Eight
Korean BBQ originated from the USA open its first outlet in Singapore
at the Central, Clarke Quay. The number Eight '8' represent eight
different colour and marinate of the delicious Mangalitza pork belly,
which is also known as the 'Kobe Beef' of Pork.
The Dining Area |
The first
thing that you notice when you enter 8 is the setting. Set in chick
industrial setting, it is a refreshing diversion from the traditional
Korean BBQ restaurants that has been popping up like mushrooms in
Singapore. The meat is cooked on angled grill pan by the well trained
service staff.
Part of the Dining Area |
The Tilted Grill Pan |
For Oink
Oink lovers like us, this place is a dream come true. A must order
here is the whole 8 type of pork belly, 8 colours set ($98) which
comes with Kimchi, Bean Sprouts, vegetables and Seafood Bean Paste
stew. As we were keener to try the Army Stew, we ask to change and
top up the difference of $6.
The 8 Colours Set. (From Left: Red Pepper, Miso, Curry, Herb, Garlic, Ginseng, Original & Wine) |
If you
order items like us, the following is on how the order of the food
will be. Korean Grill Squid ($18) and 8 Special Steam Egg ($12). The
squid is quite huge and grilled with a touch of butter for taste. It
is springy and tender, and comes with a soy and mayonnaise dipping
sauce. Best eaten while it is hot. A unique cooking method that is
different from most of the Korean BBQ, 8 will place their kimchi and
bean sprout on the grill and it become a hot side dish. The steam egg
is light and fluffy, but at side the stone bowl, the eggs can be a
bit dry.
Korean Grill Squid |
Special Steam Egg |
The side
dishes are very limited, however it is free flow together with the
wrapped vegetables. If you need sliced garlic or other condiments
just ask the service staff.
Radish Block to Clean the Grill |
Next will
be the beef. You can choose from US Prime Beef or Kagoshima Wagyu. We
tried their US Prime Beef Rib Eye ($58). The size is about 300 gram
with nice marbling on the beef, seasoned with salt and pepper. Cooked
to medium rare, it is tender and just melts in your mouth. Awesome!!
US Prime Beef Rib Eye |
The army
stew is decent as its objective is to fill up your tummy. Ingredients
are pretty basic, instant noodle, sausage and luncheon meat cooked on
seafood soup base with bean paste.
The Army Stew |
The Army Stew - Ready To Eat |
For
highlight of the dinner, 8 type of seasoned pork belly: Wine, Original, Ginseng, Garlic, Herb, Curry, Miso paste and Red pepper paste.
The first four has a more lightly flavoured seasoning, while the
later 4 has a stronger flavoured seasoning.
Pork Belly on the Grill |
Since the
cooking is done by the service staff, the pork bellies achieve the
right texture. It was cut to bite size and has a crisp texture and it
just melts in your mouth. So Sinfully Delicious!!!
Pork Belly - Ready to Eat |
Our
preference so far is: wine, original, herbs and miso. We find these
flavour complements the pork belly instead of overpowering it.
Ginseng Chicken Soup - Dismembered by CBK |
We tried
their Ginseng chicken soup ($25) and Seafood Pancake ($20) on different
occasion, but we find them quite ordinary. The ginseng chicken soup
version here has a light cloudy broth and the chicken is not stuffed
with rice. The ginseng taste is not very commanding. Meanwhile the
pancake taste very plain and a bit too oily.
Seafood Pancake |
Service
is friendly and good. Each service staff was allocated between 2 to 4
tables, as they need to be in charge of the cooking so it is easy to
catch their attention. In case if you are worried about the oil and
smell get to your bags, you can put them inside your stool. The table
are very small, so you hardly any space put your stuff on it.
Unfortunately, you will come out for the place smelling like bbq pork
belly, so not recommended if for lunch if you have to go back work
afterwards.
The Exhaust System - to tall to make any difference |
Overall,
we find this pork belly centric restaurant is excellent; it is one of
my favourite. The pricing is reasonable and it has become a place to
go to satisfy my sinful cravings. So if you are around Central, give
this place a try. Gun Bae!!! Cheers!!!
Food
& Drink: 8.5/10
Value:
8.5/10
Service:
9/10
Ambiance:
8/10
Budget
per Person: $26 - $50
Eight (8) Korean BBQ
6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#02-79/90. The Central
Singapore 059817
T: +65 8692 1188
OH: 11.30 – 14.30;
17.30 – 22.30 Daily
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