[Review] GOCHU Singapore: A Smoky, Cave-Style Korean BBQ Hideout at Orchid Country Club

Tucked away within the private enclave of the Orchid Country Club lies GOCHU, a novelty dining destination in Singapore that pay homage to the Korean chili pepper. The interior of the restaurant is decked with natural stone walls and panoramic glass windows framing lush greenery, creating a surreal, nature-infused sanctuary.

One of the key highlights at GOCHU is its use of premium oakwood fire, a method cherished in Korea for the deep, smoky character it imparts. You can witness the culinary magic of the oakwood fire grill through the open kitchen.

During a recent lunch tasting over the weekend, we were delighted with the Grilled Pork Ribs ($62 for a half-slab) to start off our culinary adventure at GOCHU.

We sampled both the Spicy and Sweet & Savory versions. The ribs are first slow-cooked to a state of profound tenderness before getting a final fire-sear over oakwood. Served on a smokeless grill tableside, the experience is both theatrical and aromatic.

Tearing into the meat by hand, as recommended, revealed juicy, flavour-packed flesh with a subtle, sophisticated smokiness that charcoal or gas simply cannot replicate. Love this and it was our favourite menu items.

Beyond the stellar BBQ, another interesting must-try menu item is the Big Crispy Chili with Special Spicy Sauce ($14). This is not as intimdating as the name suggests and the heat level is manageable, about the same level as that of a McDonald’s McSpicy.

The dish features a golden-fried giant chili generously stuffed with seasoned minced pork and tofu, then elegantly paired with tzatziki and a special spicy sauce. It is a delightful play of textures and temperatures, with the cool yogurt balancing the gentle heat perfectly.

We also started with the Potato Pancake with Parmesan Cheese ($14), a golden and crispy pancake given a savoury, umami lift from the generous cheesy topping.

Another menu highlight was the Pork Rib Kimchi Jjim ($78, serves 2-3), a sharing dish of fall-off-the-bone pork ribs stewed for hours with aged, tangy kimchi. The result is a rich, deeply savoury, and slightly pungent dish that is incredibly comforting.

For individual diners or those who prefer individual portions, the Black Soy Cold Noodle ($22) is an excellent choice that is light, healthy and authentic. The noodles, made from freshly milled buckwheat, are bathed in a creamy, nutty black soybean broth that is both refreshing and satisfying, a perfect antidote to Singapore’s humidity.

If you prefer something hot, the Galbitang Bansang ($30) offered a different kind of comfort, featuring a clear, profoundly beefy broth simmered for 24 hours alongside a complete set of banchan. Love the broth and we finished it to the very last drop.

To complement the robust flavours, GOCHU’s Korean-inspired highballs are great sidekicks. The Ginseng Highball ($14), crafted with fresh Korean ginseng, offers an earthy, aromatic depth that is strangely revitalising. In contrast, the Bokbunja Highball ($14), made with Korean black raspberry, is a sweet-tart and vibrant concoction that pairs wonderfully with the rich meats.

For diners in Singapore looking for something a little different, especially if you like Korean fire-smoke, depth of flavour and an ambiance that leans sanctuary rather than buzz, GOCHU is worth putting on your list.

Overall, the food was good and the ambiance is interesting. Note that it is located just by the golf range at Orchid Country Club. While not easily accesible by public transport, for those who drive, there is ample free parking for GOCHU guests. The restaurant is just a short walk from Orchid Country Club’s guests car park. GOCHU is likely aware of it’s more out-of-the-way location and hence the need to brand itself differently with the cave concept and positition itself as a novelty destination dining rather than a restaurant.

Judging from the bustling crowd when we visited on a Saturday afternoon, it has succeeded in creating the hype and buzz it needs. So much so it does not accept reservations and also caters for walk-ins.

GOCHU is located at 1 Orchid Club Rd, Golf Driving Range, Singapore 769162.

It is open Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm, and from 11am to 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays.