10 Best Korean Restaurants in Singapore: BBQ, Bibimbap & Fried Chicken

The restaurant has been started as an idea of Big Mama who was a former maths and science teacher. She decided to utilize her experience in cooking Korean food to serve Korean students studying in Singapore. She has succeeded in attracting customers from different backgrounds, indeed.

Highlights:

BANCHAN: There are six complimentary and refillable side dishes served at Big Mama (kimchi, spinach, crunchy lotus roots, japchae, water-chestnut cake, and ikan bilis). While all the banchan are pretty good, the standout is the kimchi.

MUST-TRY DISHES:

• Dakgalbi (S$15/pax, min 2 pax)
• Suyuk ($25/$40)
• Seafood pancake (S$15)
• Grilled mackerel (S$18)
• Mandoo ramyeon (S$10)

AMBIENCE: Big Mama has a very simple interior with pictures of signature dishes pasted on the walls to inspire diners with their tantalizing colors. With the presence of Korean diners, Korean TV shows from a screen on a corner, and warm service, you will feel like dining in a cozy house of a Korean friend.

LOCATION: This small casual Korean eatery is located on Kim Tian road which is walkable from Tiong Bahru MRT.

NOTES:

• Reservation should be made 2 days in advance.
• Only service charge applies, no GST

Todamgol is considered as a successful step of those who have run the famous Kko Kko Nara restaurant since 2008. This restaurant is a new standout in Tanjong Pagar that offers Korean BBQ as well as Korean favorites such as bibimbap, pancake, and japchae. While dinner menu stands on the high side, its lunch menu is very affordable. Diners can definitely get a delicious lunch dish at S$12.

Highlights:

BANCHAN: There are about 5 to 6 banchan served at Todamgol.

MUST-TRY DISHES:

• Bibimbap
• Bu Dae Ji Gae
• Beo Seot Bool Go Gi
• Seafood pancake
• Kim Chi Jun Gol
• Sam Gyub Sal

DRINKS: Korean rice wine, liquor, hot tea, Korean cold beverages, and soft drinks are served at reasonable prices.

ATMOSPHERE: Todamgol is where Korean businessmen choose to have their meals, enticing food fragrances waft in the air, and Kpop music is played in the background. The main seating area is quite spacious and comfortable. Private rooms are also available for large groups.

NOTES:

• Reservation is highly recommended.
• Some dishes are only available for lunch.

Jang Won is one of the best Korean restaurants in Chinatown. Run by a Korean family and followed by not only Korean diners but also Japaneses and locals, this restaurant is quite a find for those who prefer a touch of Korean in a less crowded environment.

Highlights:

BANCHAN: Jang Won’s banchan menu is regularly rotated so you will have chances to taste different sets of banchan. Normally, there are 6 banchan served, which are complementary and refillable.

MUST-TRY DISHES:

• Kimchi chigae (kimchi soup)
• So galbi (short pork rib)
• Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly)
• Korean ginseng chicken soup
• Kimchi pancake
• Rabokki

GETTING THERE:

• Buses: 51, 63, 124, 174, 174E, 186, 851, 961, 961# and 970 (Walk 2 mins from bus stop B05131)
• Nearest MRT station: Chinatown MRT (NE4) (Walk 1 min from Exit A)

Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ Restaurant is one of the most well known Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore. As its name would suggest, the restaurant is specialized in serving high-quality BBQ dishes at affordable prices. Besides, a good selection of Korean favorites such as pancakes is also on offer.

Highlights:

BANCHAN: There are 5 complimentary and refillable banchan served at Wang Dae Bak.

MUST-TRY DISHES:

• Prime rib
• Spicy pork belly
• Marinated chicken
• Kimchi pancake
• Seafood pancake
• Spicy seafood tofu soup
• Budae jjigae

ATMOSPHERE: Wang Dae Bak at China Square is much more spacious and convivial than its sister restaurant at Amoy street. During dinner time, it is packed with Koreans, Japanese, and locals enjoying BBQ with soju. It is such an inspiring scene for anyone to start his order.

NOTES:

• Reservation is highly recommended.
• Free barley tea is served.
• Each table is required to order at least 2 servings of meat.
• Charcoal BBQ pans are only available at dinner time. Korean-style hotplates are used at lunchtime instead.

If you are meat eaters, you can devour this rich protein flavor for your daily meals. Whenever you feel like having meat for lunch or dinner, head yourself to Ssikkek BBQ, it certainly satisfies your needs.

Highlights:

BANCHAN: Kimchi, potato salads, seasoned ikan bilis, fried glass noodles, seaweed soup, and many more delicious hot and cold dishes are displayed in huge trays for you to get with no limit.

MUST-TRIES:

• Kimchi soup
• Rice cakes
• Pork belly

PRICES:

• Monday to Friday: $14.00+ (lunch), $24.00+ (dinner)
• Saturday and Sunday: $22.00+ (lunch), $24.00+ (dinner)

ATMOSPHERE: Simple setting with attracting K-pop performances shown on TV.

RECOMMENDED FOR: Friend gathering

TO BE CONSIDERED:

• Service: As a budget Korean BBQ restaurant, you are your own chef who takes food from the trays and grill it until it is perfect for your taste. There is no personalized service but the staff will offer help if required.
• Long queue: Attractive to the young, Ssikkek is always packed. The queuing time may range from half an hour to one hour.
• The heat: Entering the restaurant, you will immediately feel the heat just because you are in a BBQ restaurant with gas BBQ grills on every table.

TIP: Reservation must be done and you are advised to come on time; otherwise, your reservation will be canceled and you have to queue.

Tanjong Pagar is known as Singapore’s “Little Korea Town” because of its bustling rows of vibrant Korean restaurants, clubs, and groceries. Aside from its history and charming architecture, there is one remarkable thing about this place: the queues of hungry diners waiting outside the eateries. 2D1N Soju Bang is one of those restaurants that have gained a steady following composed of locals and foreigners alike.

2D1N Soju Bang is run by Korean chefs who specialize in classic Korean flavors but also regularly throw in creative modern recipes. Bulgogi fries while waiting for your samgyupsal – sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Highlights:

MUST-TRIES:

• Wagyu Loin Steak
• Spicy Chicken Feet
• Sea Snail Salad
• Sulguk Hangover Soup

LOOK & FEEL: The frosted glass doors may seem intimidating but once you get inside 2D1N, you will ease into the unassuming brick-lined interiors, all ready to feast.

NOTE: Get more value for your money by asking the staff about their ongoing promotions.

GETTING THERE:

• Buses: 143, 162, 166, 851
• Nearest MRT: Novena (NS20)

K.COOK Korean BBQ Buffet is a place to head to when one has a sudden craving for Korean BBQ while being in Orchard. Yes, it is convenient. But more than that are its cheap prices, good service, and delicious food, all make up a worth-visiting restaurant.

Highlights:

MUST-TRIES:

• Japchae
• Pajeon
• Spicy Chicken
• Pork Belly

BUFFET PRICES:

• Lunch $14.90++
• Dinner $24.90++
• An additional charge of $ 2 applies on weekends and public holidays

Motivated by its successful 5-year stint in Los Angeles, California, 8 Korean BBQ decided to open two stores in Singapore in 2013. The concept is simple: high-quality pork belly served 8 ways, presented as the signature dish, and which the restaurant is named after. 8 Flavors Pork Belly features the versatile meat in its 100% no-additive glory plus seven complementing flavors that are both healthful and extremely tasty.

8 Korean BBQ is more than just great-tasting pork belly; it also offers premium pork and beef selections for diners who are ready to splurge on a special meal. Oh, and just to let you in on a juicy secret: the Ktown Smash Burger is something you won’t find at any other KBBQ places – or even burger joints for that matter.

Highlights:

MENU: 8 Korean BBQ’s menu is easy to navigate: 4 signature combos to choose from, an ala carte selection of premium pork and beef, an assortment of traditional dishes, and a kickass burger. A lunch specials menu is currently in the works and is surely going to be perfect for employees who fancy a quick indulgence during their break.

MUST-TRIES:

• 8 Flavors Pork Belly
• Prime Beef Combo
• Steamed Kimchi with Pork Stew
• Ktown Smash Burger

LOOK & FEEL:  8 Korean BBQ at The Central has an industrial-chic vibe going, with indoor and al fresco dining options.

NOTE: If you don’t think you should be cooking food that you’re paying for in a restaurant, you can request 8 Korean BBQ’s friendly wait staff to grill your meats for you.

GETTING THERE:

• Buses: 2, 12, 33, 51, 54 (2-min walk from Clarke Quay Station Exit E)
• Nearest MRT Station: Clarke Quay MRT (NE5, take Exit G – The Central)

If you want to unwind with friends at a Korean fried chicken place, head yourselves to Chicken Up on Tanjong Pagar road. For first-timers who may ask “why we have to pay high prices just for fried chicken widely found in town?’ the answer is its excellent flavors and generous portions.

Highlights:

MUST-TRIES:

• Spicy Up
• YangNyum
• Popcorn chicken
• Andong Stew
• Soya Chicken
• Ginseng chicken soup

SIDE DISHES: Complimentary salad and pickles are promptly served after being seated. Fishcake soup, cheese corn, and truffle fries are featured side dishes complementing well with fried chicken and beers.

BEVERAGES: Popular Korean drinks like Hite, Soju, Asahi, and Maggoli are available.

ATMOSPHERE: Chicken Up is a cozy restaurant, offering diners two dining areas –  indoor air-conditioned seating and an alfresco outdoor venue. In nice weather evenings, outdoor seating with a vibrant street view is an ideal place to chill out. The indoor area is adorned with the displayed beers and soju and made lively by Korean MTVs shown on a big screen.

OPENING HOURS: Opened as late as 2 am, Chicken Up offers chicken lovers the choice of having their favorites for either dinner or supper.

With the smooth vibe of Korean native language, diners at Kko Kko Nara Korean Restaurant will enjoy a delicious chicken plate with a feel of Korea. Unlike fast food places, Kko Kko Nara offers tasty fried chicken in a laid-back atmosphere.

Highlights:

FRIED CHICKEN FLAVORS: There are four different flavors on offer: original, soy garlic sauce, sweet & spicy, and hot & spicy. A combo set is a wise choice for those who want to have a mixed plate of all four flavors.

MUST-TRIES:

• Korean Fried Chicken
• Kimchi chigae
• Spicy Korean Ramen

NOTES:

• Reservations are advised for large groups or at dinner time.
• Less cost if you have Kko Kko Nara’s dishes at lunchtime as dinners with at least $5 plus per dish are differently priced
• Side dishes are non-refillable.
• Some main dishes like Bibimbap, Bulgogi are not available at night.

GETTING THERE:

• Buses: 80 and 145 (Walk 2 mins from bus stop B05421)
• Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar MRT (EW15) (Walk 3 mins from Exit A)