2025 started with the opening of MODU at Mandarin Gallery, dubbed the first samgyetang specialty restaurant in Singapore. I didn’t expect another to open in the same year, since samgyetang, AKA ginseng chicken soup, isn’t as popular as, say, Korean BBQ or jjajangmyeon. But Bomul Samgyetang is the name to remember—the new restaurant, run by a Korean native, is located at CHIJMES. Samgyetang is my comfort food, so I walked in with anticipation, hoping I wouldn’t be let down.
What really stood out to me was the variety of broths here. At the time of writing, there are 10 kinds to choose from, but I’ve heard more could be added to the menu in the coming weeks.
Of the 10 samgyetang broths, I tried three, and my favourite was the Rejuvenation ($36++), which uses aged black garlic as the key ingredient.
You’ll also find other staples, such as chestnuts, red dates, ginkgo nuts, and of course, ginseng.
Rather than overpowering, the black garlic brought a subtle richness to the mildly thick broth and its nourishing mix of ingredients. I also liked that the flavours didn’t get cloying; the sweet-umami balance helped a great deal, in my opinion!
Here’s a tip to enjoy the tender chicken at its best: sprinkle a little salt and pepper, and dip your meat in for a boost of flavour. Alternatively, you can add the salt and pepper combination straight into the broth if you find it a little bland.
Spice lovers should consider the Spicy Cure ($32++), featuring chilli pepper, chives, and enoki mushrooms.
This broth was much punchier than the earlier broth, so only go for it if you can handle the heat.
Unfortunately, both broths fell short of my expectations. Though comforting and nourishing, they lacked the nuanced depth that makes a samgyetang memorable—light yet complex, with a richness that lingers after the first sip. That said, the chicken takes the spotlight: it’s quite literally fall-off-the-bone soft and supple, and is one of the better ones I’ve had in Singapore.
Finally, I tried the Energy ($36++), which is made with Korean perilla powder for nuttiness and sesame-like notes.
The broth is visibly thicker and creamier thanks to the perilla powder, which proved polarising among diners during my visit. Personally, it didn’t bother me, but some felt the viscous mouthfeel made the dish a touch cloying toward the end. Flavour-wise, however, the perilla was surprisingly subtle, with its earthy and fragrant notes barely making an impression.
If this is your first time trying samgyetang, be prepared for some soft, sticky glutinous rice nestled inside the chicken. To me, this is the highlight—the rice soaks up the rich broth and all the herbal flavours, becoming almost porridge-like in its comforting warmth.
Samgyetang aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the Minari Pancake ($22++). Thinly layered with just the right amount of batter and Korean water parsley, it was fried to a crispy, golden brown perfection that crackled delightfully with the first bite.
There’s also the Duck and Chicken Ddukgalbi ($22++) for your consideration, which I found interesting as the meat patty is traditionally made with beef rather than chicken or duck. If I had to recommend just one sharing dish, it would be the Minari Pancake—a clear favourite for both my colleague and me.
I rounded off my meal with two scoops of Bomul Ice Cream ($6++ each)—one Ginseng, one Signature Black Sesame. The ginseng had a subtle sweetness that I enjoyed, while the black sesame was too milky for my liking. If you know me, black sesame is usually my go-to, but this time, the ginseng stole the spotlight.
Bomul Samgyetang is a 60-seater restaurant, mainly adorned with white and wooden accents to resemble a traditional Korean house, complete with earthenware jars and a curved, clay-tiled roof. It also helps that the restaurant is conveniently located at CHIJMES, just a stone’s throw away from City Hall MRT Station.
Overall, the food at Bomul Samgyetang wasn’t exactly memorable or mind-blowing, but it’s definitely a happy alternative to your usual Korean fare in Singapore.
It wouldn’t be fair to expect food places at CHIJMES to be cheap, so be ready to spend here. Prices are on the steeper end, yes, but there’s an opening promotion till 6 December 2025, where you can enjoy 1-for-1 samgyetang.
For the latest Korean openings, read our Noci review, where we visited the first Korean pasta bar in Singapore. There’s also Nuldam Space, a new cafe at SCAPE that allows you to write letters to your future self.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-11/12, CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: Daily 11am to 10pm
Website
Bomul Samgyetang is not a halal-certified eatery but uses no pork or lard.
Photos taken by Jordan Ong.
This was a media tasting at Bomul Samgyetang.
Summary
Pros:
– Crispy minari pancake had just the right amount of grassiness
– Good variety of broths to choose from
– Central location
Cons:
– Overall taste feels altered to suit the local palate
– Steep prices
Recommended dish: Minari Pancake ($22++), Rejuvenation ($36++)
Address: 30 Victoria Street, #01-11/12, CHIJMES, Singapore 187996