SODENG Korean Restaurant Review: Unique K-BBQ Duck, Prime Ribs And More In CBD

SODENG Korean Restaurant in Telok Ayer has Singapore’s first duck KBBQ

When you think of Korean food, duck isn’t the first protein you’d associate with the cuisine. SODENG Korean Restaurant in Telok Ayer claims to be the first and possibly only K-BBQ restaurant in Singapore to serve it, cooked at the table on a sodaeng (소댕), or the pot lid of an ancient Korean cooking vessel called the gamasot (가마솥). But as you will see in this review, SODENG offers far more than just duck.

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Food at SODENG Korean Restaurant

Our meal started with Fresh Plain Duck ($34++), which saw boneless pieces of young duck meat seared on the sodaeng. The first bite of this is served with a whole, house-salted fresh peppercorn so that you can fully appreciate the flavour of the unmarinated meat.

Only fresh young ducks weighing less than 1.5kg each are used in the dishes here. We were taken aback by the lack of gaminess in this; you wouldn’t be able to tell that it was duck at all, except for its richer, meatier flavour.

Following the peppercorn, each subsequent piece was served in several different ways with the spread of banchan, pickles, and other condiments on the table

Whether it was washed kimchi, fermented herring roe, or pickled perilla leaves layered with thin slices of radish, every bite of grilled duck here took on a different flavour profile. If you prefer something marinated, go for Hand-rub Duck with Marinade ($35++) instead, where the duck is rubbed in with a gochujang paste that’s customised in-house.

We were very intent on trying all the duck dishes on the menu, but these plans were interrupted by Woo-Dae Galbi ($45++ per person), a course they’re extra proud of. Here, whole prime ribs are marinated in a house-made sauce, said to be a secret recipe learned from one of Korea’s top bulgogi restaurants.

The whole bone-in rib sits in this marinade for 72 hours, and only 30 portions, each good for two to share, are available each day. Lightly charcoal-grilled before it’s brought to you, this prime rib is finished on the sodaeng, seared to a charred, crusty finish.

Like the duck, the beef was served in multiple variations. A simple piece of white kimchi and some gochujang really bring the best out of this melt-in-your-mouth, wonderfully buttery meat.

We highly recommend pairing it with some mozzarella cheese, but dipped in condensed milk—it was sweet and savoury, melty and crisp at the same time.

Once we were done with the duck and beef, Sodeng’s Pot Lid Stir-fried Rice ($17++), fried in the grease from the grilled meats. Cheese, egg, seaweed, and some greens are added for a final indulgent touch. And yes, they did in fact create a heart shape out of the rice—a cute touch.

Some side dishes to enjoy include the Pumpkin Pancake ($14++) and the Truffle Steamed Eggs ($10++). Popular as it reportedly is, the dish fell short for us—it was oversalted, with too little truffle to meaningfully flavour the egg beneath.

For a heartier side dish, Ddang-cho Stir-fried Cuttlefish ($27++) is a good choice. We liked the chewy squid, smoky flavour, and complex sauce that was sweet, savoury, and spicy at the same time. But what really tied it all together was the minari, the herb whose peppery, slightly bitter taste cut through the richness of the squid.

Ambience at SODENG Korean Restaurant

SODENG Korean Restaurant offers four dining concepts within its limited space: an open area just inside the entrance, two private rooms that can be combined into a 12-seater area, an inner sanctum that is meant to resemble a cave, and finally, several tables on the second floor that are inspired by traditional Korean homes, lit in the day by an exposed skylight.

The restaurant is a quick five-minute walk from Telok Ayer MRT Station. Take Exit A for the most direct access to Telok Ayer Street.

SODENG – Eatbook Review

My colleague commented that this meal at SODENG was, without a doubt, the single best one that she’d had in her almost-two years with the team. I’d venture to say that this meal, for me too, would be a highlight of my time here as well, not least for the unique, well-executed Korean barbecue experience, and a bowl of kimchi noodles that I can’t wait to return for. It’s not affordable fare, but if you’re up for a splurge, I’d definitely recommend coming to SODENG.

For a wallet-friendly KBBQ option, check out Eonni Korean BBQ in Tiong Bahru. Another KBBQ buffet option is MIMI Korean BBQ Restaurant, priced from just $29.50+ a person!

Address: 175 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068623
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am to 10:30pm
Tel: 9787 4542
Website
SODENG Korean Restaurant is not a halal-certified eatery

MIMI Korean BBQ Restaurant Has K-BBQ Buffet At $29.50+ With Beef Bulgogi, Pork Galbi And More

Photos taken by Marcus Neo.
This was a media tasting at SODENG Korean Restaurant.