“There are a lot of things that I am not, but there is one thing that I am, and that is a garlic girl.”
Remember this viral TikTok audio from awhile back? If you’re a self-proclaimed “garlic girl” AKA someone who can never get enough garlic, it’s high time you visited Kelim Dakdoritang, a popular restaurant chain with 50 outlets in South Korea.
This is their second outlet after Serangoon (Kensington Park), tucked within the alleys of Tiong Bahru, reminscent of the traditional street corner of Jongro, Seoul, where Kelim Dakdoritang first started out.
For the unitiated, the restaurant’s signature is the Korean Spicy Garlic Chicken Stew (from S$39.90), or dakdoritang, which comes in three different sizes.
It gets its brick-red hue from ingredients like Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), and is served in a pot with bone-in chicken pieces, vegetables, and the unique pièce de résistance, a garlic “bomb”.
This mountain of raw garlic adds to the deeply savoury flavours that intensify over time, though you might also find your eyes watering just a little.
Pair the tender chicken pieces with the acccompanying sauce — a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and more raw garlic — for maximum enjoyment.
Despite its name, the dakdoritang doesn’t taste as spicy as it looks, but those who have zero spice tolerance can order the Dakhanmari (Korean clear chicken stew, from S$39.90).
Regardless of which stew you go for, feel free to bulk it up with ingredients like chewy Rice Cake (teokbokki, S$3.90), Potato (S$4.90), Enoki Mushroom (S$4.90), Sausage (S$4.90), and Quail Eggs (S$4.90).
Finish off with Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles, S$4.90), Ramyeon (S$3.90), or even White Rice (S$8.90) to soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Dining solo? To celebrate the opening of Kelim Dakdoritang Tiong Bahru, the team has come up with a Baby Dakdoritang (S$15.90), a mini version of the OG, available as part of a set lunch inclusive of rice and a canned drink.
Pair your stew with other chicken-themed dishes like Dakbal (spicy chicken feet, S$19.90), Chicken Cartilage (S$18.90), and Chicken Gizzard (S$15.90).
If you’re not content with stew and stew alone, take your pick from small selection of Korean BBQ specialities.
It’s hard to go wrong with the Samgyeopsal-gui (S$29.90), grilled pork belly with stir-fried kimchi, lettuce, and yes, more raw garlic.
I particularly enjoyed the Galbi-gui (S$29.90), grilled marinated beef short ribs, that were tender, succulent, and wonderfully caramelised, with the fatty bits I tend to go crazy for. You’ll get to enjoy savoury, sweet, and umami in a single bite.
As for the Korean street food options, don’t overlook the unassuming Mandu (S$10.90), or deep-fried dumplings. They were generously stuffed with juicy, flavourful meat, with the added bonus of an excellent skin-to-filling ratio.
You can also expect the likes of Kimari (Korean fried seaweed roll, S$10.90), Korean Luncheon Meat Accordian with Cheese (S$23.90), and even crispy and chewy Cheese Balls (S$10.90).
Seriously, how can you say no to a good cheese pull?
If you’re still not convinced, all diners can enjoy 30% off the regular-sized dakdoritang for the entire month of March 2024 by simply following Kelim Dakdoritang’s social media accounts.
The restaurant is also open till 2am daily, so don’t hesitate to head on down if you’re a garlic-loving supper-goer!
Reservations can be made by contacting +65 6322 3433.
Kelim Dakdoritang (Tiong Bahru)
Facebook | Instagram | Website
📍55 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 160055
🕐 11.30am–3am, 5.30pm–2am (Daily)
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Photos by Christabel Tan
I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨