88 Pocha + BBQ at Duxton in Tanjong Pagar combines the experience of Pojangmacha with the flavourful depth of Korean BBQ.
For those unacquainted, Pojangmacha (포장마차) often referred to as a “night tent street”, is a South Korean street food dining experience.
It is characterised by its casual, laid-back ambience where people gather to enjoy food, drink, and camaraderie under large tents set up along the streets. The restaurant hopes to recreate those vibes.
If you find the name 88 Pocha + BBQ familiar, it is the sister restaurant to 88 Pocha at Holland Village and Upper Serangoon Road.
Therefore 88 Pocha + BBQ aims to provides the setting for gatherings – be it a casual catch-up among friends or a relaxed outing with colleagues after a long day.
With a wide range on the menu, the spotlight is the barbecued selections offer a smoky depth of flavour, including the Duroc Pork Set ($45.88) and Chicken Set ($45.88). Good value for its money.
Other than sets, there are ala carte options of LA Galbi, A5 Wagyu Beef Clod, Boneless Chicken Neck, Pork Belly and more.
Here’s more:
Duroc Pork Set ($45.88)
Diners are presented with an assortment of Pork Belly, Pork Jowl, accompanied by Chinese chives, watercress, and the tangy punch of kimchi.
The star here is undoubtedly the sophisticated blast-frozen Duroc pork. With a controlled rapid freezing process, the pork retains its peak freshness, locking in a juiciness that one wouldn’t typically associate with frozen meat.
The Duroc pork belly, once barbecued, reveals a melt-in-the-mouth texture that is complemented by its inherent slightly sweet and robust flavour.
I preferred the Pork Jowl, though not the most common cut found in Korean BBQs. It has a slight crispy exterior with an interesting slight-crunchy texture.
Chicken Set ($45.88)
While Pork seems to be the conventional choice for Korean BBQ, do give the Chicken Set a try (I preferred this set overall.)
This set offers a unique meat trio of Chicken Thigh, Chicken Oysters and Boneless Neck; as well as King Oyster Mushrooms and Leek.
After barbecuing, the Chicken Thigh emerges with a golden-brown sear, which gives way to succulent meat within.
The Chicken Oysters, a delicacy for those in the know, present a texture that is tender with concentrated flavour.
My favourite part was the unconventional choice of the Boneless Chicken Neck Meat. These were lean strips of flesh with a moderate amount of fat, and a hint of chewiness.
Once grilled, its skin acquired a subtle crispiness, while the inner meat retained its juiciness and tenderness.
Complete the Korean BBQ with stews such as Seafood Soft Tofu Stew ($12.88), Kimchi Stew ($12.88) or Soy Bean Stew ($12.88).
Get the Seafood Soft Tofu stew for fresh seafood cooked with silky tofu, creating a warm and comforting bowl.
Don’t miss the Korean Steamed Egg ($8.88) or “Gyeranjjim” which has a moist, cloud-like texture.
Served steaming hot, its mildness provides a comforting counterbalance to the stronger, spicy flavours of Korean cuisine.
Diving into the “Pocha” side of the menu, there are four tiers of A, B, C, and D – priced at $12.88, $16.88, $19.88, and $29.88 respectively.
In the sharing category of A ($12.88 each), dishes like Tteokbokki, Corn Cheese Spicy Ramyeon, Truffle Jjajang Ramyeon, and Bacon Kimchi Fried Rice are recommended.
For those with a penchant for heartier fare, go for the D ($29.88 each) options.
The Korean Fried Chicken is an obvious crowd-pleaser with its crispy exterior and succulent meat, while the Spicy Cheese Dakgalbi or Spicy Chicken Feet with Rice Ball provides a bold mix of flavours.
It is the Oden Soup ($19.88) that deserves a special mention.
Presented in a nickel kettle over a flame, the soup remains invitingly warm throughout the meal, with soft Korean fish cakes with tender daikon radish.
A place to have Korean BBQ with a selection of popular street food and refreshing beverages that complement them, this restaurant does have that chillax vibes.
88 Pocha + BBQ
17 Duxton Road Singapore 089483 (Tanjong Pagar MRT Station)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
88 Pocha – Holland Village
26A Lor Mambong Singapore 277685 (Holland Village)
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 12am (Mon – Fri), 11:30am – 12am (Sat – Sun)
88 Pocha – Serangoon
957 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534717
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5:30pm – 12am (Mon – Sun)
88 Seoul BBQ
68 Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 555964
Opening Hours: 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 11pm (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
88 K Town (Bugis Junction)
Kimchi Jib Express (Holland Village)
88 Pocha (Holland Village)
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with 88 Pocha + BBQ.
