A highly sought-after Korean delicacy, Hanwoo beef, has secured a permanent retail and dining presence in Singapore, marking a significant culinary milestone for the city-state. Culina at Como Dempsey announced this week that it is the first specialty market in Singapore authorized to regularly stock and serve the prized meat, historically restricted from widespread export due to strictly controlled supply chains, high domestic demand in Korea, and rigorous animal health regulations. This development introduces one of the world’s most luxurious beef varieties directly to Singaporean consumers, available for purchase at the market’s butcher counter or prepared at its adjoining bistro.
Hanwoo, often compared to Japanese Wagyu, is distinct for its rich, beefier profile and unique marbling. Unlike Wagyu, which features copious, delicate fat, Hanwoo typically boasts a deep red hue, intricate marbling, and a less fatty composition, resulting in a more intense flavor and slightly chewier texture. Its scarcity outside of South Korea has long positioned it as a premium, aspirational ingredient globally.
The newly available supply originates from Jeju Island’s brown Hanwoo cow (known as Hwang So). A representative from Culina confirmed that the beef offers a noteworthy buttery texture enhanced by fine marbling. The current retail price reflects its rarity: a Jeju Hanwoo striploin with a marbling score of BMS 6 is currently priced at S$28.20 per 100 grams.
While this latest offering establishes the first sustained public retail channel, exclusive Hanwoo events have previously occurred in Singapore. Earlier this year, in June, the Korean restaurant Na Oh, located within the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center Singapore (HMGICS), featured various cuts of the Jeju Hanwoo beef as part of a limited two-day anniversary menu.
The long-standing restrictions on exporting Hanwoo stemmed from its limited domestic production and a dedication by the Korean government to safeguard the local market and maintain stringent biosecurity protocols. The successful negotiation of a consistent supply chain by a Singaporean vendor signals a growing interest in expanding the global reach of specialized Korean agricultural products.
Accessing Premium Korean Beef
For consumers eager to experience the distinctive flavor of this Korean delicacy, Culina at Como Dempsey is operating daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 15 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249675.
This arrival of Hanwoo beef adds another layer of sophistication to Singapore’s dynamic culinary landscape, joining other specialized global ingredients that cater to discerning diners. It also underscores Singapore’s position as a gateway for introducing niche, high-value international products to the Asian market. Future developments may see more specialized Korean foods—from premium seafood varieties to unique regional produce—following Hanwoo’s path into regional markets.