If you’re a die-hard K-drama fan, you might be familiar with pojangmacha, which refers to vendors operating out of small tents that are a common fixture along the streets of Korea. The good news is you don’t have to take a plane to experience it—the newly opened Pocha! Korean Street Dining at JEM grants you just that!
The casual restaurant is inspired by famous Korean dramas and the street food that have made an appearance in them. The vibes are immaculate here, with fairy lights draping from above, and bright-coloured stools plopped around each table.
There’s even a huge feature wall with an artwork of an iconic pojangmacha scene, straight outta a scene from popular K-drama What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Food-wise, you can tuck into Korean street fare classics at wallet-friendly prices. Start with the Tteokbokki ($10.90++) that’s featured in nearly every Korean drama with a pojangmacha dining scene.
These chewy rice cakes are drenched in a house-made spicy sauce that’s also slightly sweet and creamy, pairing well with some stretchy mozzarella cheese (top up $3++).
The Kkochi AKA Korean skewers will make for another satisfying snack. Each portion comes with three sticks, with options such as Pork Belly Zig Zag ($5.90++) and Chicken Ball ($6.50++).
Korean street food isn’t complete without a mention of the Corndog ($6.90++), popularised by K-dramas such as Start-Up and Uncanny Encounter. Pocha!’s version sees breaded fish sausage deep-fried till golden, drizzled with mayo and sweet chilli sauce.
For mains, you won’t go wrong with a serving of Jjamppong ($16.90++): spicy seafood noodles.
Each bowl comes with a generous portion of springy noodles in a spicy seafood broth, topped with mussels, prawns, squid, and clams. Top up $3++ for cheese to make this even heartier!
Pair your soup with a side of their signature Kimchi Bulgogi Pork ($11.90++), a simple yet satisfying stir-fry dish of thin pork slices with tangy kimchi.
Alternatively, fill up on the carbs with the Kimbab ($8.90++), yet another side dish that has made its rounds in multiple K-dramas, including the recent Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Dip each piece into the sweet chilli sauce for extra flavour, or pair your kimbap with the oh-so-popular Bugae Jjigae ($14.90++) AKA Korean army stew.
Pocha!’s Korean army stew comes with your choice of beef or pork, and is loaded with a slew of toppings, including tofu, kimchi, rice cakes, and luncheon meat.
The stew is rich and flavourful, with a kick of spice at the end—be warned!
When the spice gets too much, wash it all down with a drink or two; the classic Soju ($18.90++) and Terra Beer ($6.90++) are popular picks.
If you’re visiting with a friend, don’t forget to check out their newly launched Duo Set ($29.90++), which comes with your choice of protein and a carb, along with two drinks. Perfect for sharing with your chingu, each set also includes a free Corndog and unlimited kimchi to snack on while waiting for the mains! Do note that the set is available at the NorthPoint City branch from 16 January.
Image credit: Pocha!
Here’s even more reason to visit: Eatbook readers get 20% off a la carte dishes from now till 31 January 2023, for dine-in only! Simply flash this article before paying to enjoy the offer. Do note that this discount does not apply to prevailing sets, promotions, vouchers, and offers. It’s valid on all days, excluding the eve of and on public holidays.
Address: 50 Jurong Gateway Road, #03-05/06, JEM, Singapore 608549
Opening hours: Daily 11:30am to 10pm
Tel: 8321 1169
Website
Pocha is not a halal-certified eatery.
This article was brought to you by Pocha! Korean Street Dining.
Photos taken by Tan Zi Hui.
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