In the fast-paced food haven that is Singapore, where new cafes pop up and Michelin-starred eateries keep raising the bar, Kim Dae Mun Korean Food continues to draw steady queues year after year. Located in the basement of Concorde Hotel & Shopping Mall along Orchard Road, this no-frills Korean eatery is proof that great food doesn’t need to come with a hefty price tag.
Known for its authentic flavors, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices, Kim Dae Mun has become a staple for students, office workers, and Korean food lovers alike. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Kim Dae Mun’s popular menu, what to order, and why it continues to be one of the best-value Korean restaurants in Singapore.
Introduction: What Is Kim Dae Mun?
Kim Dae Mun is a casual Korean eatery that’s been serving up authentic home-style Korean food in Singapore since the early 2000s. Unlike Korean BBQ chains or premium restaurants, Kim Dae Mun focuses on classic, comfort-food style dishes — think stews, grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, and rice sets.
The eatery has no elaborate decor, just an open-kitchen concept, a self-service counter, and tables arranged in a canteen-style layout. Despite its modest setting, the food is freshly cooked to order, consistently delicious, and incredibly satisfying.
Location & Accessibility
You can find Kim Dae Mun at
100 Orchard Road, #B1-20C, Concorde Hotel and Shopping Mall, Singapore 238840
- Nearest MRTs: Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1) and Somerset (NS23)
- Walking Distance: About 6–8 minutes from each MRT
- Opening Hours: Typically from 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM, closed on certain public holidays
Despite its Orchard Road address, the restaurant remains affordable, making it a top choice for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank.
The Kim Dae Mun Menu – Highlights and Signature Dishes
The menu at Kim Dae Mun is straightforward, focusing on beloved Korean dishes that cater to a variety of palates — whether you’re into spicy stews or prefer milder grilled meats.
Here are the standout categories and must-try dishes:
Korean BBQ (Grilled Meats)
- Spicy Pork ($8.50): Thin slices of marinated pork stir-fried with spicy gochujang sauce and onions. Smoky, tender, and loaded with flavor.
- BBQ Chicken ($8.50): Slightly sweet, tender grilled chicken with a caramelized edge.
- Beef Bulgogi ($9.50): Classic marinated beef stir-fried to perfection, rich in soy-sesame flavor.
Each BBQ set comes with a generous portion of meat, a side salad with Korean dressing, and a mound of white rice.
Korean Stews
- Kimchi Soup ($7.50): A spicy, tangy broth filled with tofu, pork slices, kimchi, and vegetables.
- Soft Tofu Stew ($7.50): Silky tofu in a bubbling hot, spicy soup with egg and seafood.
- Seaweed Soup ($7.50): Mild and comforting, often underrated but great for those who want something lighter.
Egg Dishes
- Korean Pancake (Pajeon) ($6.50): A pan-fried savory pancake with chives, egg, and sometimes seafood.
- Fried Egg Side ($1.00): You can add it on top of any meal — sunny-side up perfection.
Vegetable & Healthy Options
- Stir-Fried Vegetables ($6.50): Lightly seasoned with garlic and sesame oil, a wholesome side or light main.
- Bibimbap ($8.00): A colorful bowl of rice, vegetables, minced beef, egg, and gochujang — mix it up for a medley of textures and flavors.
Rice & Noodles
- Kimchi Fried Rice ($7.00): Wok-fried rice with bits of kimchi, vegetables, and egg — spicy, tangy, and satisfying.
- Ramen Soup ($6.50): Instant noodles cooked Korean-style with egg and optional toppings.
Portion Size, Value & Affordability
One of Kim Dae Mun’s biggest selling points is its value-for-money proposition.
For under $10, you get a full meal with rice, sides, and protein — cheaper than most Orchard Road eateries, yet with generous servings. Most dishes can easily fill you up without needing to add extras.
Compared to high-end Korean restaurants charging $20+ for a similar main, Kim Dae Mun makes authentic Korean cuisine accessible to all — especially students and young professionals.
Dining Experience: No-Frills, All Flavor
Don’t expect polished tables and mood lighting here. The dining area is functional and can get quite packed during lunch and dinner rush — but it’s clean, fast, and efficient.
Here’s what to expect
- Order at the counter, pay upfront
- You’ll be given a buzzer or queue number
- Collect your food when it’s ready (usually within 5–10 minutes)
- Return trays after your meal
It’s more like a canteen-style diner, but the flavors make it all worth it. The smells from the kitchen alone are enough to make you hungry again.
Customer Reviews & Popularity
Kim Dae Mun has developed a cult following thanks to its consistency, authenticity, and unbeatable prices. Reviews on Google, Burpple, and Reddit consistently highlight:
What People Love:
- “Authentic taste, just like in Seoul.”
- “The spicy pork is addictive — I come here weekly!”
- “No GST, no service charge — and portions are huge.”
- “Fast service, hot food, great value.”
What Some People Mention:
- “Long queues at peak hours.”
- “Limited seating during lunch rush.”
- “No Korean side dishes (banchan) like kimchi served free.”
Despite these minor downsides, most agree: Kim Dae Mun is a hidden gem, especially for Korean food lovers on a budget.
How Does It Compare to Other Korean Spots in Singapore?
When compared to Korean food courts, casual bistros, and BBQ joints in Singapore, Kim Dae Mun holds its own in several areas:
| Feature | Kim Dae Mun | Casual Korean Bistros | Korean BBQ Chains |
| Price | 💲 Very Affordable | 💲💲 Moderate | 💲💲💲 Expensive |
| Authenticity | ✅ Home-style Korean | ✅ Variable | ✅ BBQ-focused |
| Dining Style | Fast casual, self-serve | Sit-down | Grill-at-table |
| Speed & Convenience | Fast service | Moderate | Slow (due to grilling) |
| Great for solo diners? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not ideal |
Kim Dae Mun is ideal for a quick, solo, or budget-friendly Korean meal without sacrificing taste or portion size.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for authentic, affordable Korean cuisine in the heart of Singapore’s shopping belt, Kim Dae Mun should be at the top of your list. It’s not fancy, but it’s fast, filling, and full of flavor — the kind of place where one visit often leads to many more.
Whether you’re grabbing a solo lunch, having a low-key dinner date, or just want a taste of Seoul without the airfare, Kim Dae Mun delivers in all the ways that matter.
FAQs
1. Is Kim Dae Mun halal-certified?
No, Kim Dae Mun is not halal-certified, as several dishes contain pork and are not prepared according to halal guidelines.
2. Do they accept credit cards or only cash?
Kim Dae Mun accepts cash, NETS, and major credit cards. Some mobile payment options like PayLah or PayNow may also be available depending on the current setup.
3. Can I make reservations?
No, reservations are not accepted. It’s strictly walk-in, first-come-first-served, which is why visiting outside of peak hours (e.g., 2–5 PM) is recommended.
4. Is takeaway available?
Yes! Kim Dae Mun offers takeaway for all menu items, and food is packed neatly in containers with sauces separate to prevent sogginess.
5. Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. You can try the stir-fried vegetables, bibimbap (without meat), seaweed soup, or pajeon. However, as the kitchen is not vegetarian-exclusive, cross-contamination may occur.
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