Sagye Korean Pot Rice and BBQ: Viral Korean stone pot rice with hour-long queues in Tanjong Pagar

Sagye Korean Pot Rice and BBQ is a popular dining spot in Tanjong Pagar, known for its unique take on traditional Korean cuisine, particularly its Sotbap pot rice. This dish has gained viral attention for its flavourful presentation and is a must-try for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic yet innovative Korean dining experience.

The centrepiece of Sagye’s menu is the Sotbap, a Korean pot rice dish cooked in a traditional stone pot, which gives the rice a distinct texture and flavour. This method ensures that the rice is cooked evenly, with a slight crispiness at the bottom, known as nurungji or crispy rice.

The Sotbap is typically served with an assortment of side dishes and your choice of protein, such as marinated beef, pork, or seafood. This combination creates a balanced meal that is both hearty and satisfying.

What I tried at Sagye Korean Pot Rice and BBQ

To cut to the chase, we had their Beef Short Rib (S$34.80). The meat is well-seasoned with a traditional Korean marinade, which adds a deep and savoury flavour. You could just taste the high quality of beef being used and how tender the meat was.

The rice, cooked in a traditional iron pot, has a slightly crispy bottom layer, which adds texture and depth to the dish. With a selection of side dishes, this Sotbap provides a rich and delicious eating experience that captures the essence of Korean cuisine. Diners are encouraged to stir and mix all the ingredients in to ensure the flavours are evenly spread out.

Next was my favourite, the Scallop (S$28.80). Upon first glance, this was very visually appealing, with the different colours of the ingredients that had been added.

I loved the addition of both Tobiko and Ikura, which when mixed in, gives every mouth a burst of umami. The pickled radish also provided a crunch of freshness.

Before moving on to the next Sotbap, we washed down and cleansed our palettes with some Soju Slushie (S$18) and Sparkling Rice Wine (S$22).

We were shocked as after the Soju was taken out of the fridge, the waiter knocked it with a rubber mullet and suddenly the Soju was visibly seen being frozen. The outcome is a Soju Slushie that helps to beat the blistering heat of Singapore.

The Sparkling Rice Wine is another one that has a refreshing aftertaste and can be dangerously addictive as there is no alcoholic taste in it.

The next is a Kurobuta Pork (S$21.80) Sotbap. While the Beef Short Ribs were my favourite, those who prefer pork can go for their pork Sotbap option. I must admit the pork cubes are very tender and mixed with the sauce on the side, provides a depth of tingling spice and accentuates the sweetness of the pork.

In addition to Sotbap, Sagye also offers a range of BBQ options, which are equally popular among patrons. The BBQ meats are grilled to perfection, often at the table, allowing diners to enjoy the interactive experience of Korean BBQ.

The variety of dipping sauces and side dishes that accompany the BBQ meats add layers of flavour and texture to the meal.

We had the best of the best, the Aged Premium Japan Wagyu Ribeye Cap (Prawn Cap) (S$52) and the Kurobuta Marinated Pork Collar (S$32). Both of which were extremely tender and I liked that the pork had the subtle sweetness from the marination.

Final thoughts

My experience at Sagye was unique and brought out the rich flavours of Korea. I do not think I have had anything like this before. On top of that, Sagye faces some stiff competition from the row of Korean BBQ restaurants just in the same stretch of road.

Despite that, diners who wish to dine here are subjected to wait up to an hour and during peak periods can even go up to 2 hours.

Whether you are a fan of traditional Korean dishes or looking to try something new, Sagye offers a menu that caters to all tastes. The combination of authentic flavours, quality ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere, makes Sagye a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse world of Korean cuisine.

Expected damage: S$25 – S$50 per pax

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