If you are having Descendants of The Sun withdrawal, a wholesome hearty Korean meal can do the trick. So my #DOTSgang went to Yoogane (요가네 pronounced yoo-ga-nay) to try out the Galbi JeongolWestgate Mall and Bugis Junction branches.
For those not that familiar with the brand, Yoogane was established in 1981 Busan, known to be one of the best Chicken Galbi Restaurants in Korea.
Galbi is a Korean dish made by stir-frying gochujang marinated chicken, with ingredients such as sliced cabbage, scallions, onions, rice cake on a hot plate. The restaurant chain became popular due to the *secret* unique blend of sauces and seasoning – flavoursome and full, slightly sweetish, spicy shiok yet not over.
Now for the new dish…
Galbi Jeongol ($59.90++)
Yoogane has been known for its Dakgalbi stir-fried spicy chicken, this is a version made into a stew – think Army Stew with a lot, a lot of ingredients.
Jeongol is a category of elaborate casserole in Korean cuisine, similar to Jjigae.
The main differences are Jeongol contain a variety of ingredients, while Jjigae are usually made with a single main ingredient. Also, Jeongol was originally meant for members of the royal court and upper-class, while Jjigae was a simpler dish for commoners.
Tell you what, this Galbi Jeongol is seasonal and not even released in Korea itself. Jinjja?!
The stew with a unique spicy sauce cost $59.90++ which can feed 3-4. So you have tender chicken meat in that signature galbi sauce, specially made toppoki with a melty middle (I leave it to you to guess what it is) and vegetables… and you can request for more ingredients, especially for a top-up of ramyeon and cheese on it.
The additional toppings you can request are meat ($10.90), vegetables ($8.90), seafood ($12.90), ramyeon noodles ($3.90), cheese ($3.90).
My favourite component was surprisingly the Dokboki, the soft, chewy sweet potato rice cakes (and considering I am not crazy over carbs). On the other hand, I thought if the ramyeon could be more springy and Q.
Compared to the regular galbi, the Jeongol has that added dimension of a stew-like gravy, which I think Singaporeans would enjoy slurping. Taste-wise, it is packed of spicy flavours; feeling-wise, there is a sense of comfort, especially when shared with friends and family.
These are some of the other regular speciality dishes at Yoogane:
Cheese Chicken Galbi ($55.90)
Cheese! This contains the signature tender chicken meat marinated in the unique Yoogane sauce marinate, fresh vegetables, rice cakes and thin slices of potato, surrounded by a layer of melted cheese.
I have the feeling that the younger customer base would take delight in this, as pieces of chicken chunks can be coated with melty, sketchy cheese for that extra oomph.
However, I do recommend to consume the pieces once they are ready, if not the cheese would have been ‘cooked’ too long.
Seafood and Chicken Galbi ($52.90 for 2-3 pax, $59.90 for 3-4 pax)
This is the original Chicken Galbi with extra baby octopus squids, prawns and a variety of seafood.
Marinated Chicken Bulgogi ($21.90)
Popular among families with kids, and for diners who cannot take spicy food. This version with tender chicken strips marinated with Bulgogi seasoning should work well.
The Bulgogi sauce is somewhat sweet-salty, that has a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar and other ingredients. In general, I preferred the spicier style that provided more kick, but this worked as well and would be more taming to the tongue.
Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice ($14.90 per pax)
Okay, more cheese. The server first presented the signature chicken galbi and rice, fried till it was reddish-brown and added a plate of mozzarella cheese.
Besides stir-frying, there were moments when he pressed the rice to the bottom of the pan, which resulted in some edges being slightly crispy-charred. He then ‘cut’ the rice into blocks, and we ate it almost like Korean pancakes.
Can be ‘jelak’ (rich) when every mouthful comes with a taste of cheese.
There are also options of Marinated Beef Bulgogi, Chicken Bulgogi, Seafood, and Special all in one Fried Rice ($14.90 – $15.90 per pax).
Korean Style Seafood Pancake ($12.90)
Korean style pancakes with fresh seafood and vegetables.
Naengmyeon ($11.90)
A friend who searched high and low around Singapore for authentic-tasting Korean cold noodles said this was probably one of the best versions around.
The long and thin buckwheat noodles in chilled tangy ice broth with cucumbers and slices of Korean pear, served within a stainless-steel bowl was absolutely refreshing after some of the more ‘heaty’ items.
A tip: Have a sip of the soup first, then add some mustard oil and vinegar for that ‘lifted’ taste of Korean-ness.
Spicy CHEESE Dokboki (to be introduced)
I mentioned earlier I enjoyed Yoogane’s rice cake texture, somehow soft and chewy without being ‘deng deng’ (tough and elastic). The Dokboki is specially imported from Korea.
With extra spice and cheese, this side dish is hopefully a main-stayer.
Before I forget, pairing your delicious Korean Galbi with some Yakult Soju is just going to complete the experience. Daebak!
The Galbi Jeongol is available exclusively at Yoogane Westgate and Bugis Junction for a limited period of time. Don’t say bojio!
Yoogane Westgate
Westgate Mall, 3 Gateway Drive Yoogane #03-08 Singapore 608532 (next to Jurong East MRT)
Opening Hour: 11:30am – 10pm
https://www.facebook.com/yoogane.singapore
Yoogane Bugis
Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street #02-47/48 Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 10pm
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Yoogane Singapore.
The post Yoogane Singapore – Exclusive Galbi Jeongol Spicy Korean Stew To Satisfy Your Korean Food Cravings appeared first on DanielFoodDiary.com.