Food Review: Hansul Korean Dining Bar – Modern Korean Drinking and Dining Experience in Tanjong Pagar (closed)

Hansul Korean Dining Bar is the latest addition to hit the Korean themed dining scene in Tanjong Pagar. Officially opened in Jan 2017, entrepreneur / owner Haden Hee plans to revolutionize the Korean dining scene in our city.

Hansul means ‘bottoms up’ in Korean and it houses the most extensive selection of Korean liqueurs in Singapore. In Korea, the drinking plus food culture is an essential element, most of the dining bars stay open till the wee hours and so does Hansul – the daily operating hours are from 5pm – 6am.

I’m a huge fan of Makgeolli (rice wine) and the range of flavors available here is pretty impressive.

Peach Makgeolli, Seoljungmae, Choga Woori Rice Makgeolli, Cha Eul Su Rok (Apple Soju)

Extensive range of Korean liqueurs not found anyway else in Singapore.

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If you are looking for traditional hearty stews and big meaty slabs of meat here, you won’t find it here. Instead they are replaced with daintier and prettier portions.

Seaweed soup, Kimchi.

Banchans (side dishes) came in the form of seaweed soup and two types of kimchi.

Honey Butter Chicken Bumbuk, $24.

There are house-invented creations, like the Honey Butter Chicken Bumbuk. Deep fried boneless chicken, smothered in a blanket of mozzarella cheese and honey butter flakes, it is definitely a gooey, glorious mess, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Soft Tofu Au Gratin, $14.90 (soft tofu, kimchi, tomato meat sauce, minced beef and mozzarella cheese).

Budae Jjigae, $25.

The presentation of this Budae Jjigae (Korean army stew) is made with a special effort and it pays off.

Diners are encouraged to cook the ingredients according to their own preference. I prefer to arrange all the ingredients in the pot and let the broth work its magic.

Hansul Croquette, $8 (creamy croquette stuffed with crab meat, butter and onion).

Basak Gamja Cheese Jeon, $9.90 (crispy potato pancake with egg and parmesan cheese).

They are not joking when it comes to the crisp level of this Basak Gamja Cheese Jeon (Korean pancake). The runny yolk from the soft boiled egg combines the silkiness and crunch perfectly. I would happily devour the whole pancake if that is the only thing I could have for dinner.

DIY ‘hwa-ro’ Charcoal Grill.

Hansul also boasts its signature ‘hwa-ro’ charcoal dishes, and is the first restaurant to introduce this trendy Korean concept to Singapore. Diners can enjoy freshly prepared skewered items grilled over a personalized charcoal grill. Haden told us this unique concept is taking Korea by storm now.

Seoljungmae, $22 (sweet plum Soju).

Personally, the smell-free atmosphere gets a big thumbs-up from me. Unlike a typical Korean barbeque joint, you won’t be smelling like a walking barbeque after stepping out of this establishment.