Tanglin Mall Has A Mini Koreatown With Authentic Food, Cute Photobooth & Ramyeon “Library”

Market Blue in Tanglin Mall

It’s no secret that many of us love the Korean lifestyle and aspire to live in the shoes of our favourite idols. While there are a handful of places to get authentic products locally, there hasn’t been a “Korean Golden Mile” until now. Enter Market Blue – Singapore’s first all-in-one “Koreatown” – so you don’t have to fly overseas to get a taste of Seoul.

Grab some Korean merch at Blue Basket’s first retail store

Image credit: @_semikim

Fans of K-culture would probably be familiar with Blue Basket, an online retail haven for premium lifestyle products from Korea. Now, they’ve set up a physical store within Market Blue so you can get your hands on products that aren’t sold at the usual supermarkets or malls in Singapore.

Image adapted from: @_semikim, @_semikim

The place is jam packed with items like merchandise, crockery, and a huge selection of snacks, which is one of the main highlights of Blue Basket. Die-hard lovers of instant noodles can now go wild while perusing the shelves of ramyeon that are stocked with over 20 unique flavours.

The best part is that each packet only costs $2, and you can mix and match the flavours depending on which types of noodles take your fancy.

Image credit: @jikenim

Right next to the ramyeon library is the snack library. After filling your basket with ramyeon, make a beeline for the chips to satiate your need for some umami-goodness. There’s also a cute photo booth that churns out a 4-cut photostrip for $10 – perfect for those taking pictures with their newly-purchased merch. Props are provided in the booth, so get creative!

Rejuvenate your Seoul with homemade dishes at the Food Hall

Image credit: Jin Lee

If you find yourself craving authentic Korean food after each episode of your favourite K-Drama, then the Food Hall is definitely the place to be. There are 3 stalls here, each with its own special spread of items that foodies should look out for.

Baekban (left) and Rose Tteokbokki (right) are among the delicious foods sold at the Food Hall.
Image adapted from: @xuannomnomnom, @samfoodventures

BoonSik Bar – or Snack Bar – primarily sells Korean street food like Rose Tteokbokki ($13.93) and Crispy Chicken ($15.90). Pair your meal with classic beverages like Sujunghwa ($4.20), a non-alcoholic digestive made of brewed cinnamon and ginger.

GOGIPAN, on the other hand, serves up a hearty selection of homemade Korean meals. You can’t leave without trying their signature dish, Baekban (from $24.90). This mini tze char-style meal has options like fish, chicken, beef, or pork, and comes with 7 traditional side dishes like kimchi and steamed egg.

It’s also large enough for 3 people, so don’t forget to jio your friends for wholesome ajumma comfort food.

Indulge in some sweet treats from Donas8 bakery

Image credit: @samfoodventures

Once you’re done with your meal, don’t forget to drop by Donas8. It’s a bakery that makes dessert and sweet pastries that you can even tabao if you’re too full to eat on the spot. Do look out for pastries like the bombolini cream puff and Korean twisted donuts, also called kkwabaegi, which is something you don’t see everyday.

Aside from pastries, the stall sells fresh Jeju tangerines as well. These particular ones are loved for their sweet taste, thin peels, and overall delightful flavour – it’s no wonder they’re a favourite amongst Koreans.

Visit Singapore’s first “Koreatown” Market Blue

Image credit: @samfoodventures

South Korea is definitely a top holiday destination for Singaporeans, especially those who live and breathe K-culture. With Market Blue’s extensive range of Korea-imported products and food, you can visit Tanglin Mall and have the ultimate K-experience right here at home while you await your trip to “Land of Morning Calm”.