I first stumbled upon a video of a simmering pan of tteokbokki from a new Korean eatery on “level 1 of International Plaza” on TikTok. The original poster didn’t take note of the name, only stating that it was “opposite a stationery shop”.
A quick Google search yielded no results. No social media, no website, no nothing. I had to take matters into my own hands, and that led me to Koryo Jung Korean Street Food.
It’s a tiny Korean-run eatery with only three tables and an eye-catching display of street food straight out of a bunsikjip snack restaurant.
I mean, where else can you find freshly cooked, piping hot tteokbokki, or spicy red cakes, served in this manner? I am instantly reminded of the pojangmacha (street carts) and food markets in Seoul.
The Fish Cakes (S$5 for two pieces with soup) are also a sight to behold (for me, at least — I really, really miss travelling to Korea). Though not the most full-bodied in flavour, eomuk is one of the most comforting street foods to enjoy on a rainy day.
But let’s turn our attention back to these fiery-looking rice cakes. I’m personally a huge fan of tteokbokki, and Koryo Jung’s version is arguably better then the ones I’ve had at some Korean restaurants.
Street food staples
For S$6, you get a cup of chewy, well-balanced tteokbokki with cabbage and a hardboiled egg. It’s sweet, savoury, and spicy — the perfect afternoon snack. I can definitely see myself craving for this.
Moving on to the other offerings, the incredibly moreish Fried Seaweed with Glass Noodle (S$1/pc) or ginmari, is arguably the best thing on the menu. Despite being served slathered in tteokbokki sauce, it still manages to retain its crunchy exterior. Delish.
I had high hopes for the Mozzarella Corn Dog (S$5), which was rolled in sugar, and drizzled with tomato ketchup and mustard, but it was disappointingly dense and doughy. It felt as though I was eating a donut.
The Korean Street Toast with Sweet Sauce (S$6), a grilled ham and egg sandwich with veggies and cheese, fared a lot better. Think a no-frills version of Isaac Toast with a homely, old-school touch. Not everyone will like the addition of sweet sauce — it’s certainly an acquired taste.
Staples like kimbap, steamed dumplings, and salad bread can also be purchased for takeaway.
Even though Tanjong Pagar is a Korean food haven with plenty of options, Koryo Jung can certainly hold its own. Perhaps it’ll gain a greater online presence in the (very) near future.
Koryo Jung Korean Street Food
???? International Plaza: #01-50, 10 Anson Road, Singapore 079903
???? 9am–6pm (Daily), Closed on Sun
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