The Place Located within The Arts House in Cityhall, Jeju Haenyeo is a very different dining experience to say the least. This is the first overseas branch of Haenyeo’s Kitchen, bringing the first-ever Jeju Haenel show and dining experience to Singapore where it has multiple branches in Jeju. 

I first walked through a short gallery showcasing the key landmarks of Jeju Island, before being brought into the main dining hall by the staff which takes up an open space concept. The concept of Jeju Haenyeo is a multi-course dining experience paired with live performances and visual storytelling. The idea of the storytelling is to bring diners through the sights, sounds, and spirit of Jeju as each course is served. 

Seating is quite limited which makes it an intimate ambience, where the whole dining experience lasts for about two hours. I am not going to spoil much of the surprises here, but you can expect light, sound and movement of the staff throughout the meal. 

The Food It is a fixed set menu which changes seasonally to reflect fresh, local ingredients. You can expect an omakase-style seasonal seafood dishes to reflect Jeju’s rich coastal bounty. One main theme throughout the meal is Haenyeo – female divers from Jeju Island, Korea, who harvest seafood by free diving without oxygen tanks – a practice recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. The spirit of Haenyeo shapes each dish and performance.  

The price starts from $45++ for the lunch course with no performance, where I went for the weekend Lunch Course with Performance (S$158++). In terms of beverages, there are traditional Korean liquor on the menu. 

Here is what to expect in terms of the menu: 

For starters, I had the Salad with Jeju Tangerines – a refreshing course to start the meal. Tangerine is a big harvest in Jeju and this is fresh and delicious. 

The next appetiser is the Bingtteok (Jeju Buckwheat Crêpe) – a DIY course to warp all the condiments like salad into the buckwheat crepe. 

On to a seafood courses, I had the Jeju Traditional Bbulsora Mulhoe – this is a cold soup featuring crunchy, raw horned conch (bbulsora) slices in an icy, savory broth. 

For mains, Jeju Traditional Hansangcharim – assorted side dishes including Korean Pancake, Leaf Wraps & Ssamjang, Namul & Jangajji, Steamed Rice & Doenjang Soup, Dombe Pork from Jeju.

For the main act, it is presented in a sharing format with an assortment of dishes. Expect a hearty feast where the staff will also offer additional servings or pork, banchan and the pancakes if you are still up for it.   

Last but not least, dessert is Yuzu Cake paired with Roasted Rice Tea – a simple dessert to end the meal.

Rants The main challenge of this concept – how to keep repeated diners with the same level of anticipation? I was also looking forward to having Jeju Abalone but unfortunately it is not on the menu this time. 

Will I Return Again? The main highlight for me at Jeju Haenyeo is the interactive performance and multi-sensory dining experience. The flavours of the food is very home-style but presented with finesse. The staff are very friendly, and I could really feel their passion towards Jeju and their cuisine throughout the meal, which is beautiful. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 4/5
Overall Experience: 4/5 

Jeju Haenyeo 
1 Old Parliament Lane 
The Arts House Annex Building, #01-04 
Singapore 179429 
Tel: +65 8939 2582 

Opening Hours 
Wednesday to Friday: 11.30am to 11pm 
Saturday & Sunday: 12pm to 11pm 
Closed on Monday & Tuesday 

Ranted by The Ranter