Whether you’re in the mood for a soulful bowl of samgyetang or crispy, triple-fried chicken, these casual Korean restaurants in Singapore deliver flavours worthy of the expression “daebak”.
By: Eris Choo
The House Chungdam
Tucked along Duxton Road, The House Chungdam brings a slice of Seoul to Singapore with a dining experience inspired by the upscale restaurants of Gangnam’s Chungdam neighbourhood. While the menu showcases Chef Sandy E. Lee’s Michelin-starred pedigree, the vibe remains approachable, with dishes like Jinju Naengmyeon, a refreshing cold noodle dish with seafood and crisp cheese and potato jeon (pancakes).
For barbecued meats, try special cuts like dry age 28-day New York strip cut or dry age pork. There’s also The House Feast, a generous meat platter that lets you choose between the smoky depth of a charcoal grill or the convenience of grilling on an iron plate. This comes with soybean soup, banchan, steamed eggs and vegetables. Finish with some icy mango or homemade red bean bingsu. Beyond the food, the space itself is a nod to Korean aesthetics—think natural stone, delicate Hanji textures, and warm yellow tones that subtly reference Korea’s dynastic heritage.
MODU
Modu, Singapore’s first samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) specialty restaurant proves that food can be both nourishing and delicious. The menu, which focuses on boyang-sik (traditional health foods) offers refined interpretations of the classic dish – ranging from the Collagen Herbal Samgyetang, made by simmering spring chicken with glutinous rice, herbs, and jujube for hours, resulting in an incomparable tenderness – to the Black Chicken Samgyetang, which features leaner meat and is prized for its deep, robust flavours and dense nutrients.
Meals come with accompanying banchan (small plates), with items like the crisp minari watersnail salad and radish kimchi. For something heartier, there are flavourful rice and noodle options too like Dak KalGukSu (chicken noodle soup) and DakJuk(chicken porridge). Elevate the dining experience with a selection of traditional Korean liquors.
Sagye
Sagye, the popular Korean restaurant known for its authentic sotbap (Korean pot rice), has a new outlet at Wheelock Place in Orchard, offering a fresh dining experience that shines the spotlight on traditional Korean flavours infused with modern elements. Settle into elegant surroundings that feature hanok-inspired decor, with motifs such as bamboo curtains, lamps, Hangari pots, and a cosy fireplace. Menu highlights include the braised king-sized beef short rib, an outlet exclusive dish made from prime beef that is slow braised for hours and steam-baked to achieve a melt-off-the-bone texture.
For a fun twist, go for the Dongpo Rou, made famous by the Culinary Class Wars show on Netflix. Sagye’s interpretation of this iconic Chinese fusion dish features tender braised pork paired with a house-made sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savoury flavours. Another new addition to the menu is the Japan wagyu striploin, served with aromatic herb butter. Meanwhile, expect to see expertly charcoal-grilled premium cuts on the dinner menu.
Hansik Dining Collective
Located in a shophouse spanning two floors, Hansik Dining Collective is the latest Korean food and beverage hub in Singapore, with six unique dining and bar concepts under one roof, some of which are open 24 hours to cater to late night cravings. Regulars will recognise familiar names like Go Gi Jip Premium Korean BBQ: formerly located at Tanjong Pagar, the restaurant is known for its stone-grilled experience and hand-selected, premium cuts of meat and seafood.
There’s also Kko Kko Na Ra, the pioneering brand that popularised Korean fried chicken and supper culture in Singapore, with its popular Ma Neul Gan Jang (Garlic Soy Chicken), Cheese Sprinkle, and Mala flavours. New to the fold is Halmae Gukbab, the go-to-place for hearty, comforting Korean soups like Dwaeji Gukbab (pork soup with rice) and Seolleongtang, a creamy and savoury ox bone broth. For those who enjoy imbibing, Hansik has two distinctive bar experiences: Chung Sa Cho Rong, a traditional Korean bar, and My Patio, which serves Korean craft beers.
KeonBae
The Kanpai Group—known for popular spots like Kanpai 2.0 and Yoasobi By Kanpai—introduces KeonBae, a new highball bar named after the Korean word for ‘cheers’. Like its namesake, the vibe is convivial and fun, with a bold menu that blends Korean and Japanese culinary influences, creative drinks, and an atmosphere perfect for after-work hangouts. Expect a playful fusion of East Asian bites, from the indulgent Abalone-Juk Risotto, which marries New Zealand Green Shell abalone with a velvety abalone liver sauce and risotto, to the crispy triple-fried KeonBae Fried Chicken (K.F.C) in flavours like Yangnyeom Glaze and Garlic Soy. Don’t miss the Dakgalbi Nachos, loaded with sweet-spicy chicken, camembert, and parmesan rice crisps, or the Unagi & Butter “Box” Oshisushi for an umami hit. Drinks are equally exciting: try the quirky Me, You, Breakfast? —a cocktail with hints of French toast, maple syrup, and espresso—or the refreshing Plum Honey Shochu Highball.