Keum Eun Don (금은돈), a popular Korean BBQ restaurant from Seoul, has opened its first Singapore outlet in Hillview! Known for its queues back home, the restaurant has built a steady following for its quality cuts and traditional KBBQ setup.
It has also been visited by Korean celebrities and K-pop idols like LE SSERAFIM’s Kazuha, actress Kang So-ra, and members of ENHYPHEN.
Straight From Korea
The restaurant’s name is a cheeky play on the phrase 금은돈, which literally translates to gold, silver and bronze.
In this case, the ‘don’ (pork in Korean) takes centre stage as their speciality!
The space in HillV2 brings a slice of Korea into Singapore. Its interiors were conceptualised by a Korean design team, incorporating elements of traditional Korean culture.
Some elements include sambe (삼베, traditional hemp fabric) and Gonryongpo (곤룡포), the dragon-emblazoned royal robe worn by Korean kings.
It keeps a sleek, modern finish, making it a comfortable and vibey space.
Keum Eun Don Menu
The menu is small and focused on their pork, including Duroc pork and Iberico pork.
You’ll find familiar options like Samgyeopsal (Belly, $26++/100g) and Moksal (Collar, $27++/100g), along with a standout Hanjeongsal (Jowl, $29++/160g), known for its rich marbling.
For something quicker to cook, there are also thinly sliced versions of the pork belly ($26++/180g) and collar ($26++/160g).
All meats are aged to improve flavour and tenderness, with selected cuts prepared using house marinades.
There are also two beef options: the Woodae Galbi ($82++) marinated for three days and the House Soy Beef Belly ($27++).
You can get them in sets ranging from the Eun Set ($129+ for 3 pax) that features pork belly and pork collar, Keum Set ($199+ for 4/5 pax) that includes their signature beef Woodae Galbi and pork jowl.
The cuts are partially grilled over charcoal for added smokiness, and you’ll finish them on the grill at your own pace.
There are sides available, including Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles ($16), Kimchi Fried Rice ($15+) and Soft Tofu Stew ($17+).
What We Tried
We tried all three of their signature cuts: Pork Belly (Samgyeopsal), Pork Neck (Moksal) and Woodae Galbi.
Our favourite was the Moksal! The cut was thick and juicy, with a subtle smokiness from the charcoal.
It struck a good balance between fat and lean meat, with a clean sweetness and no gameiness.
Something interesting is their house-made ssamjang mayo. The mayo softens the saltiness of the ssamjang and adds a creamy contrast to the meat.
If you prefer something more indulgent, the Samgyeopsal is worth ordering.
The thick layers of fat crisped up nicely on the grill, and while it looks heavy, each bite was rich and juicy without feeling overwhelming.
Despite the focus on pork, the Woodae Galbi ($82++) stood out as well.
The marinade leaned sweet and umami, especially after caramelising over the grill, and the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
We’d suggest cooking it for around 30 seconds to keep it soft and juicy!
One side worth noting is the Doenjang Soolbap ($17++), a dish commonly enjoyed in Korea but less often seen in Singapore.
The rice absorbs the savoury stew, resulting in a warm, comforting bite that pairs well with the grilled meats.
KBBQ Restaurant In Hillview
With its established reputation in Seoul, Keum Eun Don is another solid Korean BBQ option to Singapore. If you’re curious about well-known KBBQ spots that locals in Korea actually line up for, this Hillview outlet is worth keeping on your radar.
Do expect slightly longer waiting times as the team settles in!
Check out more KBBQ restaurants in Singapore:
- 33 Korean BBQ Restaurants in Singapore For Samgyeopsal and Soju Nights
- Joong San: Korean BBQ Restaurant in Telok Ayer Specialising in Beef Cuts With “Caviar”
- Kott-Don 360: Korean BBQ In Paya Lebar With Aged Black Pork, Wagyu Brisket & More
Keum Eun Don (금은돈)
4 Hillview Rise, HillV2, #01-09, Singapore 667979
Open daily. 11.30am-2.30pm, 5pm-10pm
Break time: 3pm-5pm
*This article is based on a media-tasting event, but all opinions expressed about the food are entirely our own.
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