We like our meat. Oh, yes we do, and we like it better over a BBQ grill. Which is why this modern Korean BBQ restaurant is perfect — 8 Korean BBQ takes pride in its meat, and we’re talking about the highlight of the place, the mangalitza pork belly. Considered a premium cut, like the Kobe beef equivalent of pork, these are imported from Hungary, and boast a silky smooth texture, with unsaturated fats that’re good for your body. Fatty or not, you won’t be able to resist.
Located at The Central at Clarke Quay, the industrial-looking restaurant also serves only USDA Prime and Kagoshima Wagyu, which means, every meat in their menu has to have “melt-in-your-mouth” as the criteria. And you needn’t worry about the smell of smoke in your hair, or if you’re unsure how “done” your meat has to be — atop the grill, a device directs the smoke away from you, while the well-trained waiters prepare the food for you at your table, so you can simply sit back and enjoy it later.
Here’s what we tried:
8 Colour Set Version 2.0, $98 — good for 3 – 4 pax
Yes, there’s a clear reason why this is called the “8 Colour Set”, and that’s because eight thick, juicy strips of Mangalitza pork belly are presented in eight different types of seasonings, including red pepper paste (gochujang, for Korean food lovers), wine, plum and yucha. It helps that everything looks pretty and rolled up in a plate when served — Insta-worthy, much? You can’t really go wrong with garlic and honey ginger, really, and we’re glad to say that each piece of meat was tender and packed plenty of flavours, all subtly different as you go from the lighter to the heavier ones. It’s great if you really like a particular meat, but still want variety, in case, you tend to feel full. Plus, the set comes served with a seafood bean paste stew too.
Flavours: Original, Garlic, Red Pepper Paste, Yucha, Plum, Blackberry, Honey Ginger, Kalbi
Kimcheese Fried Rice, $20 — good for 2 – 3 pax
For a perfect staple that goes along with all those rich meat, try this. We’ll say that the familiar sweet-and-sour taste of Kimchi Fried Rice helps break up the intense flavours of the meat, but what really sets this apart is the addition of stretchy mozzarella cheese, an egg, bonito flakes and Mangalitza bits, all served in a sizzling hot plate. Mix it up and you’re ready to go.
Bibimbap Bingsu, $28 — good for 3 – 4 pax
It doesn’t seem like much, but trust us, you’ll be full after all the meat and carbs… except, somehow not full enough to say no to this dessert. To end the meal, go for the popular Korean desert, with finely-shaved milk ice topped with seasonal fruit, crushed oreo, granola, and red beans. A peach and whipped cream forms the egg-like centre. The bingsu’s milk ice is a homemade recipe, so it especially feels like snow on your tongue.
8 Korean BBQ
#02-79, The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Tel: +65 8692 1188
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 10.30pm
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