In search for tasty Muslim-friendly Korean food?
Korean food is normally not so easily associated with being Halal. Some commonly found ingredients are not quite Muslim-friendly, and not many cafes are able to configure their menu for this very purpose.
Now, look no further than Meokja 먹자 by JUNGGA (which means “let’s eat”), that does exactly what is sorely missing: proper authentic Korean fare with only permissible Halal ingredients.
The concept came about because the owner, Jung Sang Woo, is a Korean Muslim revert. In fact, he converted to Islam after he arrived in Singapore and soaked in the culture.
Meokja began as a home-based business, which was apparently rather popular online. Later, building on the loyal customer base, the business transformed into a sit-down space for a fuller experience.
The Korean eatery can be found in the GR.iD mall near Dhoby Ghaut.
It is still a relatively new mall that opened without much fanfare, although it is easily recognisable with its futuristic and cyberpunk-like design and layout.
Quite popular with youths who are studying in the vicinity as well.
The items on the menu is considered lean for now, with JjaJang Myeon ($12), JjaJang Bap ($12) which is the rice version, JjamPpong ($14), Tang Su Yuk ($14), Bibim Guksu ($9), Bulgogi ($15.50), and Kimchi Jeon ($7) aka Pancake.
The Jjajangmyeon ($12) is a quintessential Korean-Chinese dish that is done by many other Korean eateries as it is gaining popularity in Singapore.
Supposedly, this is also the dish that first brought Meokja to fame.
The black bean sauce coating the noodles was more sweet than savoury.
What I enjoyed was that it came piping hot with soft chewy noodles, though I would personally wish for a thicker sauce. Still not bad.
The Jjamppong ($14) is another recommendation of which is all about springy noodles in a spicy seafood soup.
Considerably generous with the amount of seafood given the price, but would have wished the soup base to be slightly more layered.
To complete the menu, there is a Tang Su Yuk ($14), which is a dish of battered fried chicken with a sweet and sour sauce. You can choose to pour the sauce over, or use it as a dip.
The crispy tender chicken pieces would appeal to those looking for an addictive bite.
I just wondered about the sauce (with components from the typical fruit cocktail) which was towards the sweet-fruity sauce, and would help if there was more of that sour-tanginess to balance the flavours.
There are some little bites that you can get to go with the mains.
This includes the popular street food Tteokbokki ($9), being chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce. Other familiar favourites such as the Eomuk Tang ($7) and Yangnyeom Chicken ($7.50) are available too.
Although Meokja can be unassuming, it is the place to be if you are ever looking for some Muslim-friendly Korean food.
Meokja by JUNGGA
GR.iD #02-03, 1 Selegie Road, Singapore 188306
Opening Hours: 10:30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Tues, Thurs – Sun), Closed Wed
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* Written by Daniel Ang & Dean Ang. Follow @DanielFoodDiary on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube for more food news, food videos and travel highlights. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
