KORIO makes comeback after closure through limited time pop-up with Zouk Group in Clarke Quay

Fans of the cult favourite sandwich shop, KORIO, were left heartbroken after its closure in December last year. Thankfully, the popular business will be returning in the form of a pop-up in collaboration with Zouk Group.

The pop-up, named KORIO x Lorenz, will be held within the speakeasy bar Here Kitty Kitty in Clarke Quay. The menu consists of dishes curated by KORIO and Chef Lorenz, who is the Chief Culinary Officer of Zouk Group. The pop-up is slated to take place from 16 May to 8 Jun 2024 on Thursdays to Saturdays— take note that the pop-up will only operate from 6pm to 10pm or until sold out.

KORIO x Lorenz stuns with 8 menu items, including starters, mains, desserts and cocktails. The starters are Nordic Craze (S$17), a baguette topped with salmon confit, ikura, quail egg, herb cream cheese and marinated onion, and The Italian Job (S$17), featuring focaccia topped with zucchini, burrata, parmesan, tomato confit and arugula.

For your main, beef lovers can opt for Get Shorty (S$25), a hefty bagel filled with braised short rib, caramelised onion, horseradish cream, provolone and pickles. I enjoyed how meaty and tender the short ribs were, with the assortment of ingredients complementing each other well.

The alternative would be Jon Bánh Jo Mì (S$25), a Vietnamese baguette containing barramundi nuggets, pickled veggies, XO mayonnaise, coriander and house sriracha. The bright flavours of the pickled veggies nicely juxtaposed the crisp, tender fish nuggets, though we did find that the dish was a tad dry.

The desserts at KORIO x Lorenz, nicknamed Happy Endings, are doughnut balls filled with cream. Green Magic (S$8.50) is made with pandan chantilly, chocolate glaze and roasted coconut flakes, while Chocolate OD (S$8.50) is a great choice for chocolate fanatics. The light chocolate chantilly and rich chocolate glaze makes this an ultra satisfying treat.

KORIO x Lorenz offers 2 cocktails, each of which pair beautifully with the food. Hail Mary (S$20) is incredibly refreshing as it is concocted with Bianco tequila, watermelon celery shrub, tomato water, lemon and soda. For something richer, opt for Coco Cabana (S$20)— the fragrant espresso is paired with pineapple rum and coconut water.

To get more bang for your buck, opt for one of the 2 sets offered— Set A allows you to enjoy a starter, a main and a dessert for S$45++, while Set B comes with a main and a dessert for S$31++.

Given the high demand for these exclusive dishes, be sure to make your reservations for KORIO x Lorenz immediately to avoid disappointment.

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