Korean restaurants in Singapore are really stepping up their game lately: from futuristic KBBQ grills, and now to cooking over giant drum barrels!
Sot is a new Korean restaurant in Telok Ayer, specialising in traditional-style comfort with the old-school Korean gamasot or sot—a large and heavy cauldron or pot that’s commonly used in traditional Korean cuisine. At Sot, their signature BBQ meats and stews are cooked right at your table on the massive sot or pot lid that’s placed over giant drum barrels—a first in Singapore.
Dak Galbi, from $60
Many of the pot lid specialty items on the menu are designed for sharing in groups, so if you’ve only got room for just one item, it’s definitely got to be their signature Dak Galbi (from $60). This is a popular and authentic Korean comfort dish, and is essentially a hearty spicy chicken stew that’s filled with chicken pieces, potato chunks, vegetables and rice cakes. The dish is first stewed, stir-fried and stewed once more to fully cook through; and all this is done right on the pot lid itself. The result is chicken that’s super tender and coated in a flavourful and rich spicy sauce.
BBQ Beef Platter, $120
Their BBQ meats are also of high quality, with premium cuts of beef, pork and even beef intestines, if you’re up for the challenge. Their BBQ Beef Platter ($120) comes with Beef Brisket and Beef Sirloin, LA Galbi; while the Pork BBQ Platter ($90) comes with Pork Belly, Pork Jowl and Pork Collar. If you’re down to splurge, we’d definitely recommend getting the beef platter option, especially for the beef sirloin cut that was just so tender and juicy, especially fresh off the grill.
Pork BBQ Platter, $90
Large Intestine, $120
The pork platter is also delicious, and it even comes with aged kimchi that will be stir fried together with the meat to help cut the greasiness from the pork. For adventurous eaters, you can try their Large Intestine ($120) set, which comes with beef intestines and lots of garlic cloves and vegetables. If you’re a fan of fatty meats or meats that are on the greasier side, this might be something you’d enjoy. The intestines are extra fatty with a unique chewy texture that bursts with oil when you bite into it. It’s best to eat this when it’s piping hot from the grill; don’t wait for it to cool down too much or the texture won’t be as pleasant.
Steamed Egg
Fried Rice, $12
All the BBQ sets and platters also come with assorted vegetables and/or mushrooms for grilling, along with a side of their Steamed Egg. Don’t miss out on their Fried Rice ($12) add-on either, which you can order to cook with your leftover meat juices or stew/sauce. What we liked about the pot lid cooking is that we didn’t have to lift a finger. The skilled staff will handle all the cooking and tell you just when to dig in so the food tastes its absolute best. The cauldron lid also helps to impart a more smoky flavour to the stews and BBQ; and is also great at keeping the food warm while you eat. The only thing to note about the experience is that there’s no BBQ exhaust pipe over the cauldron lid itself, so it’ll likely get pretty smoky while the cooking is ongoing.
Snow Draft Beer ($14)
Earl Grey Highball ($14)
They’ve also got some pretty unique drinks you can pair with your food, aside from the usual soju, beer and liquors. Try their Snow Draft Beer ($14) that’s topped with beer-flavoured bingsoo-like shaved ice; or the popular Earl Grey Highball ($14) that’s currently trending in Korea. If you’re looking for a casual Korean dining spot to come with a group of friends or family, Sot is definitely one for the books—you get to enjoy authentic and traditional Korean comfort foods without having to do any of the work.
Taste: 8/10
Price: $$; ~$20-50 per person
Favourite item(s): Dak Galbi, Beef BBQ Platter
Would we come back: Definitely, especially if we’re coming as a group!
Sot
Address: 177 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068625
Opening Hours: 11.30am-3pm & 5.30pm-10.30pm daily
