Korean BBQ is one of those meals that naturally brings people together. There is something about gathering around a grill, watching the meat sizzle and slowly transform before your eyes, that makes the meal feel just a little more special.
At SEORAE JIB, that experience has been delighting diners since the brand first opened its Singapore outlet at Dhoby Ghaut. Known for its Korean charcoal BBQ, the restaurant continues to put the spotlight on quality meats and interactive dining experiences.
SEORAE JIB: Pile on the meat, turn up the heat
One of its latest offerings is the 100 Knife Cuts Kkot Samgyeopsal Set ($118), a platter that comes with a generous 700g of meat. Designed for communal dining, the set includes the 100 Knife Cuts Samgyeopsal (pork belly) , SEORAE JIB’s signature Galmaegisal (pork skirt meat), Woosamgyeob (thinly sliced beef) and a fluffy Cheesy Gyeran Jjim (steamed egg).
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Diners can also choose between Japchae, Mul Naengmyeon or Bibim Naengmyeon, and top up $10 for a choice of Kimchi Jjigae, Sundubu Jjigae or Doenjang Jjigae.
The Star: 100 Knife Cuts Samgyeobsal
The star of the set is undoubtedly the 100 Knife Cuts Samgyeobsal.
The pork belly is meticulously scored with over 100 cuts, creating a distinctive appearance and, more importantly, a different eating experience. As the meat cooks, the cuts allow the heat to work its way through more evenly. The result is a pork belly with beautifully crispy fat ends while retaining a juicy interior.
What stood out was the balance between the fat and meat. Pork belly can sometimes feel overwhelmingly rich, but here the portion was just right. The intricate cuts also changed the mouthfeel compared to a regular slab of pork belly. Each bite seemed lighter and more textured, while the caramelised edges added an enjoyable crispness.
The meal becomes even more interesting when paired with the three accompanying sauces. There is the familiar bean paste ssamjang, a gochujang pepper paste that adds a spicy kick, and an onion sauce with wasabi that provides a refreshing sharpness. Each sauce brings out a different side of the pork, making it fun to experiment throughout the meal.
Of course, half the fun of Korean BBQ lies in mixing and matching different ingredients. To help diners get started, SEORAE JIB includes a “cheat sheet” featuring 10 recommended pairings to try with the grilled meats
Wrapping the meat in fresh lettuce with a smear of sauce is, predictably, the move. Fair warning: it is a proper mouthful. But the combination of crisp lettuce, juicy pork and punchy sauce is exactly what Korean BBQ should feel like.
We also tried the seaweed ssam and cheesy tortilla ssam, which offer different textures and flavour profiles worth exploring. A drizzle of meljeot anchovy sauce over any of these wraps adds an intensely briny, umami depth that elevates the whole thing.
Galmaegisal: One of SEORAE JIB’s most popular cuts
Beyond the pork belly, the Galmaegisal is another highlight. This signature pork skirt meat is noticeably leaner, with a firmer texture and a deeper pork flavour. It provides a nice contrast to the richer samgyeobsal and showcases why it remains one of SEORAE JIB’s most popular cuts.
The Woosamgyeob is thinly sliced and quick to cook, making it the most straightforward of the three meats. Tossed and torched on the grill for added char, it takes on a smoky depth that pairs well with the sauces and wraps, making it a reliable option for those who prefer beef.
Different sides, different vibes
The accompanying Cheesy Gyeran Jjim is comfort food in its own right. Soft, fluffy and lightly savoury, it provides a welcome contrast to the meaty flavours coming off the grill.
For our side dish, we opted for the Japchae. The springy glass noodles were tossed together with capsicums, carrots, onions, black fungus and watercress. The mix of ingredients created a variety of textures, giving each mouthful a pleasant bite. Lightly seasoned with a hint of sesame oil, it was flavourful without overpowering the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
The Sundubu Jjigae, available as a $10 top up, is well worth considering. Filled with tofu, clams, onions, cucumber, egg and minced meat, it arrived bubbling and stayed satisfying throughout the meal. Spooned over rice, the silky tofu and flavourful broth made for one of those quiet, unglamorous pleasures that somehow stick with you after the meal is over.
Come hungry, leave happy
By the end of the meal, what stood out most was not just the quality of the meats but the variety of ways to enjoy them. From lettuce wraps and seaweed ssams to experimenting with different sauces, every combination offered a slightly different experience.
For families, groups of friends or anyone looking for a Korean BBQ feast with plenty of variety, the 100 Knife Cuts Set offers an enjoyable way to sample some of SEORAE JIB’s signature dishes in a single meal.
While the intricate knife work on the pork belly may be what first catches the eye, it is the combination of flavours, textures and shared dining experience that ultimately leaves the strongest impression.
Promotions
From 1 May to 30 June, enjoy the 100 Knife Cuts BBQ Set 700g at $118 (20% off) or Lunch Set for 2 at $29.90! Add on a jjigae of your choice for $10 to round off the meal.
Feed Dad in June and enjoy a FREE Subak Mocktail (U.P. $17.90) with any 100 Cuts BBQ set.
SEORAE-JIB
Where: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, #02-01, Singapore 238839 and 5 others locations Islandwide
Open daily, 11.30am-10pm
