The Place Korean food is insanely popular in Singapore and the latest to join the dining scene is Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ along Gemmill Lane. The two-storey shophouse restaurant spots a contemporary interior along with private rooms with karaoke systems.
The Food The menu offers a selection of US Prime Beef ranging from striploin, ribeye, tenderloin to more premium cuts of Wagyu Beef like A4 Miyazaki and A4 Snow-Aged Yukimuro Full-Blood Ribeye. For pork lovers, you can opt for the Spanish Iberico Pork, be it for the jowl, belly or collar.
Adding on to the grilled selections are the hot and cold appetisers like Pan-Seared Foie Gras, Lobster Thermidor, Grilled King Prawns, Pan-Seared Scallops, Caviar, Salmon Carpaccio and Korean Beef Tartare.
Some ongoing promotions right now include Lobster Night Specials with 50% off Lobster Thermidor (up S&$85) from Tuesdays to Thursday after 5pm; all day 1-for-1 Soju Bottles; and 1-for-1 lunch sets at S$20.
I had the Lobster Thermidor (S$85) for a start, a cheesy looking dish with Sake, Béchamel, Onions, Garlic, Mushroom, Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. I love the mushrooms with the cheese sauce, other than the chunky lobster meat.
There is also Salmon Sashimi (S$9/5 pieces) if you are craving for something Japanese (sounds strange in a Korean BBQ restaurant I know).
Otherwise, you can’t really go that wrong with the Truffle Steamed Egg (S$16).
For the grilled selections, I had the Miyazaki A4 Wagyu 2MM Short Rib 150gm (S$70) and Westholme Aug Wagyu MBS 8/ 9 Ribeye 150gm (S$85). I love the Miyazaki Short Rib most, which comes in tender slices and the grilled flavour is a well-marinated and flavourful cut of meat.
The Wagyu ribeye comes in a chunky portion which I would recommend cutting into smaller pieces to grill. It is thicker as compared to the short rib, though I find it less robust in flavour.
For pork, the Sous Vide with Thyme Pork Jowl 150gm (S$39) spots a well-marinated and tasty flavour profile.
Rants The prices of the meats are on the higher end for Korean BBQ.
Will I Return Again? One good thing about dining at Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ is the smokeless grills, so you do not end up smelling smoky after your meal. While prices are on the high side, I also feel that the service could be more polished to enhance the dining experience for patrons. It is a competitive market for Korean BBQ especially in the CBD area, and for now, I do not find any strong differentiating factor of Ajoomma from others.
This was an invited tasting, though all opinions expressed are our own.
TheRantingPanda says:
Taste bud: 4/5
Hole in the pocket: 4/5
Ambience: 3.5/5
Overall Experience: 3.5/5
Ajoomma Korean Charcoal BBQ
2 & 4 Gemmill Lane
Singapore 069247
Tel: 8789 8650
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 11am to 11pm
Ranted by The Ranter