6 Best Korean Bars, Restaurants & Cafes In Singapore To Experience Korea Without Travelling

By Wei Yin on 30 Oct 2020

Digital Editor

An INFP who enjoys watching sappy Korean dramas in her free time. Good food and cute dogs are all she needs.

If you are one of those feeling bummed about not being able to travel to South Korea this year because of the pandemic, we have just the list for you!

Here are six Korean bars, restaurants and cafes in Singapore you should consider visiting for good food and drinks that will make you feel better about your cancelled travel plans.

Check them out below!

#1 Joo Bar

Photo from @joobarsg via Instagram

Joo Bar is housed within a three-storey heritage shophouse along Tan Quee Lan Street located near Bugis. This modern restaurant and bar serves Korean bar bites and creative drinks in a laidback space that makes it the perfect place to hang out with a date or a group of friends.

You can even read about the Korean drinking culture and etiquette on the walls of Joo Bar in the form of illustrations. These make for great conversation starters!

Photo from @joobarsg via Instagram

Expect to find the usual Korean bar bites such as tteokbokki (stir fried rice cakes) and kimchi stew. If you are planning on having something more adventurous, try the Joo Loaded Fries (kimchi salsa, guacamole, cheese sauce, bacon, mayonnaise, grana padano), Gochugaru Fried Chicken, Brown Butter Pasta and more.

For drinks, make sure you try Joo Bar's makgeolli (Korean rice wine) in a variety of flavours such as green grape, passionfruit, Yakult and more. If you can't decide on a flavour, get the Makgeolli Sampler Set where you get to try five different flavours!

Address: 5 Tan Quee Lan St, Singapore 188094
Opening hours: 5.30PM - 10.30PM daily
Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Website

#2 Wang Dae Bak Pocha BBQ

Photo from Wang Dae Bak BBQ

Stepping into Wang Dae Bak Pocha BBQ will instantly make you feel like you have just been transported to South Korea and sitting in a pojangmacha (small tent/street stall) you often see in K-dramas.

The interior design will remind you of Korea in the 70's and 80's as the signages are all in Korean and the walls are plastered with Korean celebrities endorsing soju - talk about an authentic experience!

Photo from Wang Dae Bak

Indulge in Korean BBQ such as marinated pork belly and prime rib on traditional iron grills. Get fluffy steamed eggs, fried chicken, stews and pancakes for sharing.

Try Wang Dae Bak Pocha BBQ's soju cocktails in flavours such as watermelon, apple, orange and more. Choose from rice wine, soju bomb set (beer mixed with soju) or beer tower that are great for sharing if you plan on visiting with friends.

Address: 93 Amoy St, Singapore 069913
Opening hours: Closed on Sunday, Monday - Saturday: 11.30AM - 2.30PM & 5.30PM - 10.30PM
Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Website

#3 NY Night Market Singapore

Photo from @nynightmarketsg via Instagram

NY Night Market Singapore serves Western-Korean fusion food that will make your mouth water just by looking at the pictures! Try their juicy grilled pork fillet, stir-fried Korean glass noodles, fried chicken, buffalo wings and more.

Photo from @nynightmarketsg via Instagram

If you love cheese, make sure you visit NY Night Market Singapore as there is an array of cheesy dishes like Mac and Cheese, Waterfall Cheese Shrimp and many more to choose from.

Photo from @nynightmarketsg via Instagram

Apart from food, the beer-infused slushies are also a must-try to help you beat Singapore's humid weather. They don't only taste good but look equally Insta-worthy with an entire beer bottle submerged into the wine glass!

Address: 181 Orchard Road 313@Somerset, #01-29, 238896
Opening hours: 11AM - 10.30PM daily
Social media: Facebook | Instagram

#4 PLUS EIGHT TWO

Photo from PLUS EIGHT TWO

If you are into K-pop, you most probably know PLUS EIGHT TWO as the cafe opened by BTOB's Eun Kwang. The minimalist industrial chic interior paired with houseplants and artworks give the atmosphere a homey vibe, like you are relaxing in your own Korean-style home.

Photo from PLUS EIGHT TWO

A visit to a Korean cafe is never complete until you order a bowl of bingsu (Korean shaved ice dessert). PLUS EIGHT TWO's bingsus are beautifully plated and aesthetically pleasing.

Photo from PLUS EIGHT TWO

The cafe also serves cute toast and colourful pastries. A must-try drink is the Insta-worthy Ice Cube Soda which has fruits infused in the ice cubes!

Address: 9, #01-02 Bras Basah Rd, Rendezvous Gallery, 189559
Opening hours: 10AM - 10PM daily
Social media: Instagram

Check out our list of Korean cafes in Singapore.

#5 Captain K Seafood Tower

Photo from @captainksg via Instagram

We've got one for the seafood lovers! The 9-layer steamed seafood is something you must try when you are in Korea but did you know you don't have to fly all the way to Korea to indulge in these?

Photo from @captainksg via Instagram

Captain K Seafood Tower is best known for their seafood tower ranging from two to eight layers. Oysters, scallops, king prawns, mussels, crabs and more are included in the tower but differs according to the number of layers you go for. Once you have chosen your preferred tower, you get to choose a soup base as well. As the seafood gets steamed, the juices trickle down to the last layer where the soup base is. When you are done with your seafood, you get to have a hot pot feast with a soup base that is both savoury and sweet from the seafood!

Address: 112 Middle Rd, #01-00A Midland House, Singapore 188970
Opening hours: Monday: 5.30PM - 10PM, Tuesday - Sunday: 11.30AM - 3PM & 5.30PM - 10PM
Social media: Facebook | Instagram | Website

#6 Kream Beer

Photo from @linangu91 via Instagram

Photo from @daffinetan via Instagram

Autumn-themed Korean cafe Kreams Krafthouse is all the rage right now but if you want to escape the crowd, we suggest heading to Kream Beer instead! This sakura-themed bar is the sister outlet of Kreams Krafthouse and we dare say, is as aesthetically pleasing as the cafe.

Photo from @nchenggg via Instagram

Photo from @fluffyjing via Instagram

Try Kream Beer's Fruity Beer with flavours including grapefruit, apple, banana and more. The cheesy pizza and Korean fried chicken are great as alcohol pairings and the portions are suitable for sharing.

Kream Beer's alcohol offerings are surprisingly affordable with prices ranging from $8 to $25. You won't have to burn a hole in your pocket just to get buzzed.