Kim Dae Mun is one of the few Korean food stalls in food courts that are worth their salt. Conveniently located at the food court in Concorde Hotel (previously known as Le Meridien Hotel), it is also one of the few eateries in Orchard which manage to provide tasty meals at wallet-friendly prices. Naturally, it is no wonder that this authentic Korean food stall draws snaking queues at lunchtime and dinnertime.
Potato Pancake 감자전 (Kamja Jeon)
Though a tad oily, the crisp Potato Pancake ($3.50) is pretty tasty when eaten with the tangy vinegar dip provided.
Spicy Korean Rice Cakes 떡볶이 (Ddukbokki)
While Ddukbokki is a popular street food in Korea, I'm not a fan of the soft and chewy texture of the cylindrical rice cakes. Nevertheless, this dish ($4.50) was admittedly well-executed, comprising rice cakes cooked to the right degree and gravy that was not overwhelmingly sweet or cloying. This dish is also not for those averse to spicy food, for the sweet Gochujang sauce definitely packed lots of fire.
Spicy Chicken Set
Like the other hotplate dishes served at Kim Dae Mun, the Spicy Chicken Set ($6.50) is cooked using water and not oil, making it an ideal choice for the health-conscious. Satisfying tender and well-marinated, the boneless chicken slices were spicy, but not overwhelmingly so. I also loved the sweet onion slices which took on a whole new taste dimension when simmered with sauce on the hotplate.
Every hotplate set also comes along with a bowl of fluffy and fragrant short-grain rice (served in a metal bowl!), soup, as well as a side dish. I have yet to try the spicy pickled cucumber, but I always opt for the fried anchovies over the kimchi, which lacks punch.
Every hotplate set also comes along with a bowl of fluffy and fragrant short-grain rice (served in a metal bowl!), soup, as well as a side dish. I have yet to try the spicy pickled cucumber, but I always opt for the fried anchovies over the kimchi, which lacks punch.
Kim Dae Mun Korean Cuisine
Concorde Hotel, Concorde Food Court
Opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily
Opening hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily