Those who love Korean Ginseng Chicken soup will be excited to know that JIHO Samgyetang SBCD has opened in Singapore’s Central Business District. The office crowd looking for nourishing broths can visit 18 Cross Street for samgyetang made with honest ingredients.
Founded in 1991 by Dr. Lee Ji-ho, JIHO is rooted in the philosophy that good food and good health belong in the same bowl.
Every recipe draws on hanbang, where ingredients are selected for their restorative properties and slow-cooked to draw out both flavour and function.
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With over 80 locations across Korea, Sydney and Shanghai, JIHO is a Korean powerhouse. JIHO Samgyetang SBCD is the latest concept by SBCD F&B Group, joining SBCD Korean Tofu House and SBCD Korean Rice House in bringing authentic, specialty Korean dining to Singapore.
JIHO Samgyetang SBCD: Six Varieties
Foodies would be familiar with SBCD’s offerings known for its Tofu stew or soondobu.
Its latest brand focuses on samgyetang offering six varieties anchored by two JIHO signatures: the Healthy Samgyetang ($29.80++) and Spicy Samgyetang ($32.80++).
The Healthy Samygetang is a long-simmered broth fortified with a patented mixture of Korean traditional herbs traditionally used to relieve fatigue and support joint health, and kalopanax bark for restoring energy.
Our dining companion who tried the Healthy Samygetang felt that it was light and tasted clean. The herbal taste was not strong and would appeal to most.
The salt and pepper condiment as well as the banchan dishes (kimchi, garlic and radish) paired wonderfully with the tender chicken slices.
Spicy Samgyetang ($32.80++) brings Cheongyang chilli peppers, chives and enoki mushrooms for a fiery bowl that warms twice over. The peppery spice gives a nice kick that fills the mouth and the flavour is further accentuated when paired with a clove of garlic.
For garlic lovers, Black Garlic Samgyetang ($32.80++) features garlic from Namhae on Korea’s southern coast, aged for 60 days to increase its antioxidant potency tenfold. It had a generous amount of fried garlic atop the tender spring chicken.
As I tucked in and dug into the chicken, the glutinous rice emerged from within the chicken. It was a nourishing bowl of samgyetang with rich garlic notes. I liked the texture of the garlic chips, glutinous rice and soft chicken pieces which fused together to give a flavourful bite almost melting in the mouth.
Compared to the other samgyetang flavours, the soup seemed a lot richer and thicker perhaps due to the amount of black garlic present. As someone who appreciates garlic, this definitely satisfied my palate in its savoury notes.
Other Dishes at JIHO Samgyetang SBCD
We also tried the Squid & Minari Salad ($29.80++) paired with avocado and seaweed. Diners are encouraged to wrap the avocado and salad in the seaweed.
It was refreshing, more sweet than spicy and definitely a welcome addition to our hearty soups.
Those preferring porridge versions of samgyetang can choose from six varieties.
We tried the Mung Bean Sanmgyejuk which had an abundance of chicken shreds as well as Mung Beans. Surprisingly, the taste of Mung Beans was very light and the porridge was very easy on the stomach.
I can imagine this would be a very suitable dish for the younger children or people preferring a lighter dish during their meal.
Another side dish we tried was Fried Chicken Gizzards ($19.80++). The spices made this deep fried dish palatable and hid the gamey-ness of the gizzards. Adventurous diners would probably love this dish.
Our Thoughts
JIHO Samgyetang SBCD is a welcome addition to the dining scene and certainly a very healthy option for busy workers and families alike. A nourishing bowl of Ginseng Chicken definitely keeps the spirits and energy up. We found the portions hearty and definitely large enough to satisfy those with bigger appetites.
Visit JIHO Samgyetang SBCD for samgyetang that warms your tummy and your soul.
JIHO Samgyetang SBCD
Where: 18 Cross Street, B1-01, 18 Cross, Singapore 048423
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11.30 am to 10 pm
Reservations: +65 8242 6988
Instagram: JIHO Samgyetang SBCD
