New in town: Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ — A4 Miyazaki beef, snow-aged wagyu & 5 different woodfires

Singapore’s Korean barbeque phenomenon seems to be steaming along at breakneck speed. Restaurants and cafes are straying from the tried-and-true into ambitious concepts such as fusions, gimmicks, and the like — anything to stand out from the oversaturation. Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ goes against the grain by delivering a clear-cut experience without the extra spectacle, placing emphasis on good food in a good ambience.

Located in Gemmill Lane, this new restaurant already feels right at home in the diverse culinary haven that is Club Street — a perfect dining spot for working professionals in the area and for chill hangouts over the weekend.

The restaurant occupies 3 floors, sporting minimalist, industrial decor with a classy mix of modern and traditional. Their 3 private rooms also come equipped with premium karaoke systems for a boisterous session of food and song.

To zest up your platter, Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ lets you pick from 5 woodfires — applewood, cherry, pecan, hickory and mesquite — that imbue their own brand of flavours.

Their pork selection is derived from the Spanish Iberico in the form of 2mm Pork Belly (S$28), Pork Belly (S$28), Pork Collar (S$30), Marinade Pork Collar (S$33) and Sous vide with Thyme Pork Jowl (S$39) at 150g each.

The thin 2mm pork belly slices were a real delight to cook (and eat), requiring little time on the grill and possessing incredible marbling that made the already soft strips even more indulgent. Each sous vide with thyme pork jowl had a noticeable lift in fragrance from the herbs, the chunkier pieces becoming a treat of smell and taste.

For a good mix of pork cuts, their signature Pork Ajoomma Set (S$66) comprises Iberico Pork Collar (150g), Black Pork Belly (150g) and Iberico Pork Jowl (150g), curated to be a standalone meal. These are served alongside Soybean Paste Soup (Beef/Seafood) or Kimchi Soup (Tuna/Pork) and Steamed Egg (Gyeranjjim), with side dishes of fresh vegetables as free flow to ensure you walk away on a full stomach.

SSADA GIMBAB: Popular hidden Korean eatery with mala pork gimbab & amazing cheesy fried rice

Beef is another staple at Korean barbeques. At Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ, you get extravagant choices straight from Japan like the unique Snow-aged Yukimuro Fullblood Wagyu A4 Beef Ribeye (S$105) and Miyazaki Japan Wagyu A4 Beef Striploin (S$89) at 150g respectively.

The slightly more substantial chew on Miyazaki Japan Wagyu A4 Beef 2mm Short ribs (S$70 for 150g) compared to the highest grade means you’re able to savour the luxurious beefiness between bites without racing against the supreme decadence characteristic of A5.

The Westholme AUS Wagyu MBS 8/9 Ribeye (S$85 for 150g) is a great pick for its hardier textures that contrast against delicate marbling, an ideal mainstay of any barbeque on a splurge.

Need something heartier? Opt for their other signature Beef Ajoomma Set (S$105) that brings together Beef Ribs, Brisket and Striploin (each cut at 150g) to serenade the grill with seductive sizzles. Like the Pork Ajoomma Set, you get the same picks of sides.

The menu also totes seafood, poultry and lamb.

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ’s Pan-seared US Scallops (S$38) is served in a pool of saffron sauce that brings out the mellow sweetness of the scallops while the ikura lightens the palate with a gentle pop of saltiness. The scallops were a touch chewier than expected.

Salad lovers have not been forsaken. A plate of Tuna Tataki Salad (S$25) yields bite-sized blocks of tuna coated in sesame seeds scattered across generous helpings of greens. Cherry tomatoes, red onion, radish, pomegranates — a salubrious addition to your meat-laden meal.

A plate of Mixed Vegetables (S$10) with Eggplant, Zucchini, Enoki and King Oyster Mushroom can be enjoyed with sauces like Green Peppercorn, Black Pepper, Truffle and Truffle salt (S$6 each). Gochujang (S$6) and Dijon Mustard (S$6) offer more pep.

Other highlights of Korean cuisine can also be found at Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ, from Sweet & Spicy Chicken (S$23 for half/S$39 for whole), Kimchi Pancake (S$26) and Soybean Paste Soup (S$20) to the more lavish Truffle Steamed Egg (S$16).

Here are the launch promotions:

1. Soju will be Buy-1-Free-1 all day.
2. Little Creatures Craft Beer is free-flow with minimum spending of S$40++ per pax.
3. Cocktails, wines and beer are only S$9 from 6pm to 8pm.
4. 1-for-1 lunch deal at S$20 from 12pm to 2pm, last order at 1.30pm.

Hodunamu: Authentic Korean rice cakes by Korean ahjumma in Everton Park