Ever since the last time I dined at Blue Garden Korean BBQ Restaurant (read my review here) when I felt a little disappointed that there weren’t any beef short ribs, I decided to continue my hunt for another authentic Korean bbq place that could be the one.
I love all sorts of Korean food and their bbq is one of my favourites. Because I’m more of a carnivorous eater plus I love the variety of side dishes that come with the meal. It’s not just the meats that I go for but I truly enjoy the fun of cooking while eating.
I was walking around Chinatown one day when I was drawn by the smell of the bbq. That led me to discover the Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ Buffet Restaurant which I have been patronising frequently whenever I have a craving for bbq.
Ssikkek = “restaurant guest” or 食客
A polite Korean lady or young man will greet you at the door and you’d be ushered to a table speedily the moment you enter. There are several huge LCD tv screens around the restaurant, all displaying Korean music videos so you can sing to the songs of Girls Generation or to Gangnam Style as you wait for your meat to cook on the grill.
At about S$28 per person after taxes with free-flow drinks included, this is a great value-for-money buffet choice in town. The restaurant is spacious and can get really busy. An ideal place for family meals or gatherings with friends. It is advisable to make reservation ahead as walk-in guests are only entitled to dine-in for 2 hours whereas guests who called to reserve tables can leave at closing time which doesn’t make sense since everyone pays the same price.
Sizzling meats on the grill
The variety of ingredients isn’t huge but is of good quality. They serve various cuts of meat from pork collar, belly & bacon to chicken, bulgogi beef & short ribs, seafood (squids and grey prawns), vegetables, fruits, side dishes and even cooked food. Three of my favourite meats would be (in order of preference) the bacon, pork belly and beef short ribs. I like my meat to be a little charred and slightly crispy on the outside. Then wrap the meat with lettuce and top with some grilled garlic slices, bean paste and crunchy kimchi. All in one mouthful. Simply heavenly.
At the cooked food section, there are various dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimchi pork, pajeon (pancake), kimchi soup and braised pork belly. The latter is to die for! The pork belly is so rich in flavour, juicy and tender. The meat just tears off easily as you take a bite. Definitely one of the best I’ve ever eaten. That’s why we probably have seconds or even thirds.
The restaurant doesn’t come with ventilators so be prepared to leave the place smelling like smoke. Seriously who cares, so long you eat, drink and be merry! This bbq buffet is definitely worth a return.
Ssikkek Korean Grill BBQ Buffet Restaurant
291 New Bridge Road
#01-01, Oriental Plaza
Tel: 6225 6964
Opens: 12.00pm to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 10.00pm daily