If you think Korean food in Singapore is all about KBBQ, think again.
From comforting stews to modern fusion food, there are tons of Korean restaurants in Singapore where you can enjoy a hearty Korean meal without a grill. Here are some non-KBBQ Korean Restaurants to check out!
Soups & Noodles
Um Yong Baek
Um Yong Baek is well-known in Korea for their Dwaeji-Gukbap, a Korean pork and rice dish, and the steady stream of Korean customers even in Singapore is a sign of authentic flavours.
They offer it in two styles – Busan and Milyang. The Busan-style gukbap has a clear broth, while the Milyang-style gukbap has a pork-bone-based broth that is thicker and creamier.
Do note that the gukbap menu is only available for lunch. Read our full review of Um Yong Baek here!
Wonderful Bapsang
The Wonderful Bapsang in Suntec City is a stand-alone concept with 9 variations of soondubu jjigae (Korean Tofu Stew), and their soondubu is made in-house!
Variations include pork, beef, seafood, and even a Perilla Soft Tofu Stew ($22.9).
There are also non-tofu dishes available, like the Beef Bulgogi Bibimbap ($20.9) and Jeyuk Bokkeum ($25.5).
If you’re craving a hearty bowl of stew, it’s an excellent spot for lunch and dinner! Check out our full review here.
Seoul Noodle Shop
Seoul Noodle Shop has an impressive line-up of noodle options, and there’s definitely something for everyone.
From options like Pork Bone Spicy Noodles ($20.5) with giant pork back bones, to Busan Shrimp Noodles ($20.5) and Perilla Noodles ($16.5), all are sure to satisfy.
Read our review here.
Kong Madam
Kong Madam is conveniently located in Guoco Midtown II and they serve up freshly-made soondubu jjiggae!
There’s a dedicated kitchen where they make their tofu fresh daily, so you know they take their tofu seriously. It had a tender, fall-apart texture and a pleasant soybean fragrance, unlike store-bought tofu.
The menu is extensive, with stew variations like Kimchi ($23.9), Beef ($23.9) and Seafood ($21.9). There is also the Assorted ($23.9), which includes seafood, beef, and pork.
The prices are pretty reasonable for a solid meal, so do drop by for lunch or dinner! Read more about our experience here.
Gwanghwamun Mijin
Gwanghwamun Mijin is a 70-year-old family-owned restaurant from Korea with over 10 outlets in Korea.
They’ve been on the Korean Michelin Bib Gourmand list for 8 years, and they’re known for producing their own buckwheat noodles and broths.
The noodles and broth are shipped over from Korea to maintain the same taste and quality – a firm bite and a mild flavour of buckwheat.
On the menu is the Signature Buckwheat Noodle Set ($16), which is also available in other variations like a hot Broth ($16) and Bibim Noodle ($16), but the must-get is the Singapore-exclusive Perilla Buckwheat Noodle With Marinated Salmon ($16).
If you’re looking for an affordable yet tasty authentic Korean meal, this is one to add to your list. Check out our full review here.
Bomul Samgyetang
If you’re looking for something to boost your energy, check out Bomul Samgyetang at CHIJMES.
They have the most extensive lineup of 10 samgyetang flavours, each with a different function!
The Healthy Samgyetang ($29) is an upgraded version of the original, with premium aged ginseng.
Other more unique flavours include the Detox ($32) with mung beans and the Restorative ($38) with special black tiger balm mushroom for your respiratory system.
Prices are pretty steep, but it’s understandable given the high-quality ingredients used.
Check out our review here.
Paik’s Noodle
Paik’s Noodle is the place to go for an affordable, no-frills meal.
There are only a few items on the menu, including classics like Jajang-myeon ($11), Tangsuyuk (from $21), and Jjampong ($14).
There are also alternatives like Jaengban Jajang ($23), which is made with seafood, and Jjampong-bap ($15), for those who prefer rice.
It’s a solid spot that’s definitely worth a try to satisfy a craving for Jajangmyeon.
Read our review here.
Onggii
Onggii at Suntec City offers a variety of Korean soul broths with 3 types of meat options – pork, chicken, and beef.
Specialties include Dak Gomtang ($15.9) and Dewji Gamja Tang ($17.9), but there are also stew sets like Kimchi Jjigae ($22.9) and Chadol Doenjang Jjigae ($16.9).
Each serving comes with a generous portion of rice or noodles, which is served separately, allowing you to enjoy them slowly at your own time.
If you’re craving some comforting Korean soups, this is a good spot to fulfil those cravings.
Check out our review here.
O.BBa Jjajang
O.BBa has a loyal fanbase of its own, and with good reason.
Their KBBQ is good, but their Jjajangmyeon is just as good. Plus, it’s only $7.5 for a bowl at O.BBa Jjajang Express!
Other classics like Jjampong ($9.90) and Tangsuyuk ($13) are also available.
Read our full review here.
Gochu
Gochu is a cave-themed restaurant in Yishun, and despite its name meaning chilli pepper, not all the food is spicy.
They have separate menus for lunch and dinner, with heartier options like Galbitang Bansang ($30), Pork Rib Kimchi Jjim Bansang ($28), and Chilli Pickle Noodle ($18) for lunch, and KBBQ for dinner.
The options for sharing plates are also pretty unique, like the Zucchini Pancake With Dried Prawn ($16) and Spicy Big Crispy Stuffed Chilli ($12). Do be warned that the stuffed chilli is really spicy!
Read our review here.
MODU
MODU is Singapore’s first speciality samgyetang restaurant, and they offer 6 variations of Samgyetang.
They’re all pretty unique, with options like Black Sesame Samgyetang ($38), which is slightly nutty and sweet, and Beauty Samgyetang ($37), which has goji berries and various anti-ageing herbs.
For something more impactful, we recommend the Spicy Hangover Samgyetang ($37), which was spicy and rich.
Read about our full experience here.
For Group Dinners
Odem
If you’re looking for a bar to visit, do check out Odem!
They’re a makgeolli bar located in New Bahru with over 20 different offerings from various small-scale Korean breweries.
We recommend getting the Odem Quintet ($75), which features 5 flavoured makgeolli chosen by the team. Do let them know your taste preferences as they can advise selections accordingly.
Food options include a Fig & Jujube Salad ($25), Kimchi Mozzarella Pancake ($24), Abalone Boribap ($48), and Barbequed Kalbi ($62).
The star here was the Brioche & Gamtae Seaweed Butter ($18). The brioche was fluffy and soft while the butter had a strong umami flavour.
Read our review here.
Joong San
Joongsan is a Korean restaurant in Telok Ayer with separate lunch and dinner menus.
For lunch, you can look forward to hearty bowls of soup and noodles such as the Deonjang Jjigae Set ($15), Perilla Oil Buckwheat Noodles ($21), and Bibim Naengmyeon ($21).
For dinner, the restaurant transforms into a KBBQ joint. If you’re interested in their dinner offerings, check out our review here.
Daily Beer
Daily Beer is a Korean chimaek chain restaurant, and they have seven variations of craft beer, ranging from the K-Festbier ($14 for 420ml), a German-style beer, to Busan Hazelnut Porter ($15 for 420ml)!
They even have Telok Ayer-exclusive flavours – Telok Hazy IPA ($15) and Telok Pale Ale ($14).
If you’re indecisive, opt for the Beer Flight ($35), which includes five 200ml samplers.
The food menu features fried chicken and anju (dishes meant to pair with drinks), with chicken options like Angry Bird (from $27.9) and Angry Bird Red (from $29.9). You can also get the Half-Half for all flavours at just $32.8.
The space is vibey, with a retro-diner style and even a disco ball, making it an excellent spot for gatherings!
Check out our review here.
Doran Chicken
Doran Chicken serves up authentic Daegu-style fried chicken, with items like Doran Wings & Drumette (10 pcs for $23.8, 20 pcs for $44.8), and Daegu Boneless Chicken (half for $20.8, whole for $37.8) on the menu.
The chicken is tender with a crisp exterior and comes in 4 options – Original Fried, 1978 Soy Sauce, Dalcom Spicy, and Volcano Spicy. The sauces are aged for at least 7 days in Onggiis (traditional pots), resulting in a softer, more flavourful sauce.
Side dishes are also available, with options like Garlic Cheese Siracha Corn Fritters ($9.8) and Sincheon Tteokbokki ($12.8), which is a waterier version of the usual tteokbokki and uses quail eggs instead.
The generous portions make it great for sharing, so it’s an ideal spot for gatherings. Read more about our experience here.
Kimchi Mama
If you’ve been to Bugis+ recently, you would have spotted Kimchi Mama with their bright, retro interior.
Here, you can enjoy free-flow banchan with your mains, such as the Hotstone Kimchi Beef Steak ($14.9), Spicy Kimchi & Clams Soondubu ($11.9), and Kimchi Mama Stew Pot ($25.9).
Some unique items include the Eomuk Fries ($6.9) and Boneless Chikin ($8.9 for 5 pcs), which you can also dip in Corn Cheese ($6.9).
Its lively atmosphere and diverse menu make it an ideal place for groups.
Read our full review here.
Gwangjang Gaon
Gwangjang Gaon in Jewel focuses on heritage Korean dishes such as bibimbap, mandu, and gomduk (beef soup).
Specialities include the Bossam ($43.9), Samgyetang ($38.9), and Modm Jeon ($29.9), which is a platter of shrimp, pollack, zucchini, ground pork, and crab stick in a light egg wash.
The must-get is the Gaon Galbi ($69.9), which pairs beef ribs with a side of spicy spring onions, and Deulgireuym Makguksu ($21.9), a fragrant and refreshing bowl of perilla oil noodles.
The place is spacious with ample seating, making it a good spot for large groups.
Check out our experience here.
Kelim Dakdoritang
Kelim Dakdoritang is a popular franchise from Seoul, and their speciality is the Garlic Spicy Dakdoritang (from $36.9), which comes with a mountain of freshly minced garlic.
This hearty stew has chunks of fresh chicken, rice cakes, potatoes, and green onions. You can even add on Kalguksu for $5 and Fried Rice for $8.
The portion can be adjusted based on the size of your party, making it great for groups!
A meal here is sure to be filling and satisfying, so if you’re looking for a dinner spot for your gatherings, this is a good option.
Read our review here.
Janchi
Janchi translates to “feast,” and they serve seafood platters and other dishes that require at least 2-3 people to finish.
The Marinated Raw Seafood Platter (2 pax $99.9, 3-4 pax $179.9) is pricey but comes with a wide variety of seafood like Abalone, Salmon, Octopus, Prawns, and Crabs.
There is also the Seoul Mountain Bulgogi Set (M: $59.9, L: $79.9), which literally looked like a mountain, and the Bosam ($49.9).
The restaurant has a chill vibe and lots of sharing dishes, making it great for intimate gatherings.
Check out our review here.
BHC Chicken
BHC Chicken is a major name in the Korean fried chicken world and boasts one of the most diverse menus.
The Singapore menu is more condensed, with highlights like Bburinkle, and Macho King, where the chicken is coated with an aged soy sauce and honey-based oriental sauce. Both options go for $31.9 for a whole chicken, $23.9 for wings, and $27.9 for boneless chicken.
Other fan favourites include the Bburing Cheese Sticks ($6.9) and Bburing Corndog ($6.9).
It’s a great spot for gatherings since you really can’t go wrong with good fried chicken!
Read about our experience here.
For Solo Diners
SBCD Rice House
SBCD Rice House is conveniently located in Suntec City, and they offer 8 different variations of cupbap, which is basically a rice bowl with toppings.
Bowls come with a base of rice and japchae or Samyang Buldak Noodles, for those who love a kick of spice. Default toppings include salad, marinated egg, a fried mandu, and three banchans – tofu, corn salad, and kimchi.
For your protein, choose from options like Seoul Beef Bulgogi ($13.8), Jeju Orange Yuzu Chicken ($13.8), Creamy Spicy Pork Jeyuk ($13.8), and more.
All bowls are under $15, and the place is meant to be fast and convenient. There is limited seating in-store, and iit s the perfect spot for solo diners.
Read more here.
Ssada Gimbab
Ssada Gimbab is a good spot if you’re looking for some hearty yet straightforward Korean dishes.
They offer familiar bunsik (homemade Korean) dishes like kimbap, fried rice, and even stews.
Highlights included the Tonkatsu Kimbap ($11), which featured a large piece of deep-fried pork cutlet, and the Rabokki ($13), which used noodle tteokfor a chewier texture.
Check out our review here.
Bibim Deli
Opened by Chef Min Yo Han who appeared on Season 1 of Culinary Class Wars, Bibim Deli is a self-service DIY Bibimbap concept restaurant in Suntec City. There’s a rotation of side dishes and mains, and you take what you want and add it to your bowl!
Great news for those who love rice, it’s unlimited!
Tonshou
Tonshou is a popular tonkatsu restaurant from Busan, and they’re the world’s first charcoal-grilled tonkatsu with a four-stage cooking process.
Both outlets offer counter seats, which are perfect for solo meals.
Read our full review here.
Sotbox
Sotbox is a takeaway spot in Suntec City focusing on various kimbap flavours.
Variations include the Tuna Mayo ($11.9), Beef Bulgogi ($10.9), and Fishcake ($11.9). There is also the option to swap out rice for egg strips for a keto version.
Other unique items they had included Kkoma Kimbap, which is a smaller bite-sized version of the usual kimbap, Choongmu Kimbap ($11.9), which is plain kimbap rolls with spicy seasoned squid and radish, and Yubu Kimbap, which is kimbap made with stuffed marinated tofu pouches.
Read our review here.
BokK
BokK is a small and quaint joint along Upper Thomson, with only 3 flavours of fried chicken – Original, Soy Garlic, and Yangnyeom.
You can purchase them in 2-piece ($10) or 3-piece ($15) variations, with the option to make it a meal with fries and a drink (add $3).
They also have other options, like the 8-Piece Trays with Mixed ($38), Legs ($40) and Breasts ($38).
Read about our experience here.
Kko Kko Nara Express
Kko Kko Nara is a well-known brand in Singapore, but did you know it has an express concept at Takashimaya?
Everything is made fresh, but the menu is pretty extensive. There are 3 fried chicken flavours, Kimchi Pancake ($12), Hotteok ($5.5), and more!
It’s a convenient spot to satisfy a craving for Korean food.
Check out our full review here.
Korean Restaurants In Singapore That Aren’t KBBQ
Korean food is so much more than just KBBQ, and the spots we’ve listed are just a few places you should check out for a hearty meal.
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