Pocha! Korean Street Dining (JEM)

 After passing by Pocha! Korean Street Dining at JEM countless times, we finally decided it was time to step in and see what the buzz was about. The vibrant storefront, neon lights and lively Korean street vibes had always caught our attention, and curiosity eventually got the better of us. It was time to find out if the experience matched the hype.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining 

The vibe inside felt distinctly different from a typical restaurant setting. Beyond the neon lights and bold colours, the space carried a casual, street-style energy. Instead of regular chairs, we were seated on oil drum containers fitted with seat cushions, adding to the quirky and industrial Korean street dining experience.

Dining Environment

We decided to go for the Golden Abundance Feast, which came with a complimentary Orange Slushy. The set included Fish Tangsuyuk, Samgyetang served with two bowls of steamed rice, and Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi, a hearty spread that seemed perfect for sharing.

Golden Abundance Feast

Golden Abundance Feast

We were also served a selection of pickles, including kimchi, which added a refreshing and tangy contrast to the richer dishes in the feast.

Pickles

The complimentary Orange Slushy was served beautifully in a glass jug, topped with a slice of orange for that extra visual appeal. It looked refreshing and vibrant, making it a perfect start to the meal.

Orange Slushy

The Fish Tangsuyuk arrived coated in a glossy sweet and tangy sauce, topped with sesame seeds and paired with colourful vegetables like onions, capsicum and cucumber. The battered fish pieces were lightly crisp on the outside while remaining tender within. 

Fish Tangsuyuk

The sauce leaned towards a balanced sweetness with a gentle tang, making it approachable and easy to enjoy without being overly heavy.

Pick a Slice & Enjoy!

The Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi was something I was initially unsure about, as I’m generally not a big fan of tteok. However, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The creamy rose sauce was rich, slightly tangy and comforting, oddly reminding me of Haiwannian Pizza’s style of sauce. The thick noodles absorbed the flavours well, while the tteokgalbi added a savoury, meaty bite that balanced the dish nicely.

Rose Noodle Tteok paired with Tteokgalbi

Samgyetang has always been one of my favourite dishes in Korean cuisine, so I was naturally looking forward to this. It arrived bubbling hot in a stone pot, filled with tender chicken, enoki mushrooms and ginseng, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh spring onions. The comforting aroma rising from the pot made it especially inviting, perfect for those who enjoy a nourishing and hearty soup.

Samgyetang 

We also tried the Noodle Tteokbokki Series, Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi. Once again, I’m generally not a big fan of tteokbokki, but the way this was prepared really won me over. The rich, fragrant jjajang sauce paired surprisingly well with the chewy tteok, while the hint of truffle added an extra layer of aroma. Topped with crispy fried ebi for texture, the dish felt both indulgent yet refreshing at the same time.

Truffle Jjajang Tteok with Fried Ebi

Overall, Pocha! Korean Street Dining offers a lively atmosphere paired with a generous variety of dishes that cater well to sharing. While not every dish was something I would usually gravitate towards, there were pleasant surprises along the way that made the experience enjoyable. The Golden Abundance Feast, in particular, is a convenient option for those who want to sample a mix of flavours without over-ordering. With its vibrant setting and hearty portions, it makes for a casual spot to gather with friends, especially if you’re in the JEM area craving Korean comfort food.

Pocha! Korean Street Dining
Location: 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #03-05/06 Jem, Singapore 608549

Casa Vostra (JEM)

Casa Vostra, the newly opened spot in JEM, has clearly captured everyone’s attention. I had assumed the crowds would ease after a few months, but reality proved otherwise. Even on a weekday before 6pm, the wait time was close to an hour. Thankfully, we managed to secure counter seats, which had a much shorter queue and saved us from the long wait.

Queue of Casa Vostra

Sitting at the counter turned out to be perfect for a curious diner like me. I had a front-row view of their open kitchen, watching the chefs stretch the dough, assemble each pizza, and slide it straight into the massive electric oven right before my eyes. It added a whole new layer of appreciation to the meal.

My View 

The dining area exudes the charm of a classic Italian restaurant, elegant, simple, and effortlessly inviting.

Dining Area 

Not every place serves Pappardelle, and even fewer get it right, it’s always a 50/50 chance. Thankfully, this Beef Cheek Pappardelle hit all the right notes. The wide, silky ribbons of pasta clung beautifully to the rich San Marzano DOP tomato sauce, while the slow-braised beef cheek ragu added an indulgent depth and tenderness in every bite. 

Beef Cheek Pappardelle - $25

Smoked pancetta and sofritto brought layers of savoury aroma, and the finishing touch of Parmigiano Reggiano elevated the dish with a nutty, salty fragrance. A hearty, well-executed pasta that truly comforts the soul.

Yummy

The 5 Formaggi e Pear pizza was a true standout. The crust had that perfect leopard-spotted char, lightly crisp on the outside, airy and chewy within, showing the skill of the kitchen and the power of that massive oven. Each bite was a luxurious blend of rich, molten cheeses: the creaminess of mascarpone, the mellow tang of Taleggio, the sharpness of Parmigiano, the stretchy fiordilatte, and the unmistakable boldness of gorgonzola.

5 Formaggi e Pear - $26

What elevated it further was the pear compote. Its gentle sweetness cut through the richness, creating a beautiful balance that kept the flavours from becoming overwhelming. The drizzle of olive oil and crack of black pepper added fragrance and depth, making this pizza both indulgent and incredibly harmonious. A comforting yet sophisticated choice that lingers deliciously on the palate.

Yummy

They say the length of the queue reflects the food quality and it definitely does! This round, we only managed to order two items, and they already kept us full. We will be back for more when the queue isn’t so long, hopefully.

Rating: 4 / 5

Casa Vostra (JEM)
Location: JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Rd, #01-03, Singapore 608549
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)
Website

Giraffa

 Giraffa, hailed as “Japan’s most popular cheese curry bread,” has clinched the Japanese Golden Award three years running. Their signature curry bread is packed with spiced meat curry and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a light, sweet milk-flavored batter and deep-fried to golden, irresistible crispiness.

Giraffa

Good news for curry lovers! Famous Japanese snack chain Giraffa, known for its popular Kamakura-style curry buns, is making its Singapore debut this year at Westgate Mall. 

About Giraffa

Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, it’s set to be a must-try for fans of warm, comforting bites.

Menu

Giraffa’s curry buns are no ordinary snack, the curry filling is crafted with 30 different spices, delivering a savory, rich, and aromatic flavor in every bite. With reasonable prices, it’s a tasty treat that won’t break the bank.

Freshly Deep Fried

The Japanese Curry Bun comes in a presentable box that fits 4 buns, making it perfect for gifting.

A box of 4 

Just look at that cheese pull, it’s absolutely enticing! The filling of ground beef, pork, and seasoned vegetables draws out deep flavours. 

Cheese Pull

Balanced with honey, apples, tomatoes, and wine, the mix of freshness, sweetness, sourness, and richness makes every bite so enjoyable.

Freshly Prepared Curry Bun

Giraffa
Location: Westgate, 3 Gateway Drive, #02-05A , Singapore 608532
Nearest Station: Jurong East (EW24 / NS1)