Picture this: it’s pouring outside, and you’re feeling hungry. What’s the first meal that comes to mind?
If your answer is ramyeon or spicy Korean street snacks, then you’re in luck because there’s a new Korean eatery in Orchard Road selling authentic and affordable Korean snacks like tteokbokki, kimbap, odeng & more.
Seoul Bunsik is located on the first floor of Far East Plaza, and has been making waves around social media for their iconic Korean instant noodles machine, wide variety of instant noodles, and yummy snacks. No money for a trip to Korea? Let these guys bring a taste of Korea to you instead!
The shop is run by a sweet and very friendly Korean couple. Inside, it’s an instant noodle lover’s heaven with packets of instant noodles lined along the walls of the shop. What I was most excited about (apart from the array of instant noodles) was the self-cooking machine — similar to the ones you see in convenient stores in Korea.
Of course I ordered the Original Ramen (S$8.80) just so I could use the machines. You can choose from iconic Korean brands like Ssamyang Buldak, Jin Ramen, Shin Ramen, and even bibim myeon. You can even recrate the popular Chapaghetti from the movie Parasite too.
You can also add toppings like cheese (S$1), egg (S$1), mandu (S$2) and even spam (S$2) to your ramyeon.
Operating the machine is pretty simple. All you gotta do is to press on the pre-set buttons and let the machine do all the work for you. If you’re lost, the friendly staff will be ready to help you.
Apart from instant ramyeon, Seoul Bunsik is also popular for their Ggoma Gimbap (S$4.80). There are five different flavours of Ggoma gimbap — tuna, vegetable, spam, cheese, and kimchi. The mini version makes for a really great snack, especially if you are looking for something light.
My favourite was the kimchi kimbap. While it might look very unassuming, this kimbap will take you on a real flavour journey with the flavours of the sour kimchi seamlessly transitioning to the sweet pickled radish. If you’re in the mood for something fuss free and heavier, the Original Gimbap (S$10.80) will be right up your alley.
In true Korean fashion, of course we had to get some Spicy Chicken (S$17.80) or yangnyeom chikin. This might be one of the best versions of yangnyeom chikin I’ve ever tasted. The chicken chunks were fried to a crisp and generously coated in the sweet and spicy sauce.
Unlike most places where the spiciness of the sauce takes centre stage, the yangnyeom sauce here is on the sweeter side and less spicy. So, you still get to enjoy the juicy chicken without feeling like your tongue is on fire. Definitely great for those who have a low spice tolerance. It was Seoul yummy (see what I did there?)
One particular dish that caught my attention was the Fried Chilli (S$4.80 for three pieces) — yes, you read that right. It’s apparently a very popular street snack in Korea, so since (in my mind) I was in Korea, I might as well eat what the locals eat.
The fried chilli is simply a chilli pepper, stuffed with chewy glass noodles and then deep fried to a nice golden brown. It was super crispy, flavourful and surprisingly not spicy at all. But, if you’re not a fan of peppers, you might not like this one as the taste of the chilli pepper is pretty prominent.
Other fried snacks include Fried Squid, Fried Vegetables and Gimari. Prices for each fried snack dish is S$4.80 for three pieces. They also have corndogs (from S$5.80) which comes with your choice of cheese, sausage, or half-half.
No trip to Korea is complete without some Tteokbokki (S$13.80). The tteokbokki had a very generous serving of rice cake and fish cake. I really loved the sauce, which was sweet and spicy but I wished that they gave more sauce so that the rice cake would be more flavourful.
If you’re ever in town and looking for some authentic and affordable Korean food, you know where to head to! Seoul Bunsik is also really popular among Koreans too so you’ll really feel like you’re in Seoul when you’re here — a quick getaway of sorts if you will.
Are you excited to try the instant noodles cooked by the machines here?
Seoul Bunsik
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📍 14 Scotts Rd, Far East Plaza #01-01, Singapore 228213
🕑 11am—9pm (Daily)
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Photos by Marcus Leong
I'm either mean or a meme, there's no in between.