If you’ve been following Korea’s dining scene, you’ve probably heard of Song Gye Ok. The Seoul restaurant known for its speciality charcoal-grilled chicken, attracting long queues, celebrity diners and countless recommendations from both locals and travellers. It has a cheeky tagline, “Waiting in Hell, Tasting in Heaven,” which is quite a hit with its devoted following.
Now, diners in Singapore can experience the concept at Song Gye Ok’s Telok Ayer outlet, where the restaurant recreates its signature chef-led charcoal grilling experience in a space inspired by a traditional Korean hanok.
For dinner, the spotlight is firmly on the restaurant’s signature grilled chicken, complemented by hearty Korean comfort dishes, warming broths and satisfying sides.
A Hanok-Inspired Dining Experience in Telok Ayer
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Inspired by traditional Korean hanok houses, the restaurant features warm wooden finishes with an open charcoal grill, where trained chefs prepare every order in full view of diners. Rather than grilling everything together, each whole chicken is carefully broken down into six speciality cuts, with every cut cooked individually over charcoal at its ideal temperature to bring out its unique texture and flavour.
Although we expected a stronger charcoal aroma throughout the restaurant, the space instead carried a subtle, pleasant smoky scent that wasn’t overpowering. Throughout the meal, both the chefs and service staff were attentive, introducing the different cuts and explaining the recommended dipping sauces, making the experience approachable even for first-time diners.
Various Dishes Tried at Song Gye Ok
Signature Charcoal Grill
The Signature Charcoal Grill is the dish that made Song Gye Ok famous in Seoul. Each whole chicken is broken down into six different speciality cuts before being grilled over charcoal, with every cut cooked separately to highlight its individual characteristics. The platter is served alongside six curated dipping condiments, encouraging diners to experiment with different flavour combinations.
While familiar cuts such as the breast and thigh were exceptionally juicy and flavourful, it was some of the lesser-known cuts that surprised us the most.
The standout was the chicken gizzard. As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of innards, it was surprising how much I enjoyed the crispy texture paired with the garlic sauce.
Another unexpected favourite was the chicken heart. We anticipated something similar to liver, but it was much milder, with a rich, meaty flavour and a pleasantly springy bite that made it surprisingly enjoyable.
The thigh skin was very crisp and paired especially well with the sriracha mayonnaise, while the neck offered a unique eating experience with the very crunchy texture when dipped into the yuzu chilli sauce.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the meal was experiencing how distinct each cut was. Every piece had its own texture, from tender and juicy to crisp and slightly chewy, making the tasting feel varied rather than repetitive.
Bibim Noodles
The Bibim Noodles provided a refreshing contrast to the richness of the grilled chicken.
The noodles themselves were thinner than expected, so they weren’t particularly chewy, but they were light, refreshing and coated in a bold, well-seasoned sauce. The seasoning carried a noticeable kick, making this a great choice for anyone who enjoys a little spice.
Served alongside the charcoal-grilled chicken, the cold noodles balanced the richer meats nicely and helped refresh the palate between bites.
SGO Cheongguk Doenjang Stew
The SGO Cheongguk Doenjang Stew is a traditional fermented soybean stew that pairs naturally with grilled meats.
The fermented soybean flavour was pronounced, making it a comforting dish for those who enjoy the deep savoury notes of traditional Korean stews. Rather than being brothy, the consistency was much thicker, almost resembling a rich sauce. We especially enjoyed the soft tofu, which soaked up all the hearty flavours.
Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice
One of our favourite dishes of the evening was the Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice.
Made with fragrant Korean speciality garlic, the garlic flavour was bold without becoming overwhelming. The addition of grilled cheese created an incredibly satisfying combination, adding just the right amount of creaminess and saltiness while complementing the fragrant fried rice.
This is one dish we would definitely recommend ordering to share alongside the grilled chicken.
Signature Drinks
The Earl Grey Highball provides a refreshing option for those looking for something lighter, while the Nurungji Sikhye, a traditional Korean sweet rice drink, offers a more authentic accompaniment to the meal. We tried the Earl Grey Highball.
It was surprisingly refreshing and tasted a little like a spiked iced tea, with subtle Earl Grey notes that made it feel lighter than a typical highball. The drink was well balanced and paired particularly well with the variety of grilled meats, making it an easy recommendation if you’re ordering the Signature Charcoal Grill.
More Than Just a Korean Barbecue Restaurant
While Song Gye Ok first became famous for its charcoal-grilled chicken, the Singapore restaurant also showcases another side of Korean cuisine through comforting broths and traditional dishes.
Its dinner menu also includes the Signature Samgyetang, developed in collaboration with MODU Samgyetang. Slow-cooked for more than 12 hours in a ginseng-infused broth made using only natural ingredients, diners can choose from four variations: Collagen Herbal, Hangover, Perilla Seed and Truffle.
Other comforting options include the Jidori Udon, served in a savoury chicken-based broth with handmade udon and tender jidori chicken, as well as the Grilled Rice Ball, lightly charred over the grill for a smoky aroma and crisp exterior.
A Comforting Lunch Alternative
While Song Gye Ok is best known for its signature charcoal-grilled chicken, its lunch menu offers a different side of Korean cuisine centred around nourishment and comfort. Diners can enjoy broths simmered for over 12 hours, fresh hand-cut noodles made daily and soups prepared using only natural ingredients without additives, creating a warm and satisfying midday meal.
Many of the signature dishes, including Samgyetang and Dakgomtang, are rooted in Korean wellness traditions. and feature ingredients such as ginseng and collagen-rich broths. Adding to its accessibility, all dishes at Song Gye Ok are prepared without pork or lard, allowing more diners to enjoy authentic Korean flavours.
Our Verdict of Song Gye Ok
Our highlights of the evening were undoubtedly the Signature Charcoal Grill, the Uiseong Garlic Fried Rice and the Earl Grey Highball. Song Gye Ok would make an ideal choice for a date night or a meal with a small group of friends. The compact seating and open grilling counter create an atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Korean eateries. This is definitely a good place to enjoy a unique grilled chicken concept without having to fly to Korea.
Song Gye Ok Telok Ayer
Address: 113 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068582
Opening Hours: Daily, 11.30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
