Obongzip 오봉집 is one of those Korean brands I had seen online quite a few times before finally trying it.
It is best known for its fire-grilled spicy octopus, or nakji bokkeum. Not the usual stuff we are familiar with.
The brand started in 1987 and has grown into a large Korean chain with more than 310 stores in Korea, along with a presence in places such as Japan and Australia.
It first opened in Singapore at Tanjong Pagar, where it drew attention for its spicy octopus, bossam, grilled tteok and big sharing platters.
Then I spotted another outlet at The Star Vista, which makes it more convenient for those around Buona Vista.
The name Obongzip is tied to “Obong”, referring to five blessings: trust, hospitality, health, abundance and taste.
Better gather a few friends first, as the menu here is not built for small portions or dainty ordering.
The main signature is Fire-Grilled Spicy Octopus ($55 for 2 people) with a choice of mild, hot or extra hot spice levels.
There is also Fire-Grilled Spicy Pork & Octopus ($53 for 2 people), Fire-Grilled Spicy Pork ($50 for 2 people), Octopus Knife-Cut Noodle ($53 for 2 people), and the larger Obongzip Special Combo ($135) which brings several of the signatures together.
The single-serving sets, such as Fire-Grilled Spicy Octopus Set Menu ($28), Pork Belly Bossam Set Menu ($25), and Fire-Grilled Spicy Pork Set Menu ($25), are only available during lunch. (That last part was how my plan changed.)
I ended up with the Obongzip Special ($108) which features fire-grilled spicy octopus, boiled pork belly bossam, and a bowl of cold buckwheat noodles known as makguksu.
The set also came with a bowl of miyeok-guk seaweed soup, and several banchan served on a large metal tray.
The server said it was good for 2 people. After seeing the plates of food filling up the small table, I would say 3 people may even find this too much.
The fire-grilled spicy octopus was the obvious attention-grabber.
It came coated in a deep red sauce, with pieces of octopus, onions and vegetables.
I went for “hot” (three chillies icon), which had a sweet-spicy Korean profile, with slight smokiness and some heat which was manageable enough.
Most importantly, the octopus had a soft, tender bite and was not rubbery at all (the server could help you cut them into smaller pieces).
However, it did become slightly repetitive after a few bites.
The spicy cold buckwheat noodles, or makguksu, helped to refresh the palate after eating the hot grilled items.
Not surprisingly, the bossam was my favourite part.
The pork belly slices were tender and clean-tasting, with no strong porky taste. The fat was there, of course, but it did not feel greasy or unpleasant.
I liked it best with a touch of kimchi, garlic and ssamjang sauce.
Obongzip offers something different from the usual Korean BBQ and fried chicken options in Singapore.
It is more of a bring-friends, share-the-tray, and slowly work through the octopus, pork and noodles kind of place. Oh yah, bring an appetite too.
Obongzip 오봉집
77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088498
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5pm – 12am (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 12am (Sat – Sun)
Obongzip 오봉집
The Star Vista #01-43, 1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
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Bulgogi Syo Singapore (Suntec City)
MukJja Korean Chinese Restaurant (Novena)
O.BBa Jjajang (Tanjong Pagar)
Joong San (Stanley Street)
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