New in town: Wooga Jjajang — Authentic minced meat jjajangmyeon using 63-year-old recipe paired with charcoal-grilled meats

There are loads of hawker stalls serving local cuisine at Old Airport Road Food Centre, so it’s a breath of fresh air when Wooga Jjajang, which serves authentic Korean cuisine with a twist, officially opened to the public on 9 Aug 2023.

The stall is overseen by Chef Marcus Yu, a native Korean Chinese who was formerly from the now-defunct Dong Bang Hong Korean Chinese Restaurant at Telok Ayer. Not many know this, but the concept of jjajangmyeon first originated back in China before the Koreans modified it to their own version featuring a darker and sweeter sauce.

Now, a little backstory. The traditional jjajangmyeon recipe was handed down by Chef Marcus’s father back in 1960, who opened a restaurant called Eun Ha Jang in the 1970s. In 2016, the 4 Great Kings Of Jjajang competed against each other and guess who won? It was Eun Ha Jang!

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Chef Marcus and his siblings were taught the art of cooking the famed jjajangmyeon and currently, each of them has their own restaurant in South Korea, the United States and Singapore.

Here, you’ll discover 6 delectable varieties of jjajangmyeon, with the standout being the Yoo-Ni Jjang Myeon (S$6.50), an exclusive creation not found elsewhere in Singapore. Unlike traditional versions that incorporate diced meat, the Yoo-Ni Jjang Myeon features minced meat, and the bean sauce is stir-fried to infuse a delightful wok hei flavour.

Pair your noodles with charcoal-grilled BBQ meats such as the Bulgogi Pork Belly Jjajang Myeon (S$8) and Bulgogi Jjajang Myeon (S$8),which offers you a K-BBQ experience in a bowl. Or if you’re seeking something light, try the Kimchi Jjajang Myeon (S$7).

Attention, all soup lovers! You must try the special broth-infused kal-guksu noodles (knife-cut noodles). Give the Lala Kal-Guksu (S$8) or Spicy Lala Kal-Guksu (S$8) (for those seeking a little heat on their taste buds) a go.

If you can’t survive without meat (like some people I know), you can also order the Chicken Kal-Guksu (S$7) and Bulgogi Kal-Guksu (S$7).

Do note that Wooga Jjajang will be opening their second outlet at 269 Queen Street, Stall 11 on 8 Sep 2023. I can’t wait!

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