Luxurious Hanok-Inspired Restaurant, MODU, Launches A New Nokdu Samgyetang
If you need a reason to brave the queues at MODU, the Samgyetang specialty restaurant at Mandarin Gallery, here it is: a thicc, nutty, new samgyetang on the menu! For the uninitiated, MODU is a sister brand of the luxurious cave-inspired Korean BBQ restaurant, DRIM Gold. It offers the same upscale experience and traditional Korean ambience, but with a focus on Korean medicinal herbs to craft nourishing, flavourful dishes.
MODU's New Nokdu Samgyetang
MODU's latest creation is the Nokdu Samgyetang ($38), a refined variation of Korea's traditional ginseng chicken soup featuring mung beans (nokdu).
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
It has a cleaner taste than MODU's other broths, with less herbal intensity. Despite that, it has a much thicker consistency and a comforting, uber-rich nutty flavour.
In the soup sits a tender whole chicken stuffed with glutinous rice, topped with mung beans that add an extra creamy texture to each bite. While the chicken is well-infused with flavour from the broth, it's even more satisfying to dip it in the salt and pepper mix or homemade dipping sauce.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Like all of MODU's samgyetang, it comes as a set with sticky rice, a tangy minari salad, and spicy radish kimchi. And as with any traditional Korean restaurant, all these sides are refillable!
MODU's Signatures
First timers can also try the classic Hanbang Samgyetang ($35), a more traditional, deeply aromatic broth with a powerful herbal profile from ginseng and medicinal herbs. For something even more herbal, go for Perilla Seed ($38) and if you're craving spice, there's Hangover ($37).
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If your appetite is on the smaller side, it's best to share one samgyetang between two diners and bolster your meal with some sides.
A standout is the Minari Pancakes ($18) with shrimp. Unlike typical Korean pancakes, this version has a high ratio of Korean water parsley to batter, which gives it an extraordinary crunch.
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Next time, we'd love to try the Enoki Fries ($12) with housemade sprinkle - almost every table had this glorious mountain of deep-fried mushrooms.
Finish on a sweet note with traditional Korean desserts, such as the delicate Gotgam Mari ($18), a dried persimmon roll filled with cream cheese and paired with walnuts.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Traditional Korean Hanok Ambience
Photo from MODU Samgyetang Singapore
Good food aside, the interiors are another good reason to dine at MODU. Inspired by traditional Korean Hanok houses, the 40-seat space blends warm woods, soft ambient lighting, and subtle Korean motifs with contemporary design for a quietly luxurious dining experience.
Photo from MODU Samgyetang Singapore
Photo from MODU Samgyetang Singapore
Over at the kitchen-facing counter seats, diners get a fascinating glimpse of the chefs and servers working in perfect harmony, almost like witnessing a calmer, real-life version of the TV show The Bear in action.
Photo from MODU Samgyetang Singapore
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