The Place Tanjong Pagar is synonymous with Korean food, and there is always room for one more Korean restaurant. The newest addition to the buzzing district is Bae Sik Dang, a retro-inspired Korean BBQ concept that takes its design cues from 1960s Seoul and references from the historic pear orchards of old Gangnam. 

Stepping into Bae Sik Dang feels like walking straight into a Reply 1988 K-drama scene for me, where the setting is casual and unpretentious as well. It is open daily until 3am, which makes it an ideal late-night supper or post-drinks spot. 

The Food The culinary focus here is highly specific — Naengsam, which is premium pork flash-frozen at an ultra-low -60°C and precision-sliced to a paper-thin 3mm thickness. In terms of grilling-style, the pork is is grilled the old-school way on foil-lined tabletop grills. 

The Signature 3mm Jeju Naengsam (S$26–S$36) is the namesake must-have dish here. As the pork belly is sliced thinly, it takes merely a few seconds to cook it. The staff helps to grill for the first round, fand diners can help themselves with it thereafter. There are different ways to enjoy the meats and grilling it alongside the accompanying aged kimchis (sourced directly from Seoul and Yeosu) allows the meat to soak up the tangy juices. 

I also tried their Duroc Pork Shoulder (S$26) which I personally prefer over the pork belly as there is more bite and texture to the shoulder cut for me.

Meats aside, banchan is served in a big metallic tray which adds to the nostalgic element. Expect perilla leaves and fresh lettuce to kimchis and mustard leaf kimchi, you can use these as spread for creating the perfect ssam (meat wrap). 

For sides, the Mixed Kimchi Soft Tofu Stew (S$20) is a hybrid stew which offers mildly spicy and comforting broth packed with silky soft tofu. 

The other dish I enjoyed was the Chapagetti Black Bean Noodles (S$24) which comes with savory pork pieces, melted cheese, and topped with fried egg. I love the springy texture of the noodles and overall, a comforting bowl to enjoy alongside the grilled meats. 

I didn’t go for this but if you are still hungry, go for the BBQ-Table Fried Rice Finale (S$14 for plain) where the staff takes all your leftover meat bits, kimchi, and banchan right from the grill, tosses in rice, seaweed, and cheese, and fries it all together into a glorious mess. 

Last but not least, cleanse your palate at the end of your meal with their signature Pear Slushie. 

Rants Seating space is tight and limited, meaning lines form fast. The setting is also slightly smoky if you are conscious about smell at the end of the meal. 

Will I Return Again? Overall, meat quality is not too bad, and the retro setting sets it apart from other K-BBQ restaurants. Bae Sik Dang also does not charge GST. 

TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 3.5/5
Hole in the pocket: 3.5/5
Ambience: 3/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5  

Bae Sik Dang (배식당) 
48 Tanjong Pagar Road 
Singapore 088469 
Tel: +65 8127 6902 

Opening Hours 
Daily: 3pm to 3am 

Ranted by The Ranter