This Korean dining spot has first-ever oakwood smoke-grilled meats at mall basement

One would usually associate smoke-grilled meats with the great outdoors, but Namu Bulgogi does all the magic within the basement of Tampines 1. This relatively-new Korean dining spot which opened in June 2024, specialises in grilled meats using firewood.

Well, not just any ordinary firewood. Oakwood, which is largely used in open-air South Korean grilling is specially imported from overseas. It boasts smoky and sweet characteristics which are unique to this wood.

This ancient method of cooking is complemented by modern technology that seals in the meat’s natural juices and flavour, while enhancing it with alluring smokiness. Together with white charcoal (binchotan), Namu Bulgogi is able to attain unrivalled smoky aroma, robust flavour and char.

This is made possible by a parrilla, a height-adjustable iron grill that’s able to adjust the separation between the flame and the meat. This ensures that the heat and cooking speed can be controlled, giving the chefs the flexibility to grill any type of food.

One of the signature must-tries is the gargantuan Namu Signature Set (S$59), enough for 2 to 3 people to enjoy. It comes with:

• 2-in-1 Oakwood Smoke-Grilled Chicken with Corn Cheese (choice of original or spicy gochujang)
• Choice of Oakwood Smoke-Grilled Bulgogi Beef or Oakwood Smoke-Grilled Oxtail (+S$7)
• Seafood Fried Rice
• Chicken Sundubu Jigae or Seafood Sundubu Jigae (+S$2)
• Potato Quail Egg Jangjorim
• Free-flow Kimchi, Radish, and Steamed Rice

One noteworthy dish is the Oakwood Smoke-Grilled Oxtail (S$23.90), meticulously slow-cooked for 8 hours— I can imagine how soft it’ll be, yums! It’s then drizzled with a savoury stew that intensifies the taste.

For avid noodle lovers, check out the Kimchi Ramyeon with Oakwood Smoke-Grilled Chicken (S$13.90). The springy noods are doused in a lip-smacking spicy kimchi broth— 10/10 satisfaction guaranteed! For S$3 more, you can enjoy them with Beef or Seafood instead.

You can also supplement your mains with mouth-watering sides like the Tteokbokki with Homemade Kimari (S$12.90) and Haemul Pancake (S$12.90).

So for those who miss travelling to Korea for its wonderful barbeque meats and delicacies, get your temporary fix at Namu Bulgogi today!

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