Tag: Korea

From Seoul To S’pore – Korea’s Popular Isaac Toast Chain To Open In Plaza Singapura This July

Did you actually go to Seoul if you never tried Isaac Toast?

Isaac Toast is a possibly one of the best breakfast places in Seoul. Long queues are evident at almost every Isaac Toast outlet in Seoul daily. Despite it being a breakfast item, Isaac Toasts are eaten throughout the day now.

Isaac Toast started their franchising journey from 2003 and can be found outside of Korea! As of 2016, the chain has over 700 retail stores in South Korea and  further expanded internationally and established branches including Macau, Taiwan and even Malaysia!

Great news for fans of Isaac Toast, you can finally get your hands on this popular Korean street snack in Singapore next month!

Isaac Toast will be opening in Singapore at Plaza Singapura in mid-July 2018!

What You Should Check Out At Isaac Toast

If you’re a first timer or you have zero clue as to why everyone is raving over this toast, here’s how they prepare their toasts in Seoul.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fEtC4hrxOQ

All their sandwiches are freshly made and grilled upon order. You pick your preferred fillings and the slices of bread are toasted to a right level of crisp before they pile on the fresh fillings.

You’ll be spoilt for choice as there are plenty of toast fillings for you to choose from!

If you’re having Isaac Toast for breakfast, the price of your sandwich varies depending on your filling. But they won’t burn a hole in your pocket as the sandwiches ranges from $2.50 to $5 (2,200 to 3,200 KRW)! Complete your breakfast with your favourite kopi O and you have the perfect breakfast combination.

Here’s what you should get from Isaac Toast once they open in Singapore!

Hot Chicken MVP Toast 

This simple ham and cheese toast combination is pretty popular. I mean you really can’t go wrong with a slice of ham and cheese sandwiched between buttered toasts for breakfast.

Bulgogi MVP Toast 

The Bulgogi MVP toast comes with a beef rib patty, omelette egg, pickles, shredded cabbage and a special savoury-sweet sauce sandwiched between crisp buttered toasts.

Pizza Toast

The Pizza Toast is a relatively new addition to the menu. This toast comes with melted mozzarella cheese and grilled ham drizzled with pizza sauce!

The sandwiches may look simple and honestly something you can make at home BUT once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand what the hype is all about – it’s simple stuff made particularly good.

Some of the toasts even comes with a special sauce and sweet honey which gives it an extra kick.

So if you’re looking for a change from your usual kaya butter toast every morning, you’ll be able to get your hands on these popular toasts soon.

Isaac Toast is slated to open mid-July 2018; so keep your eyes peeled for more updates to come.

Isaac Toast Singapore
Website

Also Read llaollao FINALLY Makes A Comeback In S’pore – Reopens First Outlet At Changi Airport

(Header Image Source: @michico13 and @jobyna)

Korean Food Is All The Rage Now – Here Are 11 Ways To Eat And Drink Like A True Korean

K-dramas, K-pop, Korean food… It seems Singaporeans are crazy for all things Korean, and for good reason.

Their heart wrenching drama storylines tug at our heartstrings. Their very successful reality-variety shows like Running Man leave us in fits of laughter. Their virally catchy pop tunes stick in our heads and are fun to sing along to.

But although Singaporeans do enjoy Korean food, do you know that some of us may unknowingly be flouting Korean table manners?

To help us better appreciate their cuisine and get the full Korean dining experience, here are 11 ways you can eat and drink like a true Korean.

How Koreans Eat

In Korea, rice is a staple food with most of South Korea’s agricultural policies centred on rice. Though we are seeing more unique Korean food creations, the Koreans still love their usual meal of rice with side dishes.

This is one act we are guilty of. While it’s that much more shiok to hold up your soup bowl for big gulps of the soup, it’s not recommended to do so in public, especially not so when you’re having Korean food – you’ll just seem rude.

3. Don’t reach across the table for food

As mentioned, a traditional Korean meal consists of a wide assortment of small side dishes that usually fill up the table. While it may seem normal for us to reach across the table for dishes placed further away, it isn’t for the Koreans.

It’s considered poor manners to extend your arm across the table to reach for food. The general rule is to bring the dishes closer to you, and if you really need to, get your friends to pass the food over to you.

4. When you’re done with your meal, place your utensils on the table

Once you’re finished with your food, don’t stick your chopsticks into your bowl, because they look like joss sticks offered to ancestors. It is regarded as disrespectful and a sign of bad luck. Place your utensils back on the table instead. But only do it after the elders have placed their utensils on the table, and make sure that you place them neatly.

Always wait for everyone to have their glasses ready before you toast and drink up together.

4. Do not refuse alcoholic drinks

The Koreans consider it rude when someone turns down a drink, especially when the elders offer it to you. So… bottoms up!

Remember to also hold your cup or glass with both hands when someone is pouring drinks for you.

5. Turn sideways when you drink liquor

Like the Japanese, Koreans emphasise a lot on societal ranking. One way that juniors show respect to elders, especially those higher in the corporate ladder, is to turn away when drinking.

6. Alcohol-food pairings

Did you know that some Korean alcohols were meant to be eaten with specific foods?

Korea has a long history of having alcohol when celebrating special occasions. Besides long-stemmed beliefs (like consuming Soju during the new year as a way to drive away bad spirits and illnesses), these alcohols actually make Korean cuisine that much more enjoyable.

Soju + Anju

While Anju is a general term for side dishes consumed with alcohol, Anju is most commonly paired with Soju.

These side dishes aren’t just any kind of foods. These are usually finger foods like nuts and fruits, or salads like Golbaengi-muchim (a mix of moon snails and vegetables).

Soju is also best paired with grilled meat like Samgyeopsal (pork belly).

Makgeolli + Jeon

The best food to eat with your makgeolli is Jeon, a fried pancake that at its most basic, consists of meat and/or vegetables, coated in flour and egg.

You can find all kinds of jeon—crispy, soft, doughy, and less doughy jeons versions, and they all pair deliciously with makgeolli.

Beer + Chicken

If you haven’t already heard of Chimaek, it’s about time you learnt of this.

A combination of “chicken” and “Maekju” (beer), Chimaek very literally means chicken and beer. The Koreans love their chicken with beer, particularly spicy and fried chicken. There are even Korean restaurants like Chir Chir that specialises in selling just that.

Learning from Asian Masters at e2i’s Taste Of East Asia

Wondering where we learnt all of this? It was at e2i’s Taste Of East Asia event that happened in May 2017, where Dr Dr Kim Sang-woo, Chairman of the East Asia Cultural Project[/caption]

A session intended to introduce people to the cultural, economic and political aspects of Korea, Dr Kim gave us a peek into Korean food and cultural traditions that went beyond the glitz and glamour we’ve all come to associate with the country.

We Singaporeans love Korean food, and so does the rest of the world. Interestingly, food is one of the mediums through which Korea has forged closer, friendlier ties with other nations.

Taste of East Asia is one of many masterclasses organized by the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to help working people.

For Taste of East Asia, people working in the F&B industry attended the professional development workshops by Korean, Japanese, Sri Lankan and Hong Kong masters, to increase their knowledge and mastery of food techniques.

Attendees also got to mingle with the masters, participants and booth exhibitors to expand their professional networks.

To find out more about future e2i events, you can contact e2i here.

This article is written in collaboration with e2i to help trade professionals upskill and network via trade events such as curated masterclasses.

Best Couple Getaway – Discover Busan, Korea At Only $1600 Or Less

So you badly need a couple getaway from both of your hectic work schedules. But you can’t afford a long vacation because of miserable leave entitlement and budget constraint. Usual short trip destinations in Southeast Asia like Penang, Bali and Bangkok seem boring nowadays. Then how?

How about going somewhere further to Busan – the second largest city in Korea?

The trip to Busan isn’t as costly as you think. By taking just 2 days’ leave on Friday and Monday, you can enjoy the best of Busan as a couple at $1,600 or less. You can even do it all within 72 hours!

1. Affordable flights to Busan thanks to Air Asia

Air travel is so much cheaper and convenient now. A return air ticket to Busan via Korean Air will make you and your BF about $2,200 poorer. On the other hand, spend about half that amount by flying AirAsia.

To be exact, you only need to pay $574 nett per pax for a return trip without check-in baggage!

2. Economical Airbnb accommodation

Hostels, budget hotels? These are so passe.

Welcome to the world of Airbnb, where you can find cosy rooms or apartments in convenient locations. All these at a fraction of the price of hotels! To make things easier for you, we’ve done the research on the best locations for a great couple stay in Busan.

Seomyeon Station

Seomyeon in Busan is like Myeongdong in Seoul, the Mecca for all things trendy. Shop till you drop in this hip district for great Korean fashion.

Furthermore, Seomyeon is also the commercial and transportation hub in the city. Staying in a private apartment near the station = great accessibility to major sights. From just $229 for 3 nights, you get to enjoy the convenience of staying in Nami’s sleek studio apartment!

Jungang Station

Jungang Station is located near to the largest port in Korea. In addition to stunning views of the Busan port, be close to the famous Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market and other Nampo-dong attractions by staying in this area.

Boasting a superb location, the cosy W House2 is a steal you don’t want to miss from $291 for 3 nights!

­­­­­

Gwangan Station

Busan is famous for its beautiful beaches in Korea. In fact, the popular Busan Fireworks Festival is held every October along Gwangalli Beach, a 10-minute walk from Gwangan Station.

Stay at Yurim’s cool sea-view apartment located right next to Gwangan station from a reasonable $317 for 3 nights. Besides the convenient access to colourful fireworks, why not take a romantic stroll with your partner on the white sandy beach? Furthermore, explore the city at ease with the nearby subway and buses.

3. Highlights of Busan in 72 hours

Best part of this trip? All the lovely Busan spots don’t require an admission fee, woah!

Day 1: Central district (Jung-gu)’s Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Nampo-dong, BIFF Square

Take it easy on your first day, since you’ve just landed in the morning after an overnight flight. Thus, all the activities will be around the 2 subway stations on Busan Subway orange line 1: Jagalchi and Nampo stations.

You can just alight at one station and move around on foot the whole day as these attractions are all within close proximity to one another.

You deserve a hearty breakfast to warm your souls and stomachs. After dumping your baggage at the apartment, head to the iconic Jagalchi Market.

A trip to Busan isn’t complete if you don’t visit the largest seafood market in Korea, the best place to represent the port city.

Tuck into the freshest raw fish here at unbelievable prices. If raw stuff isn’t your thing, have them cooked in one of the many restaurants lined on the shore side road. Pay only 20,000 KRW or less (S$24.20) for a sumptuous seafood meal for 2.

Directions: Walk about 5 minutes from Jagalchi Station exit 10.

Proceed to Gukje Market just across the street from Jagalchi Market for another round of feasting and shopping.

As one of the largest traditional markets in Korea, it’s likely you will lose your way here. Nonetheless, getting lost is part of the fun for a great trip!

Do follow the locals and sit on the stools by the alley to try some yummy street food, just like what you see above!

Directions: Jagalchi Station exit 7. Go 30m, turn left, and walk straight for 5 minutes to reach the market.

Korean movie fans must visit the famous BIFF Square where the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) is held.

Spot hand paintings of famous movie celebrities along the street. Sink your teeth into the addictive Korean street snacks.

A must-try includes the nutritious Busan specialty – Ssiat Hotteok, a sweet pancake filled with a variety of healthy seeds for the extra crunch.

Also, shop to your heart’s content along the cultural and fashion streets of Nampo-dong, across from the BIFF Square. This is where you will find a wide range of shops selling everything from bargains to luxury items.

Directions: Nampo Station exit 1 or 3.

Day 2: Beaches to the east of Busan – Haeundae and Gwangalli

Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in the country. During the peak season from June to August, throngs of domestic tourists flock to the white sandy beach to chill from the summer heat. Have fun playing traditional games such as Korean wrestling, seesaw jumping and tug-of-war at the Folk Square.

Directions: Haeundae Station (Busan Subway green line 2), Exit 5. Walk straight for about 500m.

After some beach fun, proceed to a stunning tour of Haedong Yonggungsa. Located on the coast of northeast Busan, this is a rare find of a temple by the sea. Climb 108 steps from the entrance to the rocky landscape, leading you to the main sanctuary where the ancient temple sits. Soak in the gorgeous coastal views and snap away.

If you can, climb all the way up the steep flight of stairs to pray at the temple. Reward yourself with a picturesque bird’s eye view overlooking Haedong Yonggungsa.

Directions: Take bus 181 from Haeundae Station (Busan Subway green line 2) Exit 7. Alight at the bus stop outside the temple. Follow the sign to the temple by walking about 10 minute.

Of course we shouldn’t miss out Gwangalli Beach, well known for the spectacular lights show of the Gwangan Bridge at night. As mentioned earlier, you should time your trip to coincide with the Busan Fireworks Festival if you plan to visit in October.

This is a wonderful “paktor” (dating) spot where you can enjoy the fine white sand and splendid scenery! Relive your childhood and have fun playing fireworks on the beach. After all the romantic moments, cure your hunger pangs in the many nice restaurants and cafes around the area.

Directions: Gwangan Station (Busan Subway green line 2) exit 5. Follow the signs on the pavement and walk about 10 minutes to the beach.

Day 3: Gamcheon Cultural Village and Taejongdae Cliff Park in the south

Start your day with a visit to the quaint Gamcheon Cultural Village in the southwestern part of the city. Because the colorful houses are constructed in a staircase fashion on the foothills in this coastal village, it is affectionately nicknamed as Korea’s Machu Picchu and Korea’s Santorini.

Allow yourself at least 2 hours to explore this artistic village. Take pretty couple shots in the village filled with vividly coloured murals & sculptures created by its residents.

Directions: Turn left from Toseong Station (Busan Subway orange line 1) exit 6 and go straight ahead till you reach the bus stop in front of Busan National University Hospital. Take the mini bus Saha 1-1, Seogu 2 or Seogu 2-2 to Gamcheon Elementary School Bus Stop (about 10 minute ride).

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Taejongdae Cliff Park to the south of Busan’s coast. This natural site may be a bit out of the way but trust me, it’s definitely a must-do!

Due to time constraint, take the Danubi train and alight at Yeongdo Lighthouse for breathtaking view at the cliff.

You can also savour fresh sashimi caught directly from the sea. For Instagram-worthy shots, sit on the edge of the cliff and get your partner to snap lovely photos of you here.

Or better still, bring a selfie-stick along and pose for the most enviable couple shot in a perfect natural setting!

Directions: From Nampo Station (Busan Subway orange line 1) exit 6, walk straight for 30 seconds to the bus stops opposite Lotte Department Store. Take bus 8, 30, 88 or 88-A from the second nearest bus stop here and alight at Taejongdae Station (30 to 40 minute ride).

Day 4: F & E till your flight home departs at 10.35 am

Technically speaking, you don’t have much time today since you need to be at the airport around 9 am. The traditional markets generally open from 8 am and shops even later. So have a hearty last breakfast at a restaurant you fancy before saying goodbye to wonderful Busan.

Summary of your expected expenditure

Generally, Busan is not an expensive city, so you will be able to enjoy the scenery and delicious food it has to offer with $1,600 for 2 comfortably. Here’s a table to summarize the estimated expenditure for your couple getaway:

Generally, Busan is not an expensive city. It is possible to enjoy an awesome couple getaway in a destination that you never thought was possible. Without spending too much money and time, you will be able to enjoy the scenery and delicious food at only $1,600 for 2 comfortably.

With such a romantic trip, it’s inevitable that sparks will fly and your relationship will only strengthen. Just a PSA here: don’t forget to bring along and use contraception such as Durex.

Hurry and plan your next short getaway to Busan now before the airfare rises!

Also, read 5 Tips For A Cheaper Staycation In Sentosa

Korea Town In Singapore? Satisfy All Your Kimchi Cravings Near Beauty World MRT!

Do you know that there is a mini Korea Town near Beauty World MRT?

With Singapore Korean International School located in the vicinity, it is only understandable that there is a big Korean community in the area.

Nestled around Beauty World MRT (Downtown Line) are 6 Korean restaurants that will make your visit to this Korea town worth it!

1. Manbok BBQ & Seafood

Serving different varieties of meats, seafood and specially cooked Korean dishes, Manbok BBQ & Seafood whips up authentic Korean BBQ and Steamboat cuisine.

Enjoy BBQ-ing with the charcoal barbeque sets and indulge in a bottle of soju with a couple of friends at Manbok

You can also go easy with a set meal starting from just S$12. There’s an array of complimentary side dishes such as kimchi, rice cakes and pickles.

The majority of staff here is Korean, so it’ll be a proper Korean dining experience!

Manbok BBQ & Seafood
Address: 19 Cheong Chin Nam Rd
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 12pm – 1am; Sun: 12 – 11pm

2. Oven & Fried Chicken

KFC, KFC, we love you! No, we are not talking about Kentucky.

We are talking about crispy heavenly Korean Fried Chicken! Oven & Fried Chicken’s second outlet has opened in Beauty World.

If you need a KFC fix, this is the place to be!

Think non-greasy crispy fried chicken doused and seasoned in various appetising sauces such as Soy Sauce and Jambayala. Perfect for those who simply love licking sauces off their fingers!

Oven & Fried Chicken
Address: 16 Chun Tin Rd
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 12:00am; Fri – Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm, 5:30pm – 1:00am
Image Credit: Danielfooddiary[/caption]

Be sure to try their Dolsot Bibimbap (Hot Stone Rice) and Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken soup) to satisfy the inner Korean in you!

Three Meals a Day
Address: 12 Chun Tin Rd
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun: 12pm – 3:30pm, 6pm – 11pm; Closed on Mondays

4. Joo Mak Korean Restaurant

How do you know a Korean restaurant serves authentic Korean food?

Ask a Korean, of course.

Walk into Joo Mak and be greeted with the incessant chattering of Korean families, couples, and students.

Located at the fourth level of Beauty World Centre, Joo Mak is the natural choice for Koreans living in the neighbourhood

It is not hard to understand why once you have tried one of their Korean pancakes – crisp, golden-yellow, with a generous amount of leek and seafood, finished with a coating of egg.

Joo Mak Korean Restaurant
Address: 144 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, #04-01 Beauty World Centre
Opening Hours: Mon: 6pm – 10pm; Tues – Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm

5. Nunsongyee

The Korean bingsu craze is a long way from being over – famed 24-hour bingsu branch Nunsongyee opened yet another outlet here at Beauty World.

Their menu of delectable shaved ice with a wide variety of toppings available is certainly here to stay.

There are two types of bingsu available – Snowflake bingsu ($12.90 – $15.90) and Premium bingsu ($18.90). Also, you can pick from an assortment of flavours including Oreo, Choco-banana, Cheesecake or Black Sesame and Coffee.

You are not truly a Korean food connoisseur if you have not tried one of their bingsu!

Nunsongyee
Address: 9 Yuk Tong Ave
Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
Image Credit: Javintham[/caption]

With unique flavours like Milk and Red Bean ($11), Tomato and Green Tea ($11), these shaved ice dessert is the perfect solution to cool off with.

Bing Go Jung Korean Dessert House
Address: 1 Jalan Anak Bukit, Bukitt Timah Plaza
Opening Hours: 10am – 11pm daily
Click here for their other outlets and contact details.

If these don’t excite you, we don’t know what will. Korean heaven is right here, near Beauty World MRT, so feast away!

Header image credit: Danielfooddiary, words by editor.

Also, read Korean Food ‘Seoul’ Good That You’ll Visit All Day Every Day! Here Are The Best 8 Spots!