If you've walked past MODU at The Exchange TRX, you've probably seen the queue. On a busy day, people even wait up to two hours for a bowl of Samgyetang (Korean chicken soup).
Now the restaurant often called the "Hermès of Samgyetang" has landed at 1 Utama Shopping Centre with its biggest outlet yet. And to mark the opening, it's giving you a very good reason to bring Mum and Dad along!
Two Bowls In, One Grilled Chicken Free!
The idea behind the promo is a sweet one. Samgyetang has always been a dish slow-cooked for the people you love, so MODU 1 Utama is inviting you to share a warm bowl with your parents this month.
Here's how it works:
- Show the campaign post from @modu.malaysia on Instagram to the staff when ordering
- For every 2 Samgyetang ordered, get 1 Gamasot Grilled Chicken free
- Valid from 2 to 30 November 2026, only at MODU 1 Utama
Do the maths: a family of four ordering four bowls walks away with two free grilled chickens. Full terms and conditions are on MODU Malaysia's Instagram, so check them before heading over.
Why Do People Queue Two Hours for Soup?
Samgyetang is a Korean ginseng chicken soup: a whole young chicken simmered with ginseng and herbs until it's fall-off-the-bone tender. In Korea, it's the dish people turn to when they need a pick-me-up.
MODU doesn't rush it. Every bowl starts with a 12-hour bone broth. Organic chicken and premium ingredients then slow-cook in it for another two hours.
That patience has paid off. Malaysian media named MODU the country's first premium samgyetang specialty restaurant, and it has also been featured by Tatler Asia, Eatbook and Time Out Singapore.
What to Expect at 1 Utama
The new outlet mixes fresh additions with MODU favourites. Here are four reasons to make the trip.
1. A kitchen you can actually watch. The new showcase kitchen puts the broth bubbling and the chicken being prepared and smoked in full view, even from the waiting area. If there's a queue, at least there's a show.
2. Gamasot Grilled Chicken. This is new on the menu, and it's the same chicken you get free with the promo. It's gently smoked for flavour and tenderness, and made to pair with a bowl of samgyetang for a proper Korean chicken feast.
3. Truffle and Abalone Samgyetang. The outlet serves eight samgyetang flavours in total, including two premium bowls topped with truffle or abalone. Planning a birthday dinner or a "thank you, Ma" treat? These are the ones to order.
4. A 100-seat modern Hanok. It's MODU's biggest space yet, inspired by traditional Korean homes. Think warm wood, paper lanterns and a signature rustic wooden counter.
Beyond the Samgyetang
The soup is the star, but the rest of the menu deserves a look too.
- Eight samgyetang flavours (RM52 to RM89). Start with the classic Hanbang (RM52), or try MODU's signature Perilla Seed (RM58), a creamy, nutty bowl. Spice lovers can go for Spicy Herbal (RM56), while Youthful (RM56) comes with extra jujube. Black Garlic and Black Chicken are RM64 each, and the premium Truffle and Abalone bowls are RM89.
- Handmade kalguksu (RM34 to RM36). Not in the mood for a whole chicken? These chewy handmade noodles come in three of MODU's broths: Hanbang, Spicy Herbal and Perilla Seed.
- Shareable sides (RM18 to RM24). Corn Fries, Bibim Cold Noodle, a Tofu Trio Platter, Chicken Gizzard Popcorn, a crispy Water Parsley Pancake with dried shrimp, and a Potato Pancake topped with Parmesan and truffle mayo.
- Korean teas (RM13 to RM15). Sunchoke, Bellflower, Ginger, Jujube and Jeju Hanrabong. A comforting pick for parents who prefer something warm over a soft drink.
- 2-Gather set for two (RM175). Appetisers and a pot of tea, any two samgyetang, one shareable dish and a seasonal dessert. Truffle or Abalone can be swapped in for RM10 more per bowl. An easy choice for couples, or for treating Mum and Dad.
Before You Go
- Where: Lot LG 602, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Petaling Jaya
- Hours: Daily, 11am to 10pm
- Promo: Buy 2 Samgyetang, get 1 Gamasot Grilled Chicken free (until 30 November 2026)
- Good to know: Minimum one food item per guest. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 6% SST
The queues at TRX proved Malaysians will happily wait for a good bowl of soup. At 1 Utama, the wait comes with a free grilled chicken, and the perfect excuse to sit down with the people who first taught you to finish your food.