If you’ve ever found yourself craving Korean-Chinese food after watching Korean dramas where actors slurp up jajangmyeon and chew on tangsuyuk, you’re not alone! That’s exactly how I first discovered Paik’s Noodle in Singapore’s bustling Suntec City.

Unlike typical Korean restaurants in Singapore that serve the usual suspects like bibimbap, army stew, and tteokbokki, Paik’s Noodle specialises in Korean-Chinese cuisine. This unique culinary fusion offers a delightful change from the standard Korean fare you might be accustomed to.

What Makes Paik’s Noodle @ Suntec City Special?

Paik’s Noodle stands out with its focused menu of Korean-Chinese classics. While the restaurant has expanded to four outlets across Singapore (Suntec City, Clementi Mall, Tiong Bahru Plaza, and Waterway Point), the Suntec City branch remains the crown jewel in terms of consistency and flavour.

The restaurant’s popularity speaks volumes – queues stretch impressively long during peak hours, especially on weekends. On our visit, despite the overwhelming number of customers, the kitchen efficiently produced our takeaway order in just 15 minutes – quite remarkable considering the crowd!

Must-Try Dishes at Paik’s Noodle @ Suntec City

Tang Suyuk ($21)

The Tang Suyuk at Paik’s Noodle is a sweet and sour fried pork dish that comes cleverly packaged – meat and sauce separated to maintain optimal texture. This thoughtful presentation allows you to either dip each piece individually or pour the sauce over the entire dish, depending on your preference.

What makes this Tang Suyuk special is its distinctive thick batter. Unlike the crispy, crunchy versions found elsewhere, this one offers a pleasantly chewy exterior. The pork itself has a bit of resistance to the bite rather than being melt-in-your-mouth tender. Remarkably, despite being deep-fried, the battered pieces don’t release oil when bitten into – a testament to perfect frying technique.

This dish pairs brilliantly with Jjajang Myeon and is an absolute must-order when visiting Paik’s Noodle.

Jjajang Myeon ($11)

The Jjajang Myeon (black bean sauce noodles) comes thoughtfully packaged with the noodles separated from the sauce, preventing them from becoming soggy during transport. The generous portion of sauce is more than sufficient to thoroughly coat the noodles, delivering a flavoursome experience without overwhelming saltiness.

The sauce contains tender strips of pork, onions, and peas, while the noodles themselves boast that perfect springy texture that makes them a joy to eat. At just $11, this dish offers excellent value for money.

Bokkeum Jjamppong ($17)

Think of the Bokkeum Jjamppong as a Korean-Chinese interpretation of mee goreng. These stir-fried spicy noodles pack a moderate heat that elevates the dish without overwhelming the palate. While exceptionally flavoursome, they do tend to be somewhat oily – but that’s part of their indulgent charm.

The noodles maintain that same springy consistency found in the Jjajang Myeon, and the dish comes generously loaded with prawns, squid, and strips of pork. The seafood adds wonderful depth and variety to each mouthful.

The Complete Dining Experience

Every meal at Paik’s Noodle comes with complimentary pickled radish – a thoughtful addition that provides a refreshing crunch and effectively cleanses the palate between bites of these rich, hearty dishes.

A Word of Caution About Other Branches

Having been loyal customers of Paik’s Noodle for over a year, we’ve established these three dishes as our go-to order. However, it’s worth noting that there’s a significant quality discrepancy between branches.

When the Waterway Point outlet opened in Punggol, we ordered our usual combination but were sadly disappointed. The Tang Suyuk lacked that distinctive batter and resembled ordinary fried pork slices like those found at mixed rice stalls. At $21, it felt particularly egregious compared to any Gu Lao Rou available at tze char stalls for a fraction of the price.

Similarly, the Jjajang Myeon at Waterway Point couldn’t match the depth of flavour found at the Suntec City outlet. This inconsistency is unfortunately common when restaurants rapidly expand without maintaining strict quality control across all locations.

The Verdict: Stick to Suntec City

Despite the Waterway Point branch being closer to home for me, I willingly make the journey to Suntec City for the authentic Paik’s Noodle experience. The consistent quality and superior execution of dishes at the Suntec City outlet make it well worth the extra travel time.

If you’re planning to try Paik’s Noodle for the first time, I strongly recommend heading to their Suntec City location for the best possible introduction to their Korean-Chinese offerings. The rich flavours and authentic preparations at Paik’s Noodle @ Suntec City continue to impress even after multiple visits.

Location and Practical Information

Paik’s Noodle @ Suntec City is conveniently located in the heart of Singapore, making it an excellent dining option during shopping trips or city outings. If you’re staying nearby, you might consider taking your food back to enjoy in comfort, as we did during our staycation at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.

With its efficient service and delicious Korean-Chinese offerings, Paik’s Noodle @ Suntec City remains one of my go-to spots for satisfying those Korean drama-induced food cravings. Whether you’re a Korean food aficionado or simply looking to expand your culinary horizons, this restaurant deserves a spot on your must-visit list.

For the latest updates on Paik’s Noodle, follow their official Instagram page.