NAMU – Korean dining at its finest

NAMU Korean

I’m not entirely sure how but recently I seem to be ending up at Boat Quay a lot. And no, I don’t mean Harry’s or Mogambo’s. If you haven’t noticed it already, Boat Quay is slowly but surely beginning to be cool again. There’s more and more good places opening up. And I’m not just talking about Seafood. One of the first movers was l’Operetta, and then more recently the celebrated Absinthe restaurant took up residence just a few doors down. Now there’s Spiffy Dapper and plenty other great places too…

Joining these ranks is NAMU, a newly opened Korean restaurant which prides itself on being not just about BBQ, something which seems to dominate the Korean cuisine scene of Singapore.

Well worth trying are the Caramelised Chicken ($24) (shown above), Jap Che ($20) and the Jijimi platter ($16).

For something a little heartier, try the Jim Dak (Chicken pot stew) ($38). With super soft carrots, radish and onions, the chicken literally falls of the bone in a delicious, sweet sauce.

And of course no Korean meal would be complete without some Beef Bulgogi ($28 for 120gm, $46 for 240gm).

What was perhaps the biggest shocker was the 3rd floor of NAMU. One of NAMU’s owners had been telling us about their bar at the top floor and after dinner, I decided to check it out. To say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. This place is beautiful. Comfortable soft furnishings, good mood lighting, a well-stocked bar, and impressively a great balcony overlooking Marina Bay.

As for the drinks, expect a variety of old world wines, whiskies and some classic cocktails which were surprisingly decent.

NAMU offers something truly unique in the ever-changing landscape of Boat Quay, as we welcome it with open arms.


Written by The City Nomad


Founder & Director

Alex is our Chief Nomad and City Nomads founder. When not rambling his way around Singapore on discovery-mode, he likes to hang out with friends, cook, make experimental cocktails and attempt handstands during yoga.