Without a doubt, Tanjong Pagar continues to thrive as an authentic Korean BBQ hotspot.
The newest kid on the block is Daejim, a restaurant offering a contemporary take on the classic Korean pojangmacha, and it is certainly one to watch.
Commonly featured in Korean dramas, pojangmacha is a staple in Korea’s food scene (especially in cities like Seoul) with a convivial and nostalgic “food truck” atmosphere, which the restaurant strives to emulate.
The name Daejim is derived from the Korean word Dwaeji, which translates to pork, a choice of meat the restaurant has an abundance of. On top of the finely curated selection of quality meats, you can also find air-flown fresh Korean seafood, including the likes of abalone, octopus, scallops, and oysters.
Judging from the colourful spread of banchan (side dishes) alone, you’re in for a sumptuous meal that’ll transport you to the streets of Seoul.
Start off with a selection of raw seafood, such as the Ganjang Gejang (S$40), the trendy soy-marinated raw crab that has been making waves in Korean restaurants all over Singapore. It’s best enjoyed with a piping hot bowl of rice — don’t fight with me on this.
Otherwise, go all out with the Ganjang Saewoo (S$35), soy-marinated raw prawns, or a personal favourite of mine, Beef Tartare/Yukhoe (S$35), sliced raw beef with raw egg.
Moving on to the stars of the show, the BBQ seafood is best enjoyed through the Seafood Set (S$118), an enticing array of oysters, scallops, live abalones, squid, and grilled mackerel.
A la carte options are also available, so you can add on extra portions of Korean BBQ Oyster (S$38 for six), Korean Live Abalone (S$48 for four) or Korean BBQ Scallop (S$40 for six). The oysters and scallops somehow taste better with lashings of cheese and butter — dairy-induced delight, indeed.
The restaurant is also having a special Launch Promotion: get 4x BBQ Cheese Scallops with every order of the BBQ set from now till 30 September 2022.
The grilling doesn’t stop at seafood, because the BBQ Meat Sets (suitable for 2–4 pax) are a must-order.
Get the best of both worlds with the USDA Beef/Pork Set (Prime Beef Finger-Rib + Sliced Beef Brisket + Pork Belly + Pork Collar, S$98) or the Black Pork/Chicken Set (5mm Pork Belly + Pork Jowl + Sliced Pork Belly + Salt Chicken, S$85). Be it beef, pork, chicken, seafood, or all the above, Daejim has got you covered.
Do note that all sets come inclusive of Steam Egg, Cream Cheese Croquettes, Cheese Fondue, and a choice of Soup (Kimchi Jijgae, Sundubu Jjigae, or Doenjang Jigae).
Naturally, a la carte meat options are aplenty. Choose from the likes of prime beef finger rib, black pig pork collar, spicy BBQ chicken, and many, many more.
They’ve even got wagyu in the form of DeunShim (S$68), or wagyu ribeye steak, and Cha-Dol Bak-e (S$35), or wagyu karubi short plate, which boast excellent marbling.
It’s hard to go wrong with the thiccc Sam-gyeob sal (thick black pig pork belly, S$25) and Hang-Jung sal (pork jowl, S$25), both classic cuts adored by K-BBQ fans all over the world.
But I’ve got to give a special shoutout to the Yang Nyum Galbi (S$45), or marinated beef short ribs; they were exceedingly tender and flavourful, delicious with and without a lettuce wrap.
Out of all the three jjigaes, I recommend you wash all that BBQ down with a comforting Sundubu Jjigae (S$18), or spicy tofu stew brimming with seafood like mussels, clams, and prawns. If you’re looking for larger sharing portions, go for the more unique Altang (S$45), fish cod stew, or Nagasaki Jjampong (S$48), Korean spicy white seafood soup.
K-BBQ and stews aside, the extensive menu also features Korean staples like jokbal (pork leg), pajeon (pancakes), noodles, fried chicken, and spicy stir-fries.
What’s a pojangmacha without beverages of the alcoholic variety?
If you’re not feeling the usual beer or soju, there are colourful and fruity Soju Cocktails (S$18) to sip on, with fun names like Blood Orange Squash, Plum Sour, and Soju De Coco.
However, if you can only order one drink, make it the Honeycomb Makgeolli (S$38 for 2 pax). Adding honey to makgeolli (Korean rice wine) makes it sweeter and remarkably easy to drink — perfect for those who dislike the taste of alcohol.
All in all, Daejim is an ideal spot for good authentic Korean food and merriment — pop in for post-work drinks or catch up with your friends on the weekend, and simply have fun!
Reservations and group bookings can be made by contacting +65 9796 9593.
Daejim
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???? 4 Craig Road Singapore, Singapore 089664
???? 12pm–3pm, 5pm–2am (Daily)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨