Your guide to finding the best samgyetang in Singapore today

Despite the recent cold, rainy weather in Singapore, the island is still relatively hot. And while ice cream sounds like the best thing you can eat to cool down, might we suggest something else: samgyetang.

While it might sound counterintuitive, this piping hot bowl of ginseng chicken soup is probably one of the most popular dishes to order in Korea during summer. In Korea, the tradition of having samgyetang in the summer is based on the philosophy ‘iyeol chiyeol’, translated to mean ‘fight heat with heat’. Enjoying these warm dishes in the summer helps balance the body’s internal and external heat, resulting in feeling refreshed and energised after.

Evolved from ancient Korean medicinal broths, samgyetang was popular back in the Joseon era for providing strength as the broth was made with milkvetch root, which is believed to boost immunity. Over the years, the simple chicken broth has transformed to the form we know today — the nourishing dish features a small tender chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and bathed in an aromatic broth of ginseng, garlic and dates. Various restaurants have also begun dreaming up their own interpretations of this bowl, with the addition of truffles, perilla seeds and spicy chilli pepper.

In Singapore, samgyetang is growing in popularity, especially with the latest opening of samgyetang speciality restaurants Modu and Bomul Samgyetang, which continue to see snaking queues. If you’ve also joined in on the samgyetang craze, we share some of the best Korean restaurants to visit for a comforting bowl of samgyetang in Singapore.

(Hero image credit: Modu Samgyetang Specialty Korean Restaurant / Facebook)

Where to find the best samgyetang in Singapore

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The first Korean samgyetang specialty restaurant in Singapore, Modu offers six different premium ginseng chicken soup varieties. Here, its samgyetang uses organic young chicken that’s rich in amino acids, while its broth is made with a blend of ginseng, jujube, ginger and garlic.

For a classic, go for the Collagen Herbal Samgyetang (S$35), which features chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and bathed in a fragrant broth. The Perilla Seed (S$38) is another signature that’s complete with an earthier and nuttier broth, thanks to the addition of toasty perilla seeds.

Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm

(Image credit: Modu Samgyetang Specialty / Facebook)

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Bomul’s hearty samgyetang bowls are nourishing and flavourful. Each bowl features organic spring chicken that’s tender and chewy, and come bathed in a broth made from 18 curated herbs.

On the menu, find an extensive selection of samgyetang — go for the Collagen (S$29) that’s infused with the restaurant’s homemade blend of nourishing herbs or opt for the Restorative (S$38) for an earthy broth thanks to the addition of black tiger palm mushrooms. Beyond this traditional dish, find samgyejuk, the porridge version of samgyetang. The Maesaengi Abalone (S$29) is a comforting bowl brimming with fresh abalone and seaweed.

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm 
Friday to Sunday, 11am – 10pm

(Image credit: Bomul Samgyetang / Facebook)

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The sister brand of popular samgyetang restaurant Modu, Song Gye Ok is known for its chicken specialty cuts. Beyond Korean barbecue, you’ll also find hearty bowls of samgyetang, only available during lunch. Pick from its selection of comforting herbal chicken soup, including the Truffle Samgyetang (S$34). This fragrant bowl sees a whole tender chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and jujube. It’s bathed in a creamy and aromatic truffle broth that’s complete with ginseng root, chives and truffle.

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm
Friday to Saturday, 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm

(Image credit: Song Gye Ok / Facebook)

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Visit this charming restaurant for traditional Korean fare. Along with classic dishes like seafood pancake, bossam (boiled pork belly wrapped in cabbage) and kimchi stew, the restaurant also serves up a rich and hearty bowl of samgyetang. Its Samgyetang (S$25) features tender spring chicken filled with soft glutinous rice. Each bowl is fragrant thanks to the addition of dates and chestnut.

Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am – 1am

(Image credit: Todamgol / Facebook)

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If a regular serving of this ginseng chicken soup is too much, consider heading to Hansang for its samgyetang instead. Along with a full portion, this Korean restaurant also serves up its Samgyetang (from S$18.80) in half and quarter portions. Its chicken is naturally sweet and plump, and stuffed with soft and chewy glutinous rice. Pair the soothing dish with a serving of Jabchae (S$17.80) and Steam Egg (S$12.80).

Opening hours: Daily, 11:30am – 10pm

(Image credit: @Hansang_korean / Instagram)

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This popular Korean fried chicken joint offers more than fried chicken. Balance the meal with a serving of its Samgyetang (S$26) which sees chicken that has been slow-cooked until beautifully fork-tender. It’s served in a hearty and aromatic broth filled with traditional herbs. Beyond chicken dishes, the joint also offers a selection of bibimbap, pork dumplings, marinated short ribs and more.

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 1am

(Image credit: @Kkokkonara / Instagram)