If you are hankering for Korean-Chinese fare, O.BBa Jjajang at 77 Tanjong Pagar is a popular K-eatery where you can enjoy cuisine in the likes of Jajangmyeon, Jjamppong and Tangsuyuk at the same time.
(Also read: 12 Jajangmyeon In Singapore and 10 Must-Have Jjamppong In Singapore)
Good news for friends in the North: the O.BBa group has opened an O.BBa Jjajang Express kiosk located within the Koufu HQ food court at Woodlands Height.
The Koufu HQ food court stall serves up Korean-Chinese favourites including Jajang Bab ($8.50) which is black bean sauce with rice, ($8.50) Jajangmyeon with Egg ($8.50), Jjamppong Rice ($9.90), Jjamppong with Egg ($10.90), Jjammppong ($9.90), and Tangsuyuk ($13).
There are also other K-items of Kimchi Fried Rice ($8), Kimchi Fried Rice with Egg ($9), Korean Ramen ($6.50), and Cheese Ramen ($7.50).
These are along sides of Pork Dumplings ($2.50 for 2 pcs), Kimchi Dumplings ($2.50 for 2 pcs), Fried Pork Dumpling ($3.50 for 3 pcs), and Galbi Dumplings ($3 for 2 pcs).
Noted that while prices are more affordable than at the restaurants, they seem a little higher for a Koufu food court.
Over at the Tanjong Pagar outlet, most would get a set with Jajangmyeon, Jjamppong or Seafood Udon, and Tangsuyuk, priced at $50 good for 2 diners.
The recommended dishes at O.BBa Jjajang include:
Jajangmyeon ($13, $14 with fried egg)
Known for its distinct black-coloured sauce, this Jjajangmyeon is made of yellow handmade noodles that are smooth, chewy and springy.
It is served with diced pork, vegetables, and topped with chujang, thick black bean sauce made from roasted soy beans and caramelised onions.
I think O.BBa Jjajang serves one of the best Jajangmyeon in Singapore. The sauce has a starchy texture but not too grainy and a slightly sweet-earthy taste.
If you like saucy dishes, the generous sauce-to-noodle ratio makes this a treat. But it is best to mix the noodles and sauce and eat right away as the noodles tend to stick together if left there for a while.
GoChu Jajangmyeon ($14)
Have a taste of Jajangmyeon’s sassy spicy sibling, GoChu Jajangmyeon. Providing heat to this dish is the essential Korean chilli powder aka gochugaru, made with ground sun-dried chili peppers.
Though not in the high-altitude range of spice meters, the gochugaru adds a pleasant medium heat and a slightly smoky flavour.
Slices of fresh red and green chilies are added alongside the gochugaru topping. Its vibrant colours pop out from the blanket of black chujang sauce over the handmade noodles.
Jjamppong ($18)
This spicy seafood Chinese-style noodle dish features a chockful of ingredients, from the freshest veggies to a miscellany of seafood. Includes shrimps, mussels, clams, and squid.
You will notice a smoky flavour, which comes from the wok-fried cooking technique in high heat. In swift motion, the flames quickly touch the tossed stir-fried veggies and seafood.
Cooked in a fiery pork-based broth (though not the numbing kind) with wok-hei.
Be mindful of the serving size – this bowl is huge. Large enough for sharing actually.
There is a Chadol Jjamppong version which includes chadol or beef brisket; or Budae Jjamppong which has army stew elements.
Tangsuyuk ($30 onwards)
Tangsuyuk is another beloved Korean-Chinese dish, much like the Shandong-original jjajangmyeon. Available in 3 sizes, this dish is ideal as an appetiser for sharing.
Bite-sized cuts of pork are seasoned with pepper and marinated in soy sauce, then tossed in a potato starch batter before deep-frying.
The pork crust turns slightly chewy yet crispy. Served alongside a small pitcher of a delightfully sweet and tangy sauce, a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and even some carrots, onions, and cucumber, and wood ear mushroom.
Before eating, pour sauce generously onto the fried pork and let the meats’ crunchy exterior soak up all the sweet and sour sauce.
Cheese HaeMulPaJeon ($30)
The traditional Korean pancake haemul pajeon made from a batter of mixed seafood and spring onions takes on a cheesy spin.
Served topped with melted mozzarella cheese, the crisp-on-the edge soft-centred pancake turns pizza-like as you get that satisfying cheese pull on each slice.
There are also Haemul Pajeon Seafood Spring Onion Pancake ($27), Kimchijeon Kimchi Pancake ($24), and Cheese Kimchi Pancake ($27).
Kkanpunyuk ($30)
Also on O.BBa’s menu for a seasonal period is is Kkanpunyuk, a deep-fried pork dish in a hot pepper sauce. Because of its fried and spicy flavours, it is ideal as anju or bar chow.
It is made with bite-sized pieces pork, combined with sliced lotus root, and diced red and green chili peppers.
My favourite part was the crunchy and mildly sweet lotus root which adds a slightly nutty flavour to the dish and a pleasant texture.
O.BBa Jjajang
77 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088498
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon, Wed – Fri), 11:30am – 3:30pm, 5pm – 10pm (Sat – Sun), Closed Tues
O.BBa Jjajang Express
Koufu HQ Foodcourt Stall #02, 1 Woodlands Height #01-01, Singapore 737859
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm, 5pm – 8pm (Mon, Wed – Sun), Closed Tues
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