The Place Singaporeans love Korean food, and Kong Madam is the newest addition to the bustling enclave of Bugis located at Guoco Midtown II along Tan Quee Lan Street. Helmed under a pedigree tied to Kang Ho Dong, the space of Kong Madam takes on a modern hanok-style look and it focuses on traditional Gangneung-style soft tofu, churned fresh daily. 

The space strikes a nice balance between contemporary chic and cosy traditional accents where the ambience is casual and brightly lit. Note that they strictly operate on a walk-in basis. 

The Food Choose from the combo set meals or go ala carte where the menu offers a wide variety of meats and soontofu combinations. Every set includes a bubbling stone pot of stew, hot stone pot rice (sotbap), free-flow barley tea, and a lineup of banchan (side dishes) featuring quail eggs, kimchi, and surprisingly, a whole, small deep-fried fish. 

For better value, go for one of their combo sets which comes with side dishes (banchan), steamed egg, soontofu and the meat of your choice. I had the Special Sauce Charcoal Grilled LA Beef Short Ribs + Soontofu (S$45.90) combo set. The lineup of banchan (side dishes) includes the likes of quail eggs, kimchi, and surprisingly, a whole, small deep-fried fish. 

The Charcoal-Grilled LA Beef Short Ribs is served sizzling hot off the grill, where you can expect tender ribs though I also find it quite greasy. 

For the Soontofu, unlike the commercial tofu varieties most Singaporeans are accustomed to, Kong Madam uses Korean soybeans and seawater, resulting in a unique, crumbly, and slightly curdled texture. It is not overly spicy, comfortable enough for me to take sips of the broth. 

If you are up for more grilled meats, I highly recommend the Charcoal Grilled Eel (S$39.90) which comes with a massive eel. This is probably my favourite dish here where the delicious eel is grilled to a nice and crisp texture. 

For sides, I had their Kimchi Pancake (S$27.90) which is decent, though I would prefer if the texture is crisper. 

Rants The no-reservations policy means you must plan your visit strategically. Showing up late practically guarantees a “Sold Out” sign staring back at you. 

Additionally, individual dish portions like grilled meats are not as value for money if ordered à la carte, so opting for a combo set is the smarter play. 

Will I Return Again? Kong Madam sets itself apart from standard Korean chains in Singapore through its dedication to traditional, artisanal tofu. A convenient meeting point for Korean delights in the heart of Bugis to check out. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5 

Kong Madam 
20 Tan Quee Lan Street 
#01-02/03 Guoco Midtown II 
Singapore 188107 
Tel: +65 6883 5051 

Opening Hours 
Monday to Friday: 11am to 3pm; 5pm to 10pm 
Saturday & Sunday: 11am to 10pm 

Ranted by The Ranter