Hidden in a corner of Bras Basah Complex, where Ssikkek used to be, is a new Korean BBQ restaurant called Ssak3.
When we first heard of Ssak3, we immediately thought of the legendary co-ed group that took Korea by storm this year with their summer hit: Beach Again 3.
While the restaurant did draw inspiration from the group, the real reason they’re called Ssak3 is because, in Korean, the phrase translates to sweeping everything away – in hopes of people coming to the restaurant and ‘sweep’ all the food away.
Affordable Korean BBQ Near Bugis
Ssak3 Bras Basah has a rather simple KBBQ menu offering basic cuts such as thinly sliced pork belly, pork belly and boneless beef short rib.
The prices for these cuts range from $12 to $18 per pax, which is on the cheaper side when it comes to Korean KBBQ.
They also had really affordable ala carte menu items that caught our attention! More of that later on.
Since we were unsure of what to order, we ended up taking two trips down to try out more of their ala carte dishes. Here’s our experience.
Side Dishes At Ssak3
As per all Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore (and Korea), a range of side dishes (banchan) was served while we wait for the main dishes to arrive.
We were quite shocked to see that one of our side dishes was grilled purple sweet potato. On our second visit there, the sweet potato side dish was replaced by a small serving of Korean fried chicken.
There was also a side of Gyeran Mari (Rolled Omelette) on our second visit.
Pork Belly With Kimchi And Beansprouts
On our first visit, we ordered the beef shortplate and a circular cut of pork belly which was ok, but it didn’t wow us. But to be fair, for the price, it was a decent meal.
We did notice something during our first visit – everyone around us was eating the thinly sliced pork belly that came with kimchi and beansprouts. So… we ordered it during our second visit.
The thinly sliced pork belly ($12 for 1 serving), number 1 on their menu, comes with an additional side of kimchi and marinated beansprouts to place alongside the meat on the grill.
The BBQ grill used is made with a slight tilt so that all the extra oil comes flowing down. Make sure to place the kimchi and beansprouts at the bottom, so the oil from the meat can make it more delicious.
After grilling it for a while, mix the meat together with the kimchi and beansprouts.
You can make your own wrap (aka Ssam) with the lettuce and perilla leaves provided.
Chilled Jokbal
One of the more interesting menu items was the Chilled Jokbal ($22). Called 냉채족발, Naengchae Jokbal in Korean, this particular type of Jokbal is usually found Busan.
The dish is a combination of steamed pig trotters with a salad in the middle, made using fresh vegetables and jellyfish mixed with mustard sauce.
The meat itself was rather firm and chewy. The highlight was probably the salad which had a combination of textures. The mustard sauce was really spicy, almost like eating a strong spoonful of wasabi.
Tteokbokki
Ssak3’s version of the Tteokbokki came with generous portions of beansprouts, fish cakes and sliced rice cakes.
The sauce was a nice balance of sweet and spicy. We did wish that the rice cake could have been cooked more thoroughly, as we found it a little tough texture-wise.
Otherwise, at $10, this was a steal.
Jjajangmyeon
Firstly, for $10 a bowl, we were super pleased by the portion. There was a generous amount of ingredients in it as well – onions, diced meat and potatoes coated in Jjajang sauce.
The Jjajangmyeon here at Ssak3 probably will not make you go ‘wow’, but we have to say, it’s really not bad.
While the sauce was missing that deep Jjajang flavour from places like O.bba and MukJja, everything was well seasoned. The noodles had an incredible texture as well.
A New Hideout For Koreans
During dinner time, we were surrounded by at least 4 to 5 tables of Koreans. The chatters will immediately remind you of a restaurant in Korea.
While everything was okay, we were saddened by the fact that no water is served at the restaurant. Drinks such as plain water and soft drinks have to be purchased from a vending machine within the restaurant.
The restaurant isn’t really well ventilated, with a couple of fans here and there, so be prepared to smell like KBBQ when you head out the restaurant. However, there are bottles of Febreeze outside for you to ‘freshen up’.
Opening Promotion
There is an ongoing promotion for somaek lovers at Ssak3 Bras Basah until Nov 30.
For $24+, you will get a bottle of Chamisul Soju and 3 bottles of Hite. For $15+, you can get a bottle of Jinro Soju and a bottle of Hite.
Experience Korea in Singapore
- On Dol: Korean BBQ with Ssambap in Tanjong Pagar
- Kim’s Family Korean Food: For Comforting Gukbap on Rainy Days
- Myung Ga II: Korean-Style Tonkatsu in Bukit Timah Plaza
Ssak3 Bras Basah
231 Bain Street #02-01 Bras Basah Complex S180231
Mon-Fri, 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10:30pm
Sat-Sun, 11:30am-10:30pm
For Reservations: 6336 4476
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah/Bugis
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