[Review] Onggii Opens 3rd Outlet at Square 2, Brings Korean Comfort Food like Gomtang and Galbi Jjim to Novena

Singapore’s Korean food scene has no shortage of barbecue restaurants and fried chicken joints. For something different, Onggii focuses on a more comforting side of Korean cuisine, with traditional soups and stews prepared using slow-simmered broths.

The restaurant has opened its third Singapore outlet at Square 2 in Novena, bringing its signature gomtang and other Korean comfort dishes to an area known for its concentration of healthcare facilities. The new outlet also stands out for its hanok-inspired interior, which draws on the design of traditional Korean houses to create a dining environment that feels distinct from the usual shopping mall restaurant.

Onggii worked with South Korean hanok design specialist Hwang Heejun, alongside Global Design Studio x H Design, to develop the concept. Warm, textured finishes, wooden details and traditional Korean furnishings help establish the atmosphere.

The name Onggii refers to traditional Korean earthenware vessels associated with fermentation and food preservation. This connection is reflected in the restaurant’s emphasis on slow cooking, traditional recipes and fermented accompaniments.

The key highlight in their menu is the signature gomtang, a Korean soup made by simmering bones and meat to develop a savoury broth. Onggii’s signature broths are cooked for more than 12 hours, with options spanning beef, pork, chicken, soybean and seafood. The soups are served in traditional-style earthenware pots, accompanied by rice, noodles and Korean side dishes.

During our visit, we tried three beef dishes, along with barley tea and a traditional Korean ginseng drink.

We started with the So Gomtang (Ox Bones) (S$21.90), one of Onggii’s signature offerings.

This soup focuses on the flavour developed from slowly simmering ox bones, producing a milky broth that is rich in character without relying on heavy seasoning.

The appeal of gomtang lies in its simplicity. Rather than overwhelming the palate with chilli or an abundance of spices, the soup allows the savoury qualities of the beef to take centre stage.

The accompanying beef, rice and noodles make it a substantial meal rather than just a bowl of soup. The rice adds body to the meal, while the noodles offer another texture to enjoy with the broth.

For those who prefer their beef soup with a more substantial cut of meat, the Wang Galbi (Beef) (S$25.90) is worth considering.

This generous bowl features beef short ribs served in a savoury gomtang broth.

The word wang means king in Korean, an appropriate name for a dish built around a sizeable rib portion. The bone-in beef makes this a heartier alternative to the regular beef soup, giving diners more meat to work through alongside the broth.

The combination of slow-cooked beef and a warming soup is particularly satisfying.

The rib is the main attraction, while the broth brings the different elements together. Rather than simply adding more beef to an ordinary bowl of soup, the short rib gives the dish a more substantial presence and makes it suitable for diners looking for a filling meal.

For something richer and more suited to sharing, we also ordered the So Galbi Jjim (Beef) (S$34.90).

Unlike gomtang, which centres on the broth, galbi jjim is a Korean braised short rib dish. The beef is cooked in a seasoned sauce, allowing the meat to absorb the flavours as it becomes tender. It provides a different experience from the two soups, with a more concentrated flavour profile and the beef taking centre stage. The portion is generous for this dish and it is ideal for sharing.

For beverages, we tried the Ginseng Punch (S$4.90), a traditional-style Korean beverage that offers a change from the usual soft drinks and iced teas. Ginseng is associated with Korean food culture and is frequently used in nourishing dishes and drinks. The punch adds a more distinctive option to the beverage menu for diners who want to explore flavours beyond the restaurant’s soups and stews.

One of Onggii’s strengths is that its menu offers different ways to enjoy Korean comfort food without requiring diners to order a large spread. A bowl of gomtang makes sense for a solo lunch, while the short rib soup and galbi jjim offer more substantial choices for those with a bigger appetite or dining companions.

With its combination of slow-simmered soups, traditional Korean dishes and hanok-inspired surroundings, Onggii’s Square 2 outlet offers a different take on Korean dining in Novena. It is worth considering for idners who appreciate comforting food and want to explore a side of Korean cuisine that goes beyond the more familiar staples.

Onggii @ Square 2

Address:
Square 2, 10 Sinaran Drive, #03-33, Singapore 307506

Opening Hours:
Daily, 11am to 10pm

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