Korean street food spots in Singapore that feel just like Seoul
Craving a taste of Seoul? These spots in Singapore serve up authentic Korean street food—no passport needed
By Ho Guo Xiong -
Having a country’s street food while you’re visiting is one of the most immersive ways to understand the local culture. Fuelled by the Hallyu wave in recent decades, South Korea has since become a popular tourist destination for us Singaporeans. Korean street food, which consists of favourites such as tteokbokki (rice cakes), eomuk (fish cakes) and gimbap (rice rolls), has consequently become dishes we love and have to eat while in Seoul. But if you haven’t got the time to fly there, here are 10 places where you can satisfy your craving for Korean street food right here in Singapore.
Located within International Plaza, which is adjacent to Tanjong Pagar MRT, Koryo Jeong serves tteokbokki, fishcakes with soup, various flavours of corn dogs, kimbap and japchae. Does it get any better than this? Yes, you can also buy various Korean side dishes, or banchan, to eat at home.
10 Anson Rd, #02-59, Singapore 079903
Red Holic is another Tanjong Pagar option, this time along the stretch that is lined with other Korean restaurants. Korean rice cakes, or tteokbokki, are the star dishes here, which are available in a variety of sauces, including Carbonara and Rose. And you’re not salivating (just yet), there are fried chicken, boiled dumplings, fish cake soup, army stew and more.
88 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088509
We’re just getting started because KRate prides itself on serving Korean street food. On its menu are items such as Korean Fried Chicken, Tteokbokki, Gimmari (fried seaweed roll), Pajeon (Korean pancake) and Eomuk Guk (fish cake soup). Those looking for heftier meals can consider the rice bowls topped with Bulgogi Beef, Spicy Korean Chicken or Spicy Braised Tofu.
150 Pandan Gardens, #01-07, Singapore 609335
Pocha! draws inspiration from the colourful tents serving comfort street food that line Euljiro or Itaewon in the evenings. The menu consequently reflects that with an array of choices ranging from rice cakes, ramen and stews to street food bites such as kimchi mandu (dumplings), fish cakes and pancakes.
Various locations islandwide. Visit here for more information.
Meokja By Jungga was founded by Korean-Muslim convert Jung Sang Woo and his wife, Afrah. They blew up as a home-based business before finally starting a physical outlet. From kimbap to tteokbokki and fish cake soup, you’re guaranteed a diversity of dishes waiting for you. Did we also mention that they have Tang Su Yuk, Jjampong and Jjajang Myeon and more?
1 Selegie Rd, #02-03 GR.iD, Singapore 188306
Now, on the first floor of Concorde Shopping Mall, Kim Dae Mun has been a popular spot for affordable and hearty Korean fare in Orchard. Second-generation owner Kim Hyeon Ju now heads the eatery as they offer various soups, stir-fries and fish dishes emblematic of the country. Think tteokbokki, spicy pork on a hotplate, kimchi soup, bibimbap, fried dumplings and more.
100 Orchard Road, #01-03D, Singapore 238840
From street food such as tteokbokki, kimbap and both steamed and fried dumplings to the classics such as jajangmyeon, jjampong and army stew, you’re certainly in for a feast at O.BBa Jjajang! So, why not have this be an after-work spot for your next catch-up with some good old friends!
Various locations islandwide. Visit here for more information.
If the name hasn’t clued you in already, Waker Chicken is best known for KFC — Korean fried chicken. The halal-certified brand is led by two Singapore-based Koreans, Noh Tae Woo and Kim Jinho, and Waker Chicken is a brand owned by the latter’s uncle in Seoul. With flavours like Sweet Spicy, Soy Sauce, and Honey Butter, one visit won’t be enough — you’ll be back for seconds (and dare we say, thirds).
Various locations islandwide. Visit here for more information.
Muk-Bang Korean Restaurant is another halal-certified spot to get your fix of South Korean food. Besides fried chicken, rice cakes and fried dumplings, Muk-Bang is also known for its army stew, various soups and grilled dishes. You can have your fill of Korean pancakes and noodles too.
750 Chai Chee Rd, Singapore 469000