If there’s one thing we know about Korean food, it’s that it never just fills the stomach—it warms the soul. And if there’s one dish that embodies this philosophy, it’s samgyetang: a bubbling, herbal-infused Korean ginseng chicken soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Enter MODU, Singapore’s first and only samgyetang specialty restaurant, nestled in the heart of Orchard Road at Mandarin Gallery. From the same team behind DRIM Korean Steakhouse, MODU is here to redefine comfort food with a nourishing, flavour-packed lineup of traditional Korean health cuisine.
A Taste of Korea’s Boyang-sik Tradition
For those unfamiliar, samgyetang is one of Korea’s most beloved boyang-sik (restorative cuisine), traditionally consumed during the sweltering summer to replenish strength and boost immunity. But let’s be honest—Singapore is perpetually summer, which means there’s never a bad time to tuck into a bowl of collagen-rich, slow-simmered goodness. At MODU, they take this tradition seriously, serving up meticulously crafted samgyetang with a variety of health-boosting twists.
The Collagen Herbal Samgyetang (S$35) is the ultimate classic—a spring chicken slow-cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection, stuffed with glutinous rice, jujube, and a medley of medicinal herbs. Every spoonful of the broth is silky, fragrant, and brimming with nutrients that claim to boost vitality and strengthen immunity. It’s a beauty elixir disguised as a comfort meal. I helped myself to extra scoops of the soup in the hope of keeping my youth.
For those who prefer a creamy and nutty twist, the Perilla Seed Samgyetang (S$38) is a must-try. The soup, thickened naturally with perilla seeds, delivers an earthy, milky richness while packing an antioxidant punch. I have never tasted a dish like this before and the perilla seeds made the soup texture feel more like porridge.
Perilla Seed Samgyetang. Photo © MODU
If you’re feeling indulgent, go straight for the Black Chicken Samgyetang (S$37). Made with the prized ogol-gye (black chicken), this version is deeply flavourful, richer in amino acids, and undeniably luxurious. Black chicken soup often brings back memories of my late auntie cooking black chicken soup for me as a kid. In a way, this dish was extra comforting to me.
Black Chicken Samgyetang. Photo © MODU
For those in need of a pick-me-up after one too many drinks, the Spicy Hangover Samgyetang (S$37) is your fiery saviour. Infused with Oriental raisin tree extract (a renowned hangover cure in Korea), this soup promises to detox and rejuvenate in a single bowl.
Spicy Hangover Samgyetang. Photo © MODU
While samgyetang steals the spotlight, MODU offers an impressive selection of sides, noodles, and even desserts to round out your meal. Start with HwangTaeChae (S$20), an appetiser featuring dried pollack strips served with a creamy mayo sauce. It got me reaching for it strip after strip while I was waiting for the mains to arrive. Be careful not to eat too much though – leave some room for the hearty mains.
For something heartier, the Dak KalGukSu (S$32)—a chicken noodle soup with handmade wheat noodles—is a comforting alternative to the brothy samgyetang, while the DakJuk (S$25) (chicken porridge) delivers a warm, creamy embrace. If seafood is your thing, the Seafood NooRoongJiTang (S$32), featuring crispy scorched rice and a savoury broth, is a textural delight.
Chicken Noodle Soup. Photo © MODU
Pancake lovers will appreciate the Potato Pancakes (S$18) and MiNaRi Pancakes (S$18), which are light, crisp and perfect for sharing. And of course, no Korean meal is complete without kimchi—the fresh variety at MODU is tangy and full of life, setting the stage for the dishes to come.
MODU also brings in an impressive selection of Korean traditional liquors, from Ginseng Ju (a samgyetang-infused ginseng liquor) to floral and fruity Korean rice wines like Jeju Camellia Flower Wine and Apricot Flower Wine. Each drink is carefully curated to complement the menu, making MODU a great spot for an intimate evening of sipping and dining.
MODU isn’t just another Korean restaurant—it’s a destination for those seeking nutritious, authentic, and deeply satisfying Korean cuisine in the heart of Singapore. With its expertly prepared samgyetang variations, thoughtfully curated sides and elegant dining atmosphere, this specialty shop is a welcome addition to the city’s dining scene.
MODU
333A Orchard Road
#02-37 Mandarin Gallery,
Singapore 238897
Website
Opening hours: Weekdays – 11.30am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 11pm; Weekends – 11.30am to 11pm
