As much as I pride myself as an arty-farty film buff, from time to time, I do find myself inexplicably in the throes of an utterly melodramatic Korean drama series. Girl likes boy; boy doesn’t like girl—the cat-and-mouse game ensues. Then, all we need is an inheritance to fight for, a murderous lover, a long-lost childhood friend, and maybe a dashing North Korean officer thrown in.
Besides the eternal will-they-won’t-they, one of the best parts of watching a Korean drama has to be those glorious scenes where they feast in front of a steaming kimchi jjigae or slurping loudly on a jjajangmyeon that you wish you were there. Cue the ever-so-tragic Korean OST at my longing to hit the streets of Hongdae and Itaewon again. Still, all hope is not lost.
Given our penchant for Korean food, it’s not hard to eat our way back to Seoul right here in Singapore. But, in between those bites of fried chicken and chewy tteokbokki tubes, you might find little glimpses of Seoul in Singapore after all—here is how you do it.
Hongdae Oppa
Annyeonghaseyo! The easiest way to find your way back to Korea is through their fried chicken, and Hongdae Oppa knows their fried chicken. Indeed, a big brother you never had, Oppa’s Chix (S$10.90 for three pieces, S$18.90 for six pieces, and S$29.90 for ten pieces) comes in four flavours, the classic Gochujang, Original, Soy Garlic, and Spicy. If you’re feeling cheeky, then throw in Spam x Fries (S$5.90) while you’re at it.
What you have to appreciate at Hongdae Oppa are these generous and massive pieces of fried chicken that make all the gym hours worth it. The thick, crunchy exterior of these spicy Gochujang drumlets is about as Korean as you can get.
These were succulent and juicy, all you needed was a hit of Hongdae Oppa’s cheese dipping sauce, and you’re set. As the cherry on top, make sure you order an icy, refreshing cup of Pepsi to wash it all down.
Otherwise, let the Bokkeumbap (S$13.90) sizzle your way back to Seoul. A hot plate that comes chock-full of fried chicken skin, onions, scallions, fried egg, and meat of your choice (mine was pork). It’s a riotous mix of well-loved ingredients that is satisfying at every turn.
68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, #B2- 47, Singapore 238839
+65 9181 3038
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
63 Jurong West Central, 3 Jurong Point, #03-56, Singapore 648886
Daily: 10:30am – 10pm
Click here for delivery details.
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Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ
What’s a Korean feast without the obligatory serving of Korean barbecue? At Seorae Korean Charcoal BBQ, you’ll be able to feast like all the scions of one of the wealthiest families in Korea.
Savour the Galmaegisal BBQ Meat (S$22.90), a special pork skirt steak that used to be reserved for royals. A precious commodity, there is only 250 grams of pork skirt available per pig. This prized cut of meat will make you feel like the king and queen you are.
Expect an unbelievably tender and succulent piece of meat. The Galmaegisal is dangerously addictive. Moreover, you’ll never go back to pedestrian cuts of pork again.
Alright, if you must have pork belly, then the Seorae Samgyeobsal (S$27.90) it is. Indeed, there’s nothing like it. Thick, wanton slices of pork belly are spread out onto the plate on the plate ala Seorae-style. Caramelised to a fault, the sections of fat are crispy, indulgent, and so worth it.
All this needs is a lick of that sesame dipping sauce, and all’s right with the world. But, with all the heat from the grill, make sure you cool off with a nice, cold glass of Pepsi that would balance all that richness as well.
Besides barbecued meats, another quintessential Korean dish that will take you back to the streets of Korea is the Sundubu Jjigae (S$14.90). You know the one, it’s a comforting tofu stew complete with a dropped egg that is sure to hit the spot.
A spoonful of jjigae and a cup of Pepsi on the side is the salve we all need to soothe our wanderlust. If not, the Haemul Pajeon Pancake (S$17.90) will do fine as well.
68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura, #02-01, Singapore 238839
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
50 Jurong Gateway Road, Jem, #B1-10, Singapore 608549
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
4 Tampines Central 5, Tampines Mall, #B1-02, Singapore 529510
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
23 Serangoon Central, NEX, #B1-73/74, Singapore 556083 (opening 25 May 2021)
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm
Click here for delivery details.
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Patbingsoo
Like all great romps, we have to end with a hearty serving of dessert. So, while Patbingsoo at Northpoint City has savoury treats like their Bulgogi Wrap (S$11.90), I’m more interested in their glorious Patbingsoos.
You have the Chungmuro Patbingsoo (S$11.90), a mound of shaved ice that is as delicate as the first snow at Yongpyong Ski Resort. Then, you have a scoop of green tea ice cream sitting atop of red beans and showered with cornflakes.
As the ritual goes, it begins with a generous drizzle of condensed milk. The combination of green tea and red bean is a tried and true pairing, so there are no complaints here.
930 Yishun Avenue 2, Northpoint City, South Wing #B1-181, Singapore 769098
+65 9169 5835
Daily: 11.30am – 10pm
Click here for delivery details.
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If you still cannot get enough of Korea, this last one is undoubtedly a godsend for all BLINKS. Pepsi has a limited edition Pepsi x BLACKPINK bottles with each member of the girl group printed on the bottle. I know, how you like that?
*This post is brought to you in partnership with Pepsi.
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