Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant Review: Wagyu And Iberico K-BBQ With Free-Flow Sides In Telok Ayer

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant in Telok Ayer

When I was first tasked with reviewing Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant, I must admit that I mistook it for another similarly named Korean eatery. Turns out, Ajoomma is a brand-new Korean BBQ spot nestled in Gemmill Lane, just a stone’s throw away from Club Street and conveniently located near Telok Ayer MRT Station. Being an ardent fan of Korean BBQ, I was excited to try their food, despite the lack of information about them online.

Food at Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant

Lunch kicked off with an array of free-flow side dishes, featuring standout items such as kimchi, potato salad, and an addictive pasta-like appetiser that kept me munching non-stop. The tasty banchan definitely set the tone for a promising meal.

Our first starter was the Tuna Tataki Salad ($25++), featuring Japanese greens, radish, and red onions tossed with pomegranate seeds and mesclun, drizzled with yuzu dressing. Despite being a salad, this dish was far from mundane; its zesty flavours, bursts of natural sweetness from the pomegranate seeds, and chunky slices of quick-seared tuna made this dish a winner.

We also landed on a plate of Salmon Sashimi, priced at $9++ for five thick, succulent slices. Despite being a huge salmon sashimi lover, my stomach was won over by the Pan-Seared US Scallops ($38++) instead. The scallops here showcased a nice sear and were complemented by a creamy saffron sauce that added a pleasantly bittersweet depth to the dish.

Next up was the Truffle Steamed Egg ($16++), a comforting side infused with truffle oil. Regrettably, the steamed egg was a little dry, but its savoury notes, combined with the aromatic ground black pepper and fragrant truffle oil, earned a few points in my book.

A dish my colleague couldn’t stop raving about was the Seafood Soybean Paste Soup ($20++), which boasted an umami flavour accentuated by the sweetness of a single prawn, mushrooms, and beef slices. While my colleague described the soup as “clean-tasting’”, I personally found it a tad too salty to enjoy on its own. However, this shouldn’t be an issue when it’s enjoyed with a bowl of white rice.

I was close to bursting at the seams by the time the grilled items came around, but I couldn’t resist the juicy goodness of the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu 2MM Short Rib 150g ($70++) and Westholme Aug Wagyu MBS 8/9 Ribeye 150g ($85++). Both cuts of beef were packed with flavour and literally melted in my mouth—I didn’t even need to chew much.

The marbling on the ribeye was spectacular and a testament to the quality of the beef. We were informed that the Snow Aging method, AKA yukimuro, was used to preserve the meat, which contributes to the beef’s moist, tender texture.

FYI, Ajoomma allows diners to choose from five types of wood for the barbecue: applewood, cherry, pecan, hickory, and mesquite. Each wood imparts its own unique aroma to the dishes; applewood adds a subtle sweetness that complements seafood and lean white meat, while mesquite enhances the robust flavours of pork, mutton, and beef.

Our carnivorous journey continued with the 2MM Pork Belly 150g ($28++)—succulent Iberico pork belly slices with just the right fat-to-meat ratio, complemented with a distinct, nutty flavour. I enjoyed savouring this meat with Ajoomma’s spicy chilli sauce, which added a piquant, zesty kick.

I was super tempted to order another serving of Sous Vide W Thyme Pork Jowl 150g ($39++), as it had completely won me over with its robust, meaty taste and subtle sweetness. The layer of fat lent a buttery richness to the pork without overpowering its natural flavours, and when charred, added a delightful, crispy texture to each bite.

Don’t miss this: Ajoomma is also celebrating their launch with enticing opening promotions, including 1-for-1 lunch sets and soju bottles, as well as free-flow Little Creatures Craft Beer when you spend a minimum of $40++ per person! You can also enjoy a variety of cocktails, wines, and beer at just $9++ per glass when you head down during happy hour from 6pm to 8pm.

Ambience at Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant

Ajoomma embodies quiet elegance and minimalist industrialism in its interiors. Polished cement walls create intimate dining spaces across three spacious levels, with some housing private rooms equipped with karaoke systems. If karaoke isn’t your jam, retreat to the cosy dining booths instead and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere enhanced by bussin’ K-pop tunes.

Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant is a three-minute walk from Telok Ayer MRT Station.

The verdict

My visit to Ajoomma’s undoubtedly marked one of my more memorable Korean BBQ experiences. Their meat quality, particularly the beef, was top-notch, and I enjoyed every single dish, from their mains and appetizers down to their free-flow side dishes.

Without a doubt, I’ll be returning to Ajoomma the next time my Korean food cravings hit. But this time, I’ll make sure to arrive with an empty stomach and, perhaps, don a pair of more forgiving jeans to accommodate the feast that awaits.

For more Korean food in the area, check out our list of best Korean restaurants in the CBD. If you’re craving a savoury bowl of jjajangmyeon, read our Itaewon Jjajang review instead.

Address: No 2 & 4 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069247
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Tel: 8789 8650
Website
Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery.

Photos taken by Raelynn Ng.
This was a media tasting at Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ Restaurant.