Hanjip Korean Grill House

Hanjip Korean Grill House was a place that had been on our dining list for quite some time, and we were finally excited to make our first visit. Nestled in the vibrant Clarke Quay district, the restaurant impresses with its spacious 5,000-square-foot layout, making it one of the largest dedicated Korean barbecue dining destinations in Singapore. Behind its striking glass façade, diners can enjoy a modern yet welcoming ambience that blends contemporary design with Korean dining culture, setting the stage for an indulgent barbecue feast.

Hanjip Korean Grill House

At the entrance, we noticed an attractive promotion for diners making reservations in advance. Guests who reserve through Hanjip's designated booking platform and apply the promotional code can enjoy a complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade, valued at $48++. It is certainly a nice perk for meat lovers, offering an opportunity to savour a premium cut of wagyu and kick-start the Korean barbecue experience on a luxurious note.

Reserve for Complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade

Hanjip also offers premium Korean meats sourced directly from Korea, including the highly regarded Hanwoo Beef and Jeju Black Pork. These premium cuts are available in various selections such as Hanwoo Ribeye, Hanwoo Striploin, Jeju Black Pork Collar, and Jeju Black Pork Belly, giving diners the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Korean barbecue experience with quality ingredients.

Hanwoo Beef & Jeju Black Pork

Upon stepping into Hanjip, I was immediately impressed by the sheer size of the restaurant. The expansive dining space felt both spacious and inviting, while the sleek black-themed interior gave the Korean barbecue restaurant a sophisticated and upscale atmosphere. Complemented by warm lighting and modern furnishings, the setting elevated the dining experience, making it feel far more refined than a typical grill house.

Entrance into the dining area

The dining area at Hanjip is thoughtfully laid out with tables spaced comfortably apart, allowing diners to enjoy their meal without feeling cramped. Despite being a bustling Korean barbecue restaurant, the space felt surprisingly fresh and well-ventilated. Thanks to the efficient exhaust system installed at every table, there was hardly any lingering smoky or oily barbecue smell, making the dining experience all the more pleasant and comfortable.

Dining 

For our visit, we were seated in one of Hanjip's private dining rooms, which added an extra level of comfort to the experience. The room effectively cut out much of the noise from the main dining hall, creating a quieter and more intimate setting for conversations. It was a welcoming space for enjoying the meal at a more relaxed pace while still soaking in the lively atmosphere of the restaurant.

Private Room

To complement the Korean barbecue feast, we tried Chorong Chorong Soju and were pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was. Unlike traditional soju, which can be quite strong, Chorong Chorong offered a refreshing fruity flavour that made it smooth and easy to drink. The sweet and fragrant notes added a fun touch to the meal, making it a great choice for those who prefer a lighter and more approachable Korean alcoholic beverage.

Soju

One of the highlights of the evening was undoubtedly the complimentary Wagyu Oyster Blade. Beautifully marbled and presented with an appetising sheen, the premium cut immediately caught our attention. The intricate marbling promised a rich and flavourful bite, and we could hardly wait to place it on the grill. As meat lovers, this was easily one of the dishes we were most looking forward to during the Korean barbecue feast.

Oyster Blade

Having previously enjoyed Hanjip's signature Kale Salad at Nami Korean Grill House, I was delighted to see it on the menu again. The salad had left such a good impression that I was immediately excited to have it once more. Tossed in a creamy roasted sesame dressing, the kale was complemented by sweet raisins, juicy grapes, fresh figs, and crunchy almond flakes. The combination of textures and flavours created a refreshing balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and freshness, making it a great starter before the indulgent Korean barbecue feast.

Hanjip Kale Salad

The Hamachi Carpaccio was a refreshing and elegant starter that quickly won us over. Thinly sliced and beautifully presented, the fresh hamachi was dressed in a bright citrusy sauce that enhanced its natural sweetness and delicate texture. Topped with bursts of orange roe, each bite delivered a pleasant pop of brininess that complemented the fish wonderfully. Light, refreshing, and full of flavour, this was a dish we thoroughly enjoyed.

Hamachi Carpaccio

The Ginseng Chicken Soup was warm, comforting, and packed with nourishing flavours. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken was so tender that it easily fell apart with a spoon. The broth was rich and aromatic with subtle herbal notes from the ginseng, making every sip incredibly satisfying. It was a hearty and soothing dish that provided a welcome balance to the indulgent Korean barbecue spread.

Ginseng Chicken

The Spicy Handmade Tofu (Seafood) was a comforting and flavour-packed dish that arrived bubbling hot in a traditional stone pot. The silky handmade tofu absorbed the rich, spicy broth beautifully, while the generous addition of seafood such as mussels and prawns brought natural sweetness and depth to the dish. The combination of tender tofu, fresh seafood, and a pleasantly spicy broth made it both hearty and satisfying, especially when enjoyed alongside a bowl of steamed rice.

Spicy Handmade Tofu (Seafood)

The Seafood Pancake was pleasantly executed with a golden-brown exterior and a satisfying texture. Unlike some versions that can be overly greasy, this one was light and not too oily. Conveniently pre-cut into portions for sharing, the pancake was packed with seafood and fragrant spring onions. Paired with the accompanying dipping sauce, each bite delivered a delightful balance of savoury flavours, making it an enjoyable side dish to complement the meal.

Seafood Pancake

The Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus arrived sizzling on a hot plate, instantly drawing attention with its vibrant colours and irresistible aroma. Generously coated in a rich Korean spicy sauce, the octopus was tender with a pleasant chew, while the accompanying vegetables added sweetness and texture to the dish. The bold, savoury-spicy flavours made it a delicious accompaniment to the meal, especially for those who enjoy a little heat in their Korean cuisine.

Spicy Stir Fried Octopus

The Hanjip Platter is a great choice for those who want to sample a variety of premium meats in one order. Beautifully presented, the platter features Pork Collar, Ribeye, Boneless Short Ribs, and Pork Belly, offering a mix of textures, flavours, and marbling levels. From the rich and buttery beef cuts to the juicy and flavourful pork selections, the platter provides an excellent introduction to Hanjip's Korean barbecue offerings and is perfect for sharing among diners.

Hanjip Platter

One of the things I appreciated most about dining at Hanjip was the table-side grilling service. Instead of worrying about overcooking the meats, we could simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the company while the attentive staff expertly handled the grilling. 

On the grill

They carefully monitored each cut, ensuring the meats were cooked to their ideal doneness before serving them. It made the entire Korean barbecue experience much more enjoyable, allowing us to focus fully on savouring the premium meats and conversation.

On the grill

One thoughtful touch at Hanjip was how the staff transferred the freshly grilled meats onto a warming tray once they were cooked. With a small candle burning beneath, the tray kept the meats warm throughout the meal without overcooking them. This allowed us to enjoy the perfectly grilled beef and pork at a comfortable pace while maintaining their juicy texture and flavour.

Meat on Warming Tray

With the grill still sizzling and dishes covering almost every inch of the table, this was truly a feast enjoyed in good company. Alongside the impressive spread of grilled meats, we also appreciated Hanjip's selection of refillable banchan, including kimchi, candied lotus root, seasoned vegetables, and other Korean side dishes that complemented the barbecue perfectly. Adding to the dining experience was the restaurant's tasteful décor, featuring beautifully illustrated wall art that lent a touch of Korean charm and character to the stylish dining space.

Our Orders

To round off the meal, we were served Mango Sorbet, a refreshing dessert that was especially welcome after the indulgent Korean barbecue feast. Smooth, fruity, and pleasantly cooling, the sorbet helped cleanse the palate and provided a refreshing contrast to the rich grilled meats. Its bright mango flavour made for a simple yet satisfying end to an enjoyable dining experience.

Mango 

Hanjip Korean Grill House delivers an elevated Korean barbecue experience with its premium selection of meats, attentive table-side grilling service, and stylish dining environment. From the beautifully marbled beef cuts and flavourful pork selections to the hearty Korean dishes and refillable banchan, every element came together for a memorable feast. Coupled with spacious seating and excellent ventilation, Hanjip is an ideal destination for gatherings, celebrations, or anyone looking to enjoy quality Korean barbecue in the heart of Clarke Quay.

Hanjip Korean Grill House
Location: CQ @ Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Rd, #01 - 11 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022
Website

Madly Good Japanese Cafe

Dinner meet-up with the foodies at Madly Good Japanese Café where cosy vibes meet comforting plates and thoughtfully crafted drinks. It’s one of those spots that makes catching up feel effortless, with a relaxed ambience and food that quietly delivers. A simple yet satisfying place to gather, unwind, and enjoy good company over a well-rounded meal.

Madly Good Japanese Cafe @ Clarke Quay

Enjoying a trio of aesthetically crafted drinks, each topped with charming little pickers that add a playful touch. From fruity and refreshing to creamy and fragrant, they are as delightful to sip as they are to admire, pretty, well-balanced, and perfect for a laid-back catch-up.

Homemade Earl Grey Lychee Tea Strawberry Soda - $7 & $8.60

Tender Australian Beef Cheek paired with creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus, all coated in a rich, savoury beef cheek sauce. Simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying, one of those plates that quietly delivers on flavour without needing any fuss.

48 HR Sous Vide Aus Beef Cheek - $27

Grilled Iberico Pork Ribs glazed with a savoury miso sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad tossed in a light onion dressing. The ribs were juicy and flavourful with a hint of umami richness, while the sides added a refreshing balance, simple, hearty, and quietly satisfying.

Miso Iberico Pork Rib - $27

Pork Belly Don Set presented as a wholesome, complete meal with a variety of sides and fruits. The sous vide pork belly was tender and well-glazed in a savoury sauce, served over rice with a silky onsen egg at the centre.

Accompanied by sides like chuka wakame, creamy potato salad, lotus root, and Japanese pickles, along with a refreshing fruit of the day to round off the set. You can also top up $1 for brown rice for a slightly heartier option.

Pork Belly Don Set - $21

A well-balanced bowl that brings everything together, tender, savoury-glazed pork belly, silky onsen egg, and fluffy rice beneath. Each bite is layered with umami richness, while the fresh greens and sides add a light, refreshing contrast. Simple, comforting, and quietly satisfying.

Pork Belly Don Close Up

A cosy spread for three that feels just right comforting mains, hearty portions, and a nice variety to share. From rich, savoury plates to lighter sides and a refreshing drink, it’s one of those easy meals where good food and good company come together effortlessly.

Our Meal

Sweet deals are in store this Mother’s Day throughout the month of May, and this indulgent dessert is one not to be missed. The Crispy Golden Panko Toast features a beautifully crisp exterior that gives way to a smooth and fragrant taro paste filling, creating a delightful contrast in both texture and flavour. Paired with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, the warm and cold combination comes together perfectly for a comforting and satisfying treat. It’s a simple yet well-executed dessert that makes for a thoughtful way to end the meal on a sweet note.

Taro Panko Toast - $17.60 from $22 

The Taro Milk Dream lives up to its name, offering a comforting blend of creamy milk and rich taro, gently sweetened to deliver a smooth, nutty finish in every sip. The addition of delicate flower petals not only enhanced the drink’s fragrance but also elevated its presentation, giving it a visually elegant and refreshing appeal.

Taro Milk Dream - $5.60 from $7

Overall, it was a comforting and satisfying dining experience, with a good mix of hearty mains, well-balanced sides, and thoughtfully crafted drinks. Nothing felt overly complicated just honest flavours done right. Paired with good company, it made for an easy, enjoyable meal that leaves you feeling content and quietly impressed.

Madly Good Japanese Cafe
Location: Clarke Quay Central,  6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clarke Quay, #02-82/83, 059817

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

 Fu Yuan is conveniently located in Clarke Quay, nestled among a vibrant cluster of eateries. The interior exudes a modern yet comforting vibe, making it a welcoming space for diners. 

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining

Spread across two levels, the dining area offers ample seating, including four private rooms—perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions.

Interior Furnishing

As we made our way to our table, we passed by an impressive display of live seafood tanks that immediately caught our attention. The tanks were filled with an array of fresh seafood, from lively crabs and lobsters to vibrant fish, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and freshness. 

Live Seafood Tanks

The clear glass and bubbling water created a captivating scene, giving diners a glimpse of the premium ingredients that would soon grace their plates. It added an interactive and lively touch to the dining experience, setting the tone for the feast ahead.

Lobster

While waiting for our dishes to be served, we enjoyed a soothing cup of Chinese tea. Presented in an elegant teacup with intricate patterns and a gold-accented handle, the tea was warm and aromatic, setting a relaxed and refined tone for the meal ahead. It was the perfect way to start our dining experience at Fu Yuan.

Chinese Tea

This dish had us guessing when it was served at the table. The Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal is made using brinjal sourced from high-altitude, cool-climate regions, known for producing firmer, low-moisture vegetables. Their unique growing conditions result in a denser texture, setting these brinjals apart from the usual varieties we're accustomed to. The crunchy bite, which retains the brinjal's natural sweetness, was truly commendable.

Crispy 'Bing Chuan' Brinjal 脆皮冰川茄子 - $20

In addition to the marinated raw crab on the menu, the chilled drunken yellow roe crab is another classic Teochew dish. Prepared exclusively with live female crabs to ensure peak freshness and flavour, this dish is served chilled. It showcases the natural sweetness of the crab and the richness of its roe, offering an authentic taste of traditional Teochew cuisine.

Chilled Drunken Yellow Roe Crab 冻醉黄膏蟹 - $88

The Red Wine Snow Pear offers a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle acidity, making it the perfect complement to the rich, smoky flavours of the Grilled Black Char Siew. The pear’s texture is crisp and juicy, with each bite offering a refreshing contrast to the tender char siew. Its delicate red wine infusion adds a sophisticated depth, enhancing the pear’s natural fruitiness while infusing a gentle warmth. This pairing creates a harmonious dance of flavours that brings a fresh, slightly tart note to the otherwise savoury dish, elevating the overall dining experience.

Red Wine Snow Pear

While dining in a Teochew restaurant, I was pleasantly surprised to see Fu Yuan embracing Cantonese flavours with their Grilled Black Char Siew dish. The uniformly cut, glossy slices of meat were expertly charcoal-grilled to perfection, resulting in a caramelized crust and tender, flavorful meat. This dish is a true delight for anyone who appreciates the rich and robust tastes of classic Cantonese cuisine.

Grilled Black Char Siew 秘制黑叉烧 - $22

Planning your next dining experience? Here's an irresistible deal you don’t want to miss! Make your reservations through Chope and spend more than $200 in a single receipt to enjoy a complimentary creamy pumpkin Boston lobster. Simply use the promo code FYLOBSTER when booking your table. Don't wait—grab this delectable offer now!

For more details, visit: https://linktr.ee/fuyuandining.sg

Creamy Pumpkin Live Lobster 金瓜奶油或龙虾

This dish is one of my favourites, as the soup delivers a perfect harmony of rich and savoury flavours. 

Double-Boiled Salted Vegetable Pig's Stomach Soup Stuffed with French Poulet
潮式咸菜猪肚炖安心鸡汤 - $108 Per Sharing Pot

The French poulet provides tender, juicy bites with a subtle sweetness, beautifully complemented by the umami depth of the salted vegetables. 

Soup with chicken

The pig's stomach adds a hearty texture, while the double-boiling process results in a broth brimming with complex, layered flavors.

With Chicken and pig's stomach

One of the quintessential Teochew dishes showcasing the chef's skill, this plate of Hor Fun was irresistibly addictive. I found myself going back for more, even at a sharing table! Each bite was bursting with the smoky Wok Hey aroma, while the sweetness of the egg perfectly balanced the savoury notes of the preserved radish. The addition of finely chopped Kai Lan brought a delightful crunch that elevated the dish further. To top it all off, the use of fragrant, crispy pork lard added an indulgent richness, making this dish absolutely unforgettable.

Wok-Fried Preserved Radish ‘Hor Fun' 潮州菜脯河粉 - $24 / $48

The Teochew-Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette is a timeless classic that beautifully reflects the rich heritage of Teochew cuisine. Its perfectly crisp exterior is skillfully crafted into a round shape, delicately cradling the plump oysters beneath. 

Teochew Style Pan-Fried Oyster Omelette 潮州蚝煎 - $18

Generously filled, each bite bursts with the oysters' briny sweetness. Simply awesome!

Revealing the Oysters

No Teochew meal is complete without ending on a sweet note with the traditional dessert, Orh Nee. This rendition was delightfully smooth and creamy, striking the perfect balance without being overly sweet. Served on a soft bed of yam paste, it was beautifully topped with ginkgo nuts and pumpkin, adding a subtle nuttiness and a hint of natural sweetness. A classic dessert done just right!

Mashed Taro 'Orh Nee' 潮州芋泥  - $7

Another dessert we tried was the Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk—a unique combination that was entirely new to me. The delicate sweetness of the peach gum paired with the creamy richness of Hokkaido milk made for an intriguing and enjoyable treat. A refreshing twist to round off the meal!

Peach Gum with Hokkaido Milk 桃胶炖北海道奶 - $8 

To end on a high note, Fu Yuan Teochew Dining truly shines with its impeccable attention to detail and the balance of flavors that define their menu. From the fresh ingredients to the thoughtful pairings, each dish offers a unique experience that highlights the restaurant's commitment to quality. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, Fu Yuan ensures a dining experience that’s both satisfying and memorable, leaving you eager to return for more.

Fu Yuan Teochew Dining
Location: 3A River Valley Road #01-01C/01D Clarke Quay Singapore 179020

Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lee Kee

Every time we passed by Rendezvous Restaurant in The Central, the overwhelming crowd of people enjoying their spread of food had never failed to attract my attention. Located at the 2nd level corner of The Central, they offer Singapore's Famous Authentic Nasi Padang since the 50s.

Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lee Kee

For so many years it had been on my "To Eat List", now it's time to experience myself and get a taste of the gastronomic array of Western Sumatran cuisine which was brought into Singapore in the 1950s.

Looking through the glass shelves, Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lee Kee offers a wide spread of specialities of Rendevous in the 50s & 60s, such as sambal prawns, sotong, brinjal, beef rendang, chicken rendang, korma chicken etc. These dishes are still popular among the young and old today.

Delicious Food Spread

While at this corner, the gravy was drenched onto the respective dishes after we took our order. Isn't the meal tempting?

Gravy

It will be then placed into a big tray and served to the customers.

Preparation Counter

Even the interior needs no additional lavish decorations. Its simplicity, neat and clean environment provided a comfortable place to dine in.

Dining Area

We get to see a clear day view of the Singapore River as we dine.

A look Out of the Dining Window

Fiery and kicking great dish that best go with our plates of white rice. We even ordered 2 portions for this.

Sambal Tempeh

The beef rendang was cooked to a perfect texture. Soft and tastily covered with the sauce. However, we felt that its on the saltier side but if you were to pair them with the rice. they tasted alright.

Beef Rendang

The Chicken Rendang was great too.

Chicken Rendang

The tender and chewy fresh texture of sotong with Sambal chilli was addictive. 

Sambal Sotong

Curry Fish on the other hand was popular among us too. The Curry fish was fresh and spices of curry was rather prominent. 

Curry Fish

While for the non-spicy dishes, we order Sayur Lodeh. The gravy was good and not too "gelat" or overcloying with coconut. Vegetables include carrots, cabbages, lady fingers etc.

Sayur Lodeh

The Bagedils were big in size and definitely looked appetizing that we ordered 3 potatoes, with each enjoying one portion despite the dishes we ordered.

Bagedil - $2.90

As many commented, food was served warm and it will be good to have it served pipping hot.

Our Spread

Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee's history began more than 7 decades ago when it started as a coffee shop in Bras Basah Road. It was then a very popular meeting place for the thousands of British troops stationed in Singapore.

Take a trip down memory lane with them and savour the scrumptious aromatic spread of Nasi Padang!

Rating: 4 / 5

Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lee Kee
Location: The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Sreet, #02-72 to 75/77/92 Singapore 059817

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