[Review] Gamtan Brings Singapore’s Only King Galbi – A Royal Feast for Korean BBQ Lovers

Gamtan Korean Cuisine, a recent addition to Singapore’s vibrant culinary scene, offers diners an authentic Korean barbecue experience with exclusive cuts like the King Galbi.

Located at 132 Telok Ayer Street, this Korean-owned establishment is helmed by a seasoned butcher and chef duo with over 15 years of combined experience. The head butcher previously worked at a renowned barbecue restaurant in Korea known for its artisan meats and long queues.

We were invited to a lunch tasting last week and tried their signature The King’s Feast. Priced at $228 for 3 to 4 pax, this set features King Galbi (500g), Bone Galbi (500g), Beef Tartare, Naengmyun (Cold Noodles, Spicy/Non-Spicy) and Soybean Stew.

The highlight was undoubtedly the King Galbi ($54 for 250g, minimum 2 pax), a rare USDA Prime rib cut, with only six pieces available per cow.

This exclusive cut is meticulously prepared using a unique butchery technique that butterflies the ribs to expose the bone. The meat is then scored to absorb a secret house-made marinade comprising premium ingredients and fruits, enhancing its natural flavours.

Marinated for at least six hours daily, the King Galbi is grilled to perfection, resulting in beautifully marbled, tender, and flavoursome meat.

Watching the expert server from Gamtan cooked the King Galbi cut was a feast for the eyes to whet the appetite:

Due to its exclusivity, only 20 pieces are available each day, making it a must-try for barbecue aficionados.

The flavour is natural, robust and the meat absorbed the marinade very well. It is so good you can eat it on it’s own or just apply very light additional seasoning.

To elevate the dining experience, Gamtan pairs its meats with four delicacies:

Maldon Salt: A premium salt brand certified by the British Royal Family, known for its delicate crunch and refined, mild saltiness.

Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil: An omega-3 rich oil produced at a low temperature of 17°C without roasting, preserving its nutrients and offering a unique flavor profile.

Herring Roe Salted Fish: A top-quality, nutrient-rich Korean delicacy that serves as a savory and textural companion for meat dishes.

3-Year Aged Plum Extract: A robust and aromatic extract made from native yellow plums, naturally fermented and aged for three years without additives, enhancing the taste of Gamtan’s marinades.

For those who like your meat to be strongly flavoured, Gamtam offers a variety of four dips tableside for you to enhance the seasoning as you like:

The set also comes with several accompanying dishes to ensure everyone leaves with a full belly.

We particularly enjoyed Gamtan’s version of Beef Tartare which comes served with nacho chips and dip, delivering both sweet and savoury notes.

For big eaters, the cold noodles and stew should fill you up if you need to load up on carbs.

Beyond its barbecue offerings, Gamtan is one of the few establishments in Singapore serving Sotbap with Cha, a traditional Korean claypot rice infused with premium tea.

This comforting dish is crafted from a recipe perfected over two years at a renowned Sotbap restaurant in Korea. Diners can choose from various protein options, including Steak, Pork, Eel, Domi (Sea Bream), Abalone, and Mushroom.

We tried the sea bream version and found it most enjoyable when eaten like a soupy porridge with the tea poured into the rice.

Overall, the quality of the BBQ meat was top-notch at Gamtan. We recommend going for their King Galbi options to savour their signature. The prices are reasonable for the quality.

Set Menus and Promotions

Gamtan offers a variety of set menus to satisfy meat lovers:

The King’s Delight: Priced at 8 for 2-3 pax, this set features King Galbi (500g), Beef Tartare, Naengmyun (Cold Noodles, Spicy/Non-Spicy), and Soybean Stew.

The King’s Feast: At 8 for 3-4 pax, this set includes all items from The King’s Delight, with an additional Bone Galbi (500g).

Axe Belly Delight: For , this set for 2-3 pax includes Axe Belly (250g), Flower Belly (180g), Moksal (180g), and Soybean Stew.

Pork Belly Favorites: Priced at 8 for 3-4 pax, this set offers all items from the Axe Belly Delight, with an additional Marinated Moksal dish.

For March 2025, diners can enjoy a complimentary dish when ordering any set.

Choices include Jjagyechi—a Korean comfort food combining jjajangmyeon (black bean paste noodles) with a boiled egg and cheese—or Gamtan Noodles, a house specialty featuring noodles stir-fried in a bold, spicy, creamy sauce with succulent prawns.

Additionally, guests celebrating their birthday during the month can present identification to receive a free portion of Truffle Gamjajun (4pcs) worth .80.

Wine enthusiasts can also bring their own wine with no corkage fee for up to two bottles, provided they order a signature set (for 2 pax) or two dishes per person.

Gamtan Korean Cuisine

Address:
132 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068599

Tel:
+65 8349 0391

Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 11:30AM- 3PM and 5PM – 10:30PM