Orchid Country Club’s driving range is not the first place that comes to mind when it comes to high quality Korean food, but that is exactly what you get at Gochu Korean Dining, the cave-themed restaurant that has got people talking.
At first, when we heard about a cave-themed restaurant, we could not help but wonder if it would be gimmicky and whether the food would be good. However, to cut to the chase, the food at Gochu Korean Dining is top notch and the menu features some unique items that are well-worth the trip to Yishun.
Gochu Korean Dining at Orchid Country Club
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The restaurant is located at Orchid Country Club’s driving range, not at the main clubhouse. This is to the left of the driveway that leads in to the country club from Yishun Avenue 1.
A rock cavern facade frames the restaurant from the outside. Inside, the decor is bright and welcoming with rough-hewn rock walls balanced off with the earthy brown tones of the wooden tables.
The large windows let in plenty of light when we were there at lunch time and there was also a nice view of the greenery outside through the restaurant’s large glass pane wall.
For those who wish to have the complete “cave” experience, you can enter through a cave passageway, complete with sounds of water dripping through a cave system.
Signature Menu Items
Galbitang Bansang
It didn’t take long for the food to appear at the table.
The Galbitang Bansang ($30) was a beef rib broth that had been simmered for 24 hours. The meat literally slid off the bone as we lifted it up. Meltingly tender, the beef rib was satisfying to bite into.
However, it was the clear broth of the Galbitang Bansang that bowled us over. It had a gentle richness drawn out from the long-simmered beef ribs. It tasted both nourishing and refined at the same time.
Pork Rib Kimchi Jjim
Placed on top of a tabletop stove to keep it warm and bubbling away, the Pork Rib Kimchi Jjim ($78), which serves two to three persons, is another signature dish at Gochu Korean Dining. The kimchi had a deep flavour that it imparted into the umami-packed broth.
The pork ribs were buttery soft and had absorbed the tangy, fermented essence of the kimchi.
Black Soy Cold Noodle
The Black Soy Cold Noodle ($22) was one of the more unusual dishes that we tried at Gochu Korean Dining. Typically, we would have Korean cold noodles in a clear broth. However, this signature dish comes served in a black soybean milk which gives it a nutty flavour. It probably isn’t for everyone but is an interesting menu item, nonetheless.
BBQ Selections
Gochu Korean Dining adopted the cave-theme because it is meant to invoke the primitive feelings that a cave provided as a place of refuge and comfort. And fire is very much a part of that warmth and security. So, of course they offer some flame grilled meats too.
We had a half-slab of Sweet & Savory Grilled Pork Ribs ($62) and a half-slab of Spicy Grilled Pork Ribs ($62).
The ribs were tender and soft, easily falling off the bone. The fire on the grill imparted a smokey char to the meat, adding to the depth of the flavour. Those who love spice with enjoy the kick of the Spicy Grilled version.
Potato Pancake with Parmesan Cheese
We were not quite sure to expect with the Potato Pancake with Parmesan Cheese ($14) but we were happily surprised when we bit into it.
The round potato pancakes were topped off with parmesan cheese and had a crunchy and satisfying bite. To complete the flavour, dip it into the accompanying truffle aioli.
Big Crispy Chili with Special Spicy Sauce
Another dish that we would recommend trying at Gochu Korean Dining is the Big Crispy Chili with Special Spicy Sauce ($14). This shareable dish won us over!
Fried to a perfect golden crisp, the large chili was stuffed with minced pork. The chili itself was not spicy. The heat was imparted by the Special Spicy Sauce. What was even more surprising was when we went in for a piece, there was a cheese pull – courtesy of mozzarella stuffed into the chili.
Be sure to dip the chili into the tzatziki sauce to add a creamy balance to the fried chili.
Beverages at Gochu Korean Dining
For a refreshing beverage, Gochu Korean Dining offers highballs in interesting flavours. The Ginseng Highball comes with aromatic ginseng flavours and the Bokbunja Highball has a light sweetness from the bokbunja berry.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a place to savour authentic and delicious Korean food, a visit to Gochu Korean Dining could certainly hit the spot.
There are separate menus for lunch and dinner as well as a signature set menu that serves two to three persons, so that you and your party of friends and family can enjoy the warmth and comfort of delicious Korean food.
Media Invite
Where: 1 Orchid Club Rd, Golf Driving Range, Singapore 769162
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday
11 am to 3 pm (last order 2.30 pm)
5 pm to 10 pm (last order 9.30 pm)
Sat, Sun, PH Eve & PH
11 am to 10 pm (last order 9.30 pm)
Website: Gochu
