Fans of South Korean barbecue are celebrating the arrival of Song Gye Ok, the widely acclaimed grilled chicken specialist, which has officially launched its second location in Singapore at The Centrepoint. Following its successful debut in Telok Ayer last year, the eatery—known for attracting K-drama celebrities and boasting the provocative tagline, “Waiting in Hell, Tasting in Heaven”—is expanding its signature theatrical dining experience, centered on premium specialty chicken cuts grilled over charcoal.
Elevating Chicken Beyond the Ordinary Grill
Song Gye Ok has carved out a distinct niche by treating chicken with the precision typically reserved for the finest cuts of beef or pork. The restaurant focuses on delivering an immersive charcoal grilling performance, often led by an expert chef who meticulously cooks each piece individually. This tailored approach ensures maximum preservation of flavor, texture, and natural juiciness.
Diners are encouraged to explore the menu’s array of six specialized chicken cuts, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to nose-to-tail consumption. These unique offerings include less common parts, such as delicate neck fillets, softbone breast, and even chicken heart, all expertly prepared over hot charcoal coals.
For those craving something comforting, the menu extends beyond the grill. A standout is the Dakgomtang, a rich, collagen-infused chicken soup simmered for 12 hours. This deeply savory broth is served alongside tender roasted chicken and fresh vegetables, offering a traditional yet nourishing alternative.
Signature Soups and Expert Collaborations
Adding to the culinary variety is a notable collaboration featuring an all-day Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) menu developed with MODU. This partnership introduces four distinct, signature bowls to satisfy varied palates:
- Truffle Samgyetang: A luxurious take on the classic, infused with aromatic truffle oil.
- Perilla Seed Samgyetang: A deeply comforting bowl characterized by nutty, earthy flavors.
- Hangover Samgyetang: Spiced with a proprietary secret sauce designed for revitalization.
- Hanbang Samgyetang: Crafted using a traditional Korean herbal medicinal recipe.
Beyond the soups and grilled meats, guests should not overlook Song Gye Ok’s other signature dishes. Must-try selections include the Assorted Grilled Chicken Platter, savory hand-cut Kalguksu (noodle soup), and the robust SGO Cheongguk Doenjang Stew. The beverage menu complements the authentic Korean fare with handcrafted refreshments like the sophisticated Earl Grey Highball and sweet, rice-based Nurungji Sikhye.
Dining Ambience Recalls Old Seoul Charm
The Centrepoint outlet’s interior design is integral to the complete dining experience. Emulating the traditional hanok architecture—historic Korean homes—the space is designed to transport diners to the charm of old Seoul. Warm wood textures, detailed latticework, and subtle, contemporary lighting contribute to a cozy yet elegant atmosphere.
A key feature of the design is the open kitchen and interactive charcoal grilling area, allowing patrons to watch the chefs execute the specialty barbecue service firsthand. This integration of food preparation and dining space enhances the authenticity and engaging nature of the meal. Song Gye Ok continues to cement its reputation not just as a restaurant, but as a destination offering a meticulously curated taste of elevated Korean culinary tradition.