HazelDiary

Korean food lovers, take note. A legendary name from Seoul’s culinary scene is making its way to Singapore. Gwanghwamun Mijin, a heritage restaurant that has been serving up traditional Korean fare since 1954, is opening its first overseas outlet at Far East Square on 22 August 2025. Known for its signature cold buckwheat noodles and an impressive run of Michelin Bib Gourmand awards ( 8 consecutive years), the brand is set to introduce Singapore diners to a slice of authentic Korean tradition.

Read more: [SG EATS] Gwanghwamun Mijin- Michelin Bib Gourmand Korean Eatery Opens First Overseas Outlet at Far East Square

At its Seoul flagship, Gwanghwamun Mijin is best known for its Makguksu — refreshing cold buckwheat noodles paired with a deeply flavorful dipping broth. It’s so popular that queues often form during peak hours, with both locals and tourists flocking to get a taste. Now, Singaporeans won’t have to fly to Korea to experience it.

The new outlet will accommodate up to 90 diners and aims to stay true to the brand’s heritage, while also offering exclusive items tailored to the local taste. Similar to its Seoul flagship, the Singapore branch will showcase its signature dishes with a few additions created specially for the Singapore market.

Here’s what you can look forward to at their first international outpost:

The Signature Buckwheat Noodles are served in elegant two-layered lacquered trays, showcasing perfectly al dente noodles. Accompanying the noodles is a chilled kettle of seafood-rich dipping broth, both prepared in South Korea and flown directly to Singapore to preserve authenticity. The hero broth is made from a blend of 14 natural ingredients including premium katsuobushi, dried anchovies, green onion, and ginger and is simmered for 8 hours, cooled for 12, and finished with a unique slush process using a specialised machine from Korea. This gives it a fine-ice texture and a refreshing, umami-packed flavour. The broth leans sweet, but you can easily balance it with the provided condiments. Condiments include grated daikon, wasabi, crispy seasoned laver, and chopped green onions.

Instead of your usual bibimbap, Gwanghwamun Mijin switches things up with their refreshing Bibim Buckwheat Noodles. This cold noodle dish features their signature chewy buckwheat noodles tossed in a vibrant house-made bibim sauce—a unique blend of fresh fruits and minced beef that’s true to the original Seoul recipe. Topped with crisp bean sprouts, lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, radish kimchi, and a half-boiled egg, it offers the same satisfying mix of textures and flavours you’d expect from bibimbap, but with a cool, tangy twist that’s perfect for Singapore’s warm weather.

A personal favourite and highly recommended, the Perilla Buckwheat Noodles with Marinated Salmon is a standout dish at Gwanghwamun Mijin. This dish with marinated salmon topping is a Singapore-exclusive. The noodles are tossed in fragrant perilla oil and perilla powder, giving them a nutty, savoury depth that’s flavourful without being overpowering. The firm, chewy texture of the buckwheat noodles pairs beautifully with the aromatic dressing, making it incredibly moreish even on its own.

The Bossam (Boiled Pork Wraps) features tender, succulent slices of pork that are perfectly boiled to retain their juiciness and delicate texture. The meat pairs wonderfully with the accompanying kimchi, which offers a crisp, refreshing contrast. However, the bossam kimchi leans towards a milder flavour profile.  We prefer a bolder kick of spice and a richer seasoning.

For meat lovers craving a hearty bite, try Gwanghwamun Mijin’s Fried Pork Cutlet. This generous slab of pork is prepared using the traditional Korean method of machine-pressing and marinated for over eight hours to achieve exceptional tenderness. The cutlet is then expertly coated through a meticulous three-step process involving egg, flour, and freshly made breadcrumbs before being fried to a crispy, golden finish. Served alongside a small portion of rice (perfect for those watching their carbs), crunchy coleslaw, and a house-made tonkatsu sauce crafted fresh in Singapore. 

Gwanghwamun Mijin’s Steamed Korean Dumplings live up to the generous reputation Korean dumplings are known for. These large, ingot-shaped parcels are filled with a hearty mix of marinated minced pork, diced spring onions, leek, garlic, and tofu, all hand-wrapped in-store and made fresh daily in limited quantities. Each dumpling is substantial, packed with a satisfying blend of pork and glass noodles. While the size and craftsmanship impress, the flavour could benefit from a bit more depth and seasoning to fully bring out the richness of the filling.

Buckwheat spring onion seafood pancake where the crispy buckwheat pancake filled with fresh spring onions and tender seafood. Golden on the outside, soft and savoury inside.

With prices kept accessible and portions generous, it looks set to be a great option for both casual lunch crowds and after-work dinner plans.

Address: Gwanghwamun Mijin@ Far East Square
47-49 Pekin Street, #01-01
Far East Square
Singapore 048779
Opening Hours: 11:00AM – 9:30PM Daily

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The iconic Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST) from Tokyo has officially landed in Singapore, opening its doors at 38 Tanjong Pagar Road (formerly Tippling Club). If the buzz from their Tokyo and Bangkok outlets is anything to go by, expect queues to form quickly – and with good reason.

Read more: [SG EATS] Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST) – Famous Tokyo Neapolitan Pizza Now in Singapore at Tanjong Pagar

Helmed by Chef Ryosuke Tanahara, a protégé of founder Tsubasa Tamaki, PST Singapore is the brand’s second overseas outpost. Backed by JAP Concepts (the same group behind Yappari Steak), PST brings its award-winning Tokyo-Neapolitan pizzas to our local dining scene. Interestingly, Chef Tamaki also mentored the Japanese chef behind Beyond The Dough, the pizzeria located at Arab Street.

PST has made waves in the global pizza scene since its debut in 2017. Not only has it been listed in the Michelin Guide Japan for four consecutive years, but it also clinched the Bib Gourmand in 2022 and 2023. On top of that, it’s a regular feature in both 50 Top Pizza World and 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific – accolades that set high expectations.

Their signature pizza style features light, crisp textures and a beautifully puffed crust. The dough is crafted from a special blend of flour, fermented for 30 hours, then baked in a wood-fired oven fueled by a mix of oak, cherry, and beech wood. It’s a perfect fusion of Tokyo and Naples, with subtle Japanese nuances in every detail. Guests can even customize the level of char and saltiness to suit their preferences.

We had the chance to check them before their official opening on 10^th June. Here is what we tried:

Tamaki (S$29.00++) – The signature tomato-based pizza, bursting with vibrant flavors and a perfectly balanced acidity that awakens the palate. The Datterini tomatoes are gently crushed to let their juicy sweetness meld seamlessly into every slice.

Bismarck (S$32.00++) – A beloved cheese-forward pizza topped with a luscious runny egg that adds a creamy richness to every bite. It features mozzarella, mushrooms, house-made salsiccia (pork sausage), pecorino romano, and a Japanese Hinata egg.

Arrabbiata (S$30.00++) – A bold, fiery creation perfect for spice lovers. Made with sweet Datterini tomatoes, housemade pork nduja, and mild Japanese garlic, the pizza is finished with local slow-dried chilli padi flakes that deliver a satisfying heat. A well-balanced tomato-forward base with a punchy local twist.

5 Formaggi (S$34.00++) – A rich, creamy delight that’s a dream come true for cheese lovers. Topped with a luxurious blend of smoked mozzarella, gorgonzola, taleggio, grana Padano, and mascarpone, it’s served with a side of acacia honey for a touch of sweetness that beautifully balances the savoury profile.

Caramelised Marinated Pumpkin in Red Wine Vinegar ($16.00++) – A starter that combines sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a decent dish, though it didn’t quite win me over.

Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (4pcs) ($18.00++) – These comforting, well-seasoned meatballs are a must-try. Highly recommended as the perfect accompaniment to your pizza order. Photo is the sampling portion and the actual dish comes with 4 pieces.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Okinawan Sea-Salt & Extra Virgin Olive Oil ($9.80++) – A unique combo that surprisingly worked, balancing sweet and savoury perfectly.

House-Made Tiramisu ($14) – Classic, no frills, and just the right finish to the meal. Taste wise still decent but not expectating a wow factor though.

PST Singapore offers a distinctive pizza experience. With its combination of Michelin pedigree, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtfully curated flavours, it’s set to be the next pizza hotspot in town. Whether you’re a pizza purist or someone looking for something new, Pizza Studio Tamaki deserves a spot on your dining radar for your recent dining options. Be sure to make your reservation before heading down.

Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST)
38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12:00PM–3:00PM | 5:00PM–11:00PM
Reservations: Click here to book your table now.

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