[Review] DRIM Korean Steak House: Refined Korean Charcoal BBQ and Soulful Lunch Dishes at Mandarin Gallery

Tucked away on the second floor of Mandarin Gallery, DRIM Korean Steak House has been drawing steady tractions in Singapore’s competitive Korean dining scene, as seen from the bustling flow of diners on most days.

While it is widely known for its all-day signature Korean charcoal barbecue, where premium meats are grilled tableside by attentive staff, we were recently invited for a lunch tasting to explore the other side of their menu.

The name DRIM comes from the Korean term “deurim” (드림), which signifies the act of “presenting” with utmost respect and sincerity. It’s a philosophy that the team embraces wholeheartedly, aiming to offer a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary.

Stepping into the restaurant, you are immediately struck by the modern Hanok style interior, a contemporary adaptation of the traditional Korean wooden houses. The open concept dining space feels both chic and inviting, with sleek lines and warm wood tones. There are also more private dining sections away from the mall’s curious onlookers, making it a versatile spot for everything from business lunches to intimate dinners.

One of the standout features is the excellent ventilation system built into the tables; you can watch the sizzle and smoke of the grill without worrying about leaving with the scent of BBQ clinging to your clothes .

Our visit was focused on their lunch offerings, and while the aroma of grilling meat was tempting, we were there to delve into their non BBQ dishes. These are items that deserve just as much attention, offering a taste of Korean comfort food that is both elevated and satisfying.

The lunch menu, available from 12pm to 3pm on weekdays and 11:30am to 3pm on weekends, presents a curated selection, catering for a leisurely midday meal.

We started with the Minari Pancake with Barley Shrimp (), a limited portion item. Unlike the heavier, doughier Korean pancakes you often find, this one comes green in colour and is lighter, but still packs great flavours.

The water dropwort, or minari, lends a fresh, herbaceous note that goes well with the crispiness of the pancake. The barley shrimp, though delicate, are scattered throughout, providing little pops of savoury seafood flavour that do not overpower the vegetable.

Next up was the one the lunch menu highlights – the DRIM Signature Noodle (). Featuring 100% buckwheat noodles, the dish is dressed in a uniquely nutty and aromatic perilla seed sauce.

The flavour is wonderfully complex for this dish. It is earthy, slightly sweet, and savoury all at once. The noodles are chewy, providing a satisfying bite that stands up well to the rich sauce. They are topped with tender slices of beef heel muscle, garlic chives, spinach, perilla leaves, and a sprout, creating a medley of textures.

For something so flavourful, I was surprised by how light it felt. A vegetarian option is also available for this dish, which is a thoughtful touch.

To balance the cold noodles, we savoured a bowl of the USDA Prime GalBiTang (), another limited portion daily dish.

The menu notes that the entire process spans about two days, involving a 24 hour slow boil. The end result is a broth that is a clear, rich, deeply beefy yet clean tasting. It is not murky or overly greasy, presenting a pure, concentrated comfort dish.

Nestled in the broth is a generous short rib, so tender it practically falls off the bone with a light nudge from your spoon. Finished with spring onions, this is the definition of a hearty, nourishing dish that warms you from the inside out.

Additionally, from what I experienced, what further elevated the experience at DRIM is the sincere service, delivering what was promised with the brand’s namesake. The staff are friendly and attentive, taking the time to explain the menu and the stories behind the dishes.

If you are looking for a refined Korean dining experience along Orchard Road that goes beyond casual barbecue joints, DRIM makes a compelling option for both business lunches and unhurried weekend meals.

DRIM Korean Steak House

Address:
333A Orchard Road, #02 14, Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897

Tel: +65 9660 9964

Opening Hours:
Monday Friday: Lunch (12pm to 3pm), Dinner (6pm to 11pm, 10pm last call)
Saturday & Sunday: Lunch (11:30am to 3pm), Dinner (5pm to 11pm, 10pm last call)