Korean fusion cuisine is the best in-between for when you’re craving a variety of food, but still want that touch of Seoul.
There has been a steady trend of Korean fusion spots popping up on our sunny island, from NY Night Market to Dosirak to Burger+. And yes, we know it can be hard to keep up. That’s why we’re here to compile a list of 10 new and old places where you can get your Korean fusion fix, seoul-y for your convenience.
1. Mom’s Touch (Paya Lebar Quarter)
With the opening of Paya Lebar Quarter, we can finally get a taste of popular Korean chicken and burger chain Mom’s Touch. Like the name, Mom’s Touch aims to replicate the loving way a mother prepares a meal for her family.
What’s special about their chicken is that they are breaded and battered by hand, and marinated with their own in-house seasoning blend. You can look forward to fried chicken (spicy and original), spicy sauce chicken and chicken tenderloin.
They are also known for their burgers, with their Korea hit-seller being the Mom’s Thigh Burger (yes, we know it sounds weird). But for a more Korean-infused burger, you can go for their Bulgalbi Chicken Burger. To round off your meal, you can also try their sundae desserts and fruity sodas.
Expected Damage: S$7 – S$14 per pax
Mom’s Touch: 10 Paya Lebar Quarter, #01-37, Paya Lebar Quarter, Singapore 409057 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily) | Website
2. Burger+ (Wisma Atria)
Burger+, which opened in July 2019 at Wisma Atria, is one of the latest Korean-Western fast food hang-outs to pop up. It is founded by a Singaporean and a Korean, so you can be sure that you’re getting an authentic but relatable dining experience.
Burger+ has a diner-like interior and features a menu of burgers, milkshakes, truffle fries, Korean fried chicken and more. If you’re craving for a touch of Korean in your burgers, you can try their Korean Bulgogi Burger, Bulgogi Chicken Hotdog and Bulgogi Pork Hotdog. They also offer various selections of cheeseburgers and fish burgers, so there’s something for everyone.
And because one does not simply dine at a Korean-fusion spot without getting fried chicken, you can choose from their available flavours: honey, soy garlic and yangnyeom (normal spicy and hot).
Expected Damage: S$9.90 – S$20 per pax
ChopeDeals: Save 35% at Burger+ >
Burger+: 435 Orchard Road, #01-37/38, Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily) | Tel: +65 6694 1226 | Facebook | Website
3. Dosirak (313@Somerset)
If you’re someone who is into clean-eating but you don’t want to compromise on flavour, Dosirak could be your next go-to spot.
This healthy Korean fast food joint—which opened its 313@Somerset outlet in June 2019—doesn’t just sell your typical bibimbap (mixed rice). They come packaged in ice cream tubs and contain under 500 calories. There is a bowl for everyone, from Beef Bulgogi (S$9.90) to Spicy Chicken (S$8.90) to Soy Citrus Salmon (S$12.90), and even a vegetarian option with their Kimchi Tofu (S$7.90).
You can also be assured that you’re getting an authentic taste of Korea. Fun fact: The founders are Korean-Singaporean brothers Eugene and Edward, who got their bibimbap recipes from none other than their Korean mother.
Expected Damage: S$7.90 – S$12.90 per pax
ChopeDeals: Save 35% at Dosirak >
Dosirak: #B2-15 313@Somerset, Singapore 238895 | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon = Fri), 11.30am – 10pm (Sat & Sun) | Tel: +65 6536 6034 | Website
4. Nipong Naepong (JEM)
If you’re more of a noodles than rice person, Nipong Naepong is where you can find jjamppong (Korean seafood noodles) with a twist. We’re talking about dishes that remind you of hokkien mee, spaghetti vongole and even alfredo cream pasta.
The restaurant, which opened in February 2018, also serves up interesting pizza choices like Ninae Pizza Spinach (S$18.80) and Ni Pizza Sweet Potato (S$16.80).
And because it’s so tough to find affordably-priced risotto, you will be glad to know that they offer risotto dishes ranging from chilli crab to chicken and pork, all for under S$20!
Expected Damage: $15 – $30 per pax
Nipong Naepong: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #01-16, JEM, Singapore 608549 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Daily) | Website
5. NY Night Market (Westgate)
With its distinctive bright yellow and blue exterior, NY Night Market is hard to miss even from afar. Located at Westgate (and 313@Somerset), it features dishes like macaroni and cheese, beef steaks and bacon chicken.
And you know what goes well with chicken in Korea? Beer. Psst, they also have an ongoing one-for-one beer deal, so grab a friend and take advantage of that!
As their portions are best fit for sharing, you can bring some of your buddies along to not only try a variety of dishes, but also split the cost. A win-win situation if you ask me.
Expected Damage: $15 – $20 per pax
NY Night Market: 3 Gateway Drive, #01-08, Westgate, Singapore 608532 | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 11pm (Sat & Sun) | Website
6. Chir Chir
Chir Chir has a similar concept to NY Night Market, but they are known for their fried chicken dishes which come in original, garlic and spicy flavours. For the full Korean chicken experience, I recommend you eat the chicken with your hands. Don’t worry, gloves are provided.
They also offer other dishes like macaroni and cheese, and cheese fries, which are good for sharing with your friends. And it goes without saying that they serve beers, cocktails and mocktails, which always go well with finger-food.
Expected Damage: S$14 – S$28 per pax
Chir Chir: Multiple outlets in Singapore | Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Sun – Thu), 11am-11pm (Fri & Sat) | Website
7. Basasak Chicken
After all the more well-known fried chicken recommendations, here’s a low-key (and more affordable) option: Basasak Chicken located near Kovan MRT.
The hawker stall offers authentic Korean cuisine, and specialises in fried chicken with flavours like original, sweet and spicy, butter garlic, cheese and honey butter. And the best part? They only range from S$7 to S$14 for reasonable portions, which is way more affordable compared to most major fried chicken chains.
They also offer other good-for-sharing dishes, like army stew, tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes) and jap chae (Korean glass noodles). So if you’re searching for an affordable yet still authentic Korean street food experience, Basasak Chicken is the place to visit.
Expected Damage: S$20 – S$25 per pax
8. Vatos Urban Tacos (South Beach)
It’s time to taco-bout some Korean-Mexican street food. Vatos Urban Tacos is where you can get your fix of tacos, quesadillas and fries with a twist. Think galbi short rib tacos, Korean pork belly tacos and kimchi fries.
You can even enjoy their Passion Fruit Makgeolita, which is a combination of tequila and makgeoli (Korean rice wine).
And how do you know you’re getting an accurate taste of Korean, American and Mexican cuisine? Well, the place is ran by a trio of Korean-Americans who wanted to showcase the different cuisines they ate growing up in their own dishes.
Expected Damage: $30 – S$50 per pax
ChopeDeals: Save up to 30% at Vatos Urban Tacos >
Vatos Urban Tacos: 36 Beach Road Singapore 189677 | Opening Hours: 12pm – 11pm (Sun – Thu), 12pm – 12am (Fri & Sat) | Tel: +65 6385 6010 | Facebook | Website
8. Pizza Maru (Northpoint City)
While the rest of the world has Pizza Hut, South Korea has Pizza Maru, which is South Korea’s largest pizza chain. If you’re expecting a cliched attempt at incorporating the taste of Korea into pizza—we’re talking kimchi toppings, you’d be wrong. The dough is on the fluffier side, and is made with green tea along with 12 kinds of cereals.
Their Real BBQ Chicago (S$26.80) pizza, comes with a unique combination of chicken chunks, potatoes, honey, almond flakes, icing sugar and more. Apart from pizza, they also serve fried chicken, dessert and unique Korean drinks.
And here’s some good news: They are also pork- and lard-free, and are working towards attaining a halal certification, so our Muslim friends can join in the pizza party too.
Expected Damage: $15 – $35 per pax
Pizza Maru: 1 Northpoint Drive, #B1-192/193 Northpoint City (South Wing), Singapore 768019 | Tel: +65 6254 4307 | Opening hours: 11.30am – 10pm (Daily) | Facebook | Website
9. Bonchon
The list of Korean fried chicken places never seems to end. Bonchon, another one to add to your list, was founded by Jinduk Seo.
To ensure you get the best fried chicken experience, Bonchon uses zero trans-fat meat, and they prepare the fried chicken with a double frying method. You can choose from various flavours for your chicken; original, soy garlic, spicy sauce or a mixture of spicy sauce and soy garlic.
But if you want the full Korean cuisine experience, they also offer an extensive menu of light bites, stews, sliders, ramen and more. An ideal place for trying a variety of dishes, if you ask me!
ChopeDeals: Save up to 35% at Bonchon >
Bonchon: Outlets | Opening Hours: Varies with each outlet | Tel: +65 6884 4768 | Facebook | Website
10. Korean Fusion BBQ (Dunlop Street)
If you’re looking for some Korean barbecued meats with a Singaporean twist, Korean Fusion BBQ is the place to go. Can you imagine grilling bak kwa bacon and curry chicken?
And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add on a steamboat option to your Korean barbecue buffet, with soup bases like laksa and mala.
The buffet prices are fairly affordable, too—under S$30 for adults, students and seniors, and under S$20 for children.
Expected Damage: S$20 – S$30 per pax
ChopeDeals: Save 10% at Korean Fusion BBQ (Dunlop Street) >
Korean Fusion BBQ: 5 Dunlop St, #02-00, Singapore 209335 | Opening Hours: 11.30am – 2am (Daily) | Tel: +65 6291 4468 | Website
From fried chicken to burgers to pizza, there are seoul many places for you to get your fix of Korean fusion cuisine. Perhaps it’s time to grab a few chinggus (Korean for “friends”), because it’s time to feast!
