[Review] SAM SAM SAM 삼삼삼 Brings Samgyetang Backed By Traditional Medicine And Korean Wellness Dining To Novena

Samgyetang or Korean ginseng chicken soup has become an increasingly familiar sight on Singapore’s Korean dining scene, with SAM SAM SAM 삼삼삼 being one of the latest additions. The restaurant at Velocity @ Novena Square seeks to take a different approach to the traditional ginseng chicken soup, combining samgyetang with ideas drawn from traditional Korean wellness culture, allowing diners to choose our soup based on how we feel on the day.

The concept starts before the food arrives. Diners can go through a short wellness diagnostic called “Discover Your Nourishing Energy”, which will guide us towards different samgyetang variations based on our intended focus, from general nourishment and circulation support to warmth and immunity. The formulations are said to be developed in consultation with licensed Traditional Korean Medicine doctors, with herbs sourced from Korea according to the restaurant’s specifications.

The restaurant itself follows the concept closely. Its interior takes inspiration from Korean herbal medicine shops, with wooden medicine drawers, ceramic vessels and dried herbs, while retro references to 1980s and 1990s Korean sports culture add a more playful touch.

We started our meal with the Jujube Ade (S$6), a simple and refreshing drink with a naturally sweet jujube flavour. It worked well as an opening drink, especially alongside the more herbal and savoury flavours that followed.

For the main course, we tried the No. 05 Immunity Black samgyetang (S$32). The broth is built around slow-aged black garlic, which gives it a darker appearance and a deeper savoury profile.

There is a noticeable sweetness from the black garlic underneath the savouriness, giving the soup more layers without making it excessively rich.

The chicken was tender and substantial, while the glutinous rice inside added enough body to make this a filling meal. Clearly, this is the highlight here.

We also had the Nourishing Perilla Kalguksu (S$27), a bowl of hand-pulled noodles served in a creamy broth enriched with finely ground perilla seeds.

The broth has a noticeably thicker texture and a nutty, earthy quality from the perilla. The noodles themselves provide a pleasant contrast with their chewy texture. This is a more substantial and creamy bowl compared with the clearer samgyetang broth.

This is much heavier in both taste and portion, perfect for bigger eaters or those who prefer something more robust.

Next, the Abalone Porridge (S$25) offered something gentler.

It came in a generous portion with a comforting consistency, making it an easy choice for those looking for a softer and less intensely flavoured dish.

The abalone adds a subtle seafood savouriness without overwhelming the porridge.

One of the more unusual dishes we tried was the Fried Fresh Ginseng (S$18), which comes with whole ginseng that are fried until golden and crisp.

The crisp exterior makes it easier to approach than eating fresh ginseng on its own, although the characteristic earthy bitterness remains. Best enjoyed by dipping them into the accompanying honey and seasoning powder.

The Market-Style Tofu & Kimchi (S$12) was another straightforward but satisfying side.

Warm tofu is paired with savoury stir-fried kimchi, creating a combination that works because of the contrast between the soft, mild tofu and the stronger fermented and spicy flavours of the kimchi. The dish does not need much embellishment and works nicely as something to share alongside the soup and noodles.

What makes SAM SAM SAM interesting is that it’s thematic approach brings the wellness concept into several parts of the dining experience, from the diagnostic before ordering to the different formulations of the soup and the herbal medicine-inspired surroundings.

The restaurant’s name itself reflects this idea. “Sam” refers both to the Korean word for three and to “insam”, meaning ginseng. The number three is associated with balance, harmony and togetherness, while ginseng represents nourishment and vitality.

A practical point to add is that the restaurant is positioned as Muslim-friendly, with no-pork, no-beef and no-lard, although it is not halal-certified.

Overall, for anyone who already enjoys samgyetang, the appeal here is the chance to explore different interpretations of the dish. For first-timers, the diagnostic element provides an easy starting point instead of having to navigate the different bowls without context.

SAM SAM SAM

Address:
238 Thomson Road, #02-46, Velocity @ Novena Square, Singapore 307683

Opening Hours:
Daily, 11am to 10pm

Contact:
+65 8807 3806

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