[FOOD REVIEW] Seorae fires up succulent Korean Charcoal BBQ in Singapore

The latest big name to join the ranks of Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore is none other than Seorae. Having established itself a name in many countries – Korea, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and now Singapore, Seorae promises diners an eating experience akin to that of a king. Those are pretty big shoes to fill, but Seorae backs it up with its signature dish Galmaegisal, also known as pork skirt meat. Lesser known to local diners, this practice of serving up this prized section of meat that makes up just 250 grams of a full-grown pig dates back to monarchical times in olden Korea.

Seorae appears to be like any other BBQ restaurant – wooden furniture with bricked areas, complete with strikingly golden ventilation hoods above every table. However their dishes are what makes all the difference and gives it an edge among the other KBBQ restaurants.

Galmaegisal with cheese

Seorae offers the normal galmaegisal marinated with Korean spices for a more authentic taste as well as the spicy galmaegisal marinated with spicy sauce for diners who prefer more intense flavours. The galmaegisal has lower fat content so it is suitable for the health-conscious, but this definitely does not mean its taste is compromised. Firm yet retaining its chewy texture, the galmaegisal lives up to its reputation of being a premium cut of meat.

The Three Musketeers

Next up is a familiar face to seasoned KBBQ diners, pork belly (samgyeopsal). Rebranded as the “Three Musketeers”, this dish offers pork belly in 3 different flavours – original, sweet and spicy. The succulent layers of fatty meat are luxurious and in addition, diners are provided with three different sauces to dip their grilled meat into. Each cut is best paired with a certain sauce, so feel free to ask the staff for recommendations to get the most out of your meal!

Seorae Bulgogi

Seorae offers a wide variety of beef dishes as well, in different cuts and seasoning. We had the opportunity to try the “Seorae Bulgogi”, premium beef top blade in large generous slices marinated with the restaurant’s in-house special bulgogi sauce. Another noteworthy beef dish is the “Woosamgyeob”, beef belly sliced amazingly thin and drenched in a special fruity sauce. This dish is the epitome of “melt-in-your-mouth”, and thus one of Seorae’s recommendations. The “LA Galbi” also holds its own, beef ribs cut across the bones making for a tender and juicy meat dish.

Woosamgyeob – Beef belly

Other than meat dishes, diners can opt for the spicy tofu hot pot stew (“Sundubu Jjigae”). We found this dish especially delightful, as it is spicy but yet not overwhelmingly so. The soft tofu is perfectly cooked and the broth is thick and flavorful, and thus this qualifies as one of our favorite non-meat dishes. Another interesting dish is the “Dosirak”, where rice, beef sausages, egg and anchovies are placed in a lunch box and shaken vigorously to mix it all up.

Bibim Naengmyeon

For diners who prefer noodles, we would suggest ordering the “Bibim Naengmyeon”, a refreshing cold noodles dish with a special bibim spicy sauce as opposed to the normal naengmyeon, which is also available. The glass noodles are chewy and the spicy sauce is absolutely delicious. Due to the “cold” nature of the noodles, this would be a great dish to end the meal with.

Bibim Patbingsoo

Just by how Seorae has put aside space in the restaurant dedicated solely to the making of uniquely Korean shaved ice dessert “Pat Bing Soo”, one can tell that they take their desserts seriously. The machines used are also imported straight from Korea to ensure shaved ice of high quality. Founded by the operators of Seorae Indonesia, Seorae Singapore offers a variety of traditional as well as innovative and original bing soo choices. The “Bibim Patbingsoo” differs from the others with its use of sweet ingredients like ice-cream and fruits to create the illusion of a well-known Korean mixed-rice dish “Bibimbap”. Not to mention, this dish is also very photogenic and thus perfectly Instagram-able 🙂

Chungmuro Patbingsoo

Fruit-lovers, specifically of honeydew would love the ‘Sinsa Patbingsoo’, with a mound of ice, red bean and honeydew served in a honeydew fruit shell. Other options include the green-tea themed ‘Chungmuro Patbingsoo’ and the ‘Dongdaemun Patbingsoo’ consisting of banana, ovaltine powder, vanilla ice cream and red bean.

Apple and peach soju

A wide selection of drinks is also provided, such as fruit flavored teas and sodas. Soju and and Mak Go Li (rice wine) are also available for a more complete Korean experience. Diners who prefer a milder taste to cleanse their palates can opt for cold Barley Tea instead.

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Seorae Singapore

Address: Plaza Singapura #02-01, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839

Telephone:  6238 8429

Opening Hours: