854
Website
Jjimdak is a concoction of steamed chicken stewed with a variety of vegetables in Korean soy sauce. Just as well that it’s served in mammoth portions fit for up to 4 people to share, because this simple sounding dish is actually downright addictive.
Choose between original Andong Jjimdak, Seafood Jjimdak, a spicy Mayak Jjimdak, and a cheesy Byol Byol Jjimdak loaded with shredded mozzarella. A boneless version of their original is available, which makes it even easier to scarf down the generous chicken chunks.
My favourite part has to be the slippery sweet potato glass noodles. Bathed in the sweet and savoury sauce, it really does taste stellar. It’ll disappear in your mouth pretty quickly though, so request for a bowl of rice on the side to wipe up every last bit of jjimdak goodness left.
Check out our full review of Andong Zzimdak here!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: Free S$15 return voucher with min. S$60 spend. Valid for all UOB Cardmembers, till 31 October 2016.
Address: #B1-44F Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, S(179103)
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 10 pm daily
Contact: 6533 3951
Website
Korean grilled meats are a street food in essence, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them with a hefty dose of class. Situated in the luxury Regent Hotel at Orchard, Seoul Restaurant ups the ante of K-style BBQ buffets.
Start off with the fact that they use charcoal in their grills, a material known for its strong poison absorption capabilities. It sucks up acetate, strychnine, and a slew of other icky toxins that usually leave you feeling rather sickly after a BBQ meal.
They also serve an impressive selection of meats. There are 10 different cuts and marinated varieties for just beef alone! Be spoiled for choice with options like black cow short rib, Wagyu striploin, and paper-thin slices of brisket.
Make sure to also try their more exotic choices, like marinated eel and pork collar!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill. Valid for all UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: 1 Cuscaden Road, #03-02, The Regent Hotel S(249715)
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 12 pm – 2.30 pm & 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm, Sat & Sun 12 pm – 3 pm & 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Contact: 6338 8548
Website
Lovers of both Mexican and Korean grub are in luck at Vatos Urban Tacos. Here, you can have the best of both worlds, as Hannah Montana would croon. Unlike other establishments’ meagre attempts at “fusion cuisine”, Vatos Urban cleverly combines key components from each cooking style.
Must-tries include the Galbi Short Rib and Korean Pork Belly Tacos.
They may be small in size, but each bite simply bursts with flavours. Savour the succulence of the well-prepared meat, smothered with tasty Korean sauces and taken to the next level with coriander, onions and fresh veggies characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
The loaded Kimchi Carnitas Fries consist of tender braised pork pulled to shreds, while cheese, kimchi, jalapenos and hot sauce cloak the basket of french fries. Great for sharing, but don’t expect it to stay on the table for long.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$100 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 30 November 2016. Exclusively for UOB YOLO: 20% off all Burgers.
Address: 36 Beach Rd S(189677)
Opening Hours: Sun to Thur 12 pm – 11 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 12 am
Contact: 6385 6010
Website
Seoul Yummy understands the importance of portion sizes and variety. Rather than sacrificing your stomach space for just one or two key dishes, you’ll be able to sample just enough of everything to get the entire gastronomical experience, without bursting at the seams.
You can get a smorgasbord-style set that feeds 2 for just under fifty bucks. You get adorable appetisers galore, plus your choice of street-style snacks, a sizzling hot-plate of meat, and a wholesome bowl of soup laden with nourishing goodies. These all paved the way for the main star of the show: the quintessential bibimbap.
Pssst…if you’ve still got room for dessert afterwards, top-ups including a proper patbingsoo are available for just $4.90. Now that’s a deal you won’t be able to find anywhere else in town!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off with min. S$70 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 1 May 2017.
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B3-22 Ion Orchard S(238801)
Click here for full list of branches
Opening Hours: Sun to Thur 11.30 am – 10 pm, Fri & Sat 11.30 am – 10.30 pm
Contact: 6509 4045
Website
Get your mind out of the gutter. This cheeky sounding fast food franchise dishes out fried chicken so tasty, we guarantee it’ll give your current favourite joint a run for its money.
Think succulent wings and drumsticks doused in a variety of sauces and seasonings. Choices range from Soy, Honey Mustard Dip, Cheese Dip, Swicy (that’s sweet + spicy), and the rather intimidating sounding “Freaking Hot” flavour.
If you need some rice in you to properly fuel up, try their gimbap or bap burgers. Meaning rice rolls and rice burgers respectively, they come in chicken, fish or kimchi varieties. And you can munch on them on-the-go!
“Ne” means “yes” in Korean, so the name literally translates to “yes yes chicken”. Which is the appropriate response next time you’re asked whether you feel like having Korean fried chicken for lunch. #TheMoreYouKnow
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off with min. S$30 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: *Scape, 2 Orchard Link #02-39 S(237978)
Click here for full list of branches
Opening Hours: Sun to Thur 11am – 9:15 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 10:15 pm
Contact: 6509 0907
Website
Whether you’re discussing which brunch cafe or supper bistro to hit up next, it’s unlikely that your friends will suggest getting some porridge. Have a taste of J-Story’s signature thick porridges though, and you’ll come to realise that the age-old favourite isn’t just “sick people food”.
Known as “juk”, their Korean style porridge sees rice grains getting simmered over extended periods of time for maximum flavour impact. Good news! Juk is considered a health food, so now you know what to do when you want some of that intense Korean flavours without the decadence of a sinful BBQ meal.
Go for the Ginseng Chicken porridge, laden with ginseng strips that’ll really give you a boost of vitality. If your palate is a little more adventurous, try the Cheesy Chicken one. Yup, Korean cheese-infused porridge. It’s a thing.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 19 May 2017.
Address: #B2-53, Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Rd S(178905) &
#01-03, Eastpoint Mall, 3 Simei Street 6, S(528833)
Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
Contact: 6384 1020 (Capitol Piazza), 6443 3684 (Eastpoint)
A one-stop K-cuisine establishment, Sodam Korean Restaurant and Bar truly has something for every craving you might have. Be it sizzling grilled meats, hearty soups and stews, street snacks aplenty, or just good ol’ BBQ, almost every major Korean dish is represented here!
They’re also known for affordable and filling set meals, featuring a solid portion of meat complemented by rice, soup, and a plethora of traditional Korean side dishes. Vegetarians, don’t despair. Tantalising meatless dishes like kimchi pancake, japchae (stir-fried sweet potato noodles) and a refreshing smashed pumpkin and yuzu salad await you!
Don’t forget to try their famous frozen mug beer before stepping back out into the sweltering heat!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total food bill. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 31 July 2016.
Address: 100 Tras Street, #01-08 100AM, S(079027)
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 3 pm & 5.30 pm – 12 am daily
Contact: 6444 0090
Website
Want more K-cuisine AND more savings? Here are 7 more Korean restaurants to check out!
Smoky bulgogi meat and robust ramen broth had a baby. The result? Korean-Japanese fusion fare courtesy of Chef’s Noodle.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$50 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 31 May 2017.
Address: 1 Maritime Square #01-99/100, HarbourFront Centre S(099253) &
63 Jurong West Central 3, Jurong Point B1-45/46 S(648331)
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 10 pm daily
Contact: 6271 3033 (HarbourFront), 6686 3108 (Jurong Point)
Website
If you can’t get enough of your fave K-idols, SYNCTM Korean Fusion Bistro allows you to chow down on staple dishes like bibimbap while Korean movies play in the background.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$50 spend on food, 1-for-1 SSAM (Starter) choice of pork or beef (valid till 31 July 2016). Exclusively for UOB Reserve, Visa Infinite and Privilege Banking Cards: 15% off total bill with min. S$50 spend on food. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, #03-01 Westgate S(608532)
Opening Hours: Mon to Thur 11 am – 11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 12 am
Contact: 6369 9913
Website
For the more sophisticated K-fanatic, have your pick of Korean-inspired cocktails and tapas. Prices begin at just $9.90!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$50 spend on food 1-for-1 Lava Cake (valid till 31 July 2016). Exclusively for UOB Reserve, Visa Infinite and Privilege Banking Cards: 15% off total bill with min. S$50 spend on food. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: 12 Maju Ave, Serangoon Garden Estate S(556690)
Opening Hours: 11 am – 12 mn daily
Contact: 6282 0612
Website
Ribeye, sirloin, and baby back ribs seared to perfection – not on a pan, but a hot lava stone! This is a carnivore’s dream come true.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$30 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 31 May 2017.
Address: Jurong Point, 63 Jurong West Central 3 #B1-45/46 S(648331)
Opening Hours: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm daily
Contact: 6686 3248
Website
Whether you like it tender and well-marinated, crisp and crunchy, or drenched with fragrant sauce, Oppa’s got you covered.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off with min. S$50 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 30 April 2017.
Address: 274 South Bridge Road, S(058823)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 11.00 am – 10 pm, closed on Sun
Contact: 6221 5217
Website
Perhaps the most ubiquitous casual K-dining chain in Singapore, Seoul Garden serves comfort nosh at pocket-friendly prices.
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: Free S$8 return voucher min. S$80 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 31 May 2017.
Address: 200 Victoria Street #02-52, Bugis Junction S(188021)
Click here for full list of branches
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 10.30 pm daily
Contact: 6334 3339
Website
Hotpot meals are perfect for large groups. Head to one of Seoul Garden Hotpot’s 7 outlets for your next gathering, or even for reunion dinner with the fam!
UOB CARDS PROMOTION: 10% off total bill with min. S$80 spend. Valid for UOB Cardmembers, till 31 May 2017.
Address: 1 Maritime Square #02-03/04, HarbourFront Centre S(099253)
Click here for full list of branches
Opening Hours: 11.30 am – 10.30 pm daily
Contact: 6275 6338
Website
Got a penchant for Korean cuisine but no cash to splash? UOB has teamed up with Singapore’s best K-dining hotspots to ensure that you’ll get your fix without bleeding your wallet dry! You can see the full listing of all Korean Dining deals here.
If you don’t have a UOB Card, quickly find out who amongst your Kdrama kakis has one, or better yet, sign up for one yourself! Whip out that UOB Card the next time you’re at any of these restaraunts, and enjoy great savings and vouchers for return visits to come! It’s that easy.
With participating eateries dotted all over the island, you can start drafting up a full-fledged restaurant-hopping itinerary to tackle over the weekend! Enjoy the great promotions as much as you like – majority of the deals last till next year! One thing’s for sure; there’ll be endless exclaimations of 맛있어요 (ma-shi-sseo-yo, meaning “it’s delicious”)! Feasting on authentic Korean fare has never been this easy and economical.
This post was brought to you by UOB Cards.
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