You’ve probably heard of Samgyetang, a Korean dish also known as Ginseng Chicken. But have you tried North Korean-style Samgyetang? Well, you can now at Muguok, a restaurant in Anguk, Seoul that serves this particular style of Samgyetang.
While the restaurant is still relatively new, I walked past it just before opening hour and saw a snaking queue filled with locals and tourists.
I absolutely hate queuing, so I came back an hour before they closed for a break, around 1:15 pm, and managed to get a seat within 10 minutes.
North Korean Samgyetang in Singapore
The main menu here is the Samgye Baekban (18,00won), which is a Ginseng Chicken Set Meal. It’s slightly different from the typical Samgyetang found in Korea, the one here at Muguok features a much thicker broth, brewed in a traditional cauldron pot for hours.
Other menu items include a Spicy Braised Chicken (40,000won for Medium, 60,000won for large) and a Cheongguk Dakdoritang (40,000won for Medium, 60,000won for large). These menus seem more suitable for dinner gatherings and larger groups, while the Baekban is perfect for solo travellers and/or quick lunch meals.
Best Restaurants in Anguk
Typically, you’ll find a whole chicken in your Samgyetang, but here at Muguok, the chicken is slightly shredded and served on a plate, along with the soup, rice, ginseng culture root, and Uiseong garlic.
Along with that are side dishes like Kkaktugi (Radish Cubes) and a Jeju Styled Kimchi.
It was recommended that I add the garlic and ginseng sides to my soup and pair the chicken with the various seasonings on the table.
The soup itself is quite impressive, rich and thick, almost like a collagen version of the classic ginseng chicken soup. Once the garlic and ginseng are added in, it helps cut through all that richness, making it more “drinkable”.
The chicken is well-cooked and tender, even for the breast portions. I prefer just having it as it is with a spoonful of soup and rice, but you can go for the other sauces. There’s a green onion and ginger sauce reminiscent of Singaporean Chicken Rice and a salt dip.
If you want something more, you can opt for the Seasoned Squid (9,500won), a towering portion considering the price. It’s slightly spicy and sour, making it a great way to cut through the meal’s richness occasionally.
Solo-Friendly Restaurant in Seoul
Since the menu comes in a set, it’s perfect for solo travellers looking for a meal in Seoul! It does get quite filling, so make sure to come hungry.
Muguok (무구옥)
7 Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울 종로구 율곡로1길 7
Mon-Sun, 11:30am to 9pm, Break Time 3pm-5:30pm
Last Order: 2pm and 8pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Muguok.
*Follow MiddleClass.sg on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram for more food, travel, and trending stories
