OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ Review: Singapore’s First Wood-Fire KBBQ Has 5 Types Of Wood & Over 60 Menu Items
If you've already made the rounds through all the KBBQ joints in Singapore and crave something a little different, how about this - the first wood-fire barbecue in Singapore at OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ?
Keep reading to check out our review!
A new concept by Old Street Bak Kut Teh Group, this KBBQ restaurant's name, OMMA, which means 'mother' in Korean, is reflective of what it has to offer - an experience akin to having a roast dinner at home using wood gathered by a loving ajumma.
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Wood-Fire at OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
Rather than using gas fire, OMMA offers all-natural wood charcoal that burns without creating smoke. Diners have the option of five types of wood chips ($3) that'll enhance the flavours of different food.
For seafood, vegetables and lean meat, try the subtly sweet Applewood or Cherry, which imparts a mild aroma to the food. Pecan is ideal if you like a hint of smokiness to your white & red meat and seafood, while Hickory works well with fatty meat for a nice charred taste. Lastly, Jarrah will bring out the flavours of gamey meats like mutton, and also goes well with beef and pork.
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Food at OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
Once the Hickory firewood was all set, we started cooking up the meats from the Special Beef and Pork Set ($105). This value-for-money set comes with 720g of meat, steamed egg, kimchi soup and side dishes.
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If you're not a fan of leaner cuts, we'd recommend skipping the Beef Striploin when ordering a la carte, and going for the Beef Ribs instead. These two cuts have to be closely monitored on the grill as they can be overcooked easily which renders them dry and tough.
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Some must-tries are the Iberico Pork Collar and Pork Belly which were both succulent and fatty without being overly greasy. Many KBBQ joints I've tried tend to douse their meat in a salty marinate, so it's a refreshing change that the natural meat flavour and rich, smoky flavour take centre stage here.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
If you're in the mood to treat yourself - which you should - try the Japan A4 Grade Beef Ribeye ($81). Look at the marbling on that thicc chunk of meat!
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
As expected, it has a wonderfully tender and juicy bite. Those who dislike that strong taste typical of fatty beef cuts will find this palatable as it has a fairly mild taste despite the high fat content.
Another highlight was the Iberico Pork Jowl ($28) which also had the perfect amount of fat for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Diners can opt to change their wood chips mid-meal to go with the different menu items, but I'd recommend trying one wood type per meal and saving that 3 bucks. We switched to the Pecan firewood at some point in the meal, and while the wood does give the meat a lovely smokiness, the difference in flavour for the two wood types was too subtle, especially after adding the sauces and veggie wraps.
Side Dishes at OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
Some might say that you can judge a Korean restaurant best by its banchan. In this case, OMMA fares well, and I especially love their kimchi which had a fiery kick.
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You can round up your meal with some of the 60+ a la carte items including the nourishing and rich Kimchi Soup or the light and fluffy Steam Egg.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
The restaurant also offers set meals from $42.
Ambience at OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
The restaurant has a relaxed, hanbok-inspired interior with warm lightwoods, clean lines and minimalist decor touches.
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OMMA Korean Charcoal BBQ
Address: 20 Cheong Chin Nam Road, Singapore 599744 (other outlet at Holland Village, 21 Lor Mambong)
Opening hours: 11.30 am to 11.30 pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Reservations
More new restaurants, cafes & menu launches in Singapore:
- Les Bouchons Rochester: French Steakhouse In A Two-Storey Colonial-Style Bungalow
- My Little Pony Cafe: "Magical Cuteness"-Themed Decor & Food
- FLIPPER'S: Sakura-Themed Menu & Cherry Blossom-Filled Interior
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
