Gamtan Korean Cuisine is the only restaurant in Singapore where you can savour the coveted King Galbi. Helmed by a master butcher and chef duo with over 15 years of experience, this Korean-owned barbecue house brings authentic flavors and rare, premium cuts to the table in Telok Ayer. Opened in late 2024, Gamtan has quickly earned a reputation for its exclusive offerings – from the crown jewel of Korean BBQ, King Galbi, to an ultra-rare pork Axe Belly cut you won’t find elsewhere.

King Galbi – a rare butterflied beef short rib cut – is marinated in a secret house blend of fruits and premium ingredients for six hours, then grilled to tender, flavorful perfection. The King Galbi ($54 for 250g, minimum 2 persons) is a USDA Prime beef rib cut so scarce that each cow yields only six pieces. Gamtan’s head butcher uses a unique technique to butterfly the rib and score the meat, allowing the special marinade to penetrate deeply. The result is beautifully marbled, melt-in-your-mouth beef with natural, robust flavors. Previously unheard of in Singapore, this prized cut is available only at Gamtan, with just 20 servings prepared daily to ensure its exclusivity. Diners are advised to arrive early for a chance to “eat like royalty” with this signature delicacy.

Exclusive Rare Cuts – From King Galbi to Axe Belly

Gamtan’s culinary team is led by a seasoned butcher who honed his craft at a famous BBQ restaurant in Korea known for artisan meats and 2-hour queues. In addition to the famed King Galbi, he has introduced Singapore to the innovative “Axe Belly” – a thick-cut pork belly steak with the rib bone attached (resembling a pork tomahawk). This bone-in pork belly, sourced from Duroc pigs (a breed celebrated for top-tier marbling and meat quality), is exclusive to Gamtan in Singapore. The Axe Belly ($39 for 250g) boasts an unforgettable depth of flavor and succulence, its richly marbled fat yielding a bold, juicy bite that pork lovers won’t want to miss. Gamtan’s introduction of rare cuts like the Axe Belly underscores its mission to blend authenticity with bold creativity, giving diners a taste of premium Korean BBQ not found elsewhere on the island.

Beyond these headline cuts, Gamtan offers other expertly prepared meats. Moksal – a tender, omega-rich pork neck/shoulder – is another must-try cut, showcasing the natural sweetness of pork in each juicy bite. This pork collar is available unmarinated or in a special house marinade, and is slightly leaner than pork belly while still beautifully tender. Meanwhile, Flower Belly (sliced pork belly with gorgeous marbled fat) provides the classic samgyeopsal experience elevated by Gamtan’s quality standards. For a well-rounded feast, diners can also enjoy a variety of traditional side dishes and sharing plates.

Heritage Condiments – Four Delicacies to Elevate Every Bite

To enhance the flavors of its premium meats, Gamtan pairs each barbecue item with four special condiments and sides, referred to as the restaurant’s “four delicacies”. These heritage ingredients are carefully curated to draw out the best in every cut:

Maldon Salt: A famed artisanal sea salt (certified by the British Royal Family) known for its delicate crunchy flakes and mild, clean saltiness. Just a pinch of this finishing salt accentuates the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering it.

Cold-Pressed Perilla Oil: An aromatic Korean perilla seed oil, pressed at an ultralow temperature of 17°C with no roasting, preserving all its omega-3 nutrients and unique nutty fragrance. A light drizzle of this oil adds a silky sheen and subtle depth to grilled meats.

Herring Roe Salted Fish: A top-quality, nutrient-rich delicacy from Korea consisting of salt-cured herring roe. Served in tiny spoonfuls, it delivers a burst of savory umami and a pleasant pop-in-the-mouth texture that complements the richness of barbecued meat.

3-Year Aged Plum Extract: A robust, all-natural syrup made from native Korean yellow plums, fermented and aged for three years with no additives. A few drops of this golden plum extract in Gamtan’s marinades lend a fragrant sweetness and tang that make the flavors of the meats shine even more.

A Modern Twist on Tradition – Shack Shack Kimchi

To complete the Gamtan experience, diners are treated to a one-of-a-kind side dish: Shack Shack Kimchi – a fresh, instant-made kimchi prepared right before your eyes. This isn’t your typical aged kimchi; it’s a playful and vibrant reinterpretation of Korean “geotjeori” (fresh kimchi), delivering crisp texture, refreshing acidity, and a touch of spice in every bite.

What makes it even more special is its DIY presentation – diners get to mix and experience the ingredients firsthand at the table, offering a tactile and interactive taste of Korean culinary culture. This live-made kimchi ritual has quickly become a viral sensation in Singapore, drawing curious foodies and K-culture lovers eager to capture and taste the moment.

As the only restaurant in Singapore to offer this experience, Gamtan’s Shack Kimchi isn’t just a side dish – it’s a conversation starter and a cultural highlight, infusing each meal with fun, freshness, and authenticity.

These condiments, rooted in Korean culinary tradition, exemplify Gamtan’s commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners are encouraged to experiment with the Maldon salt or a dab of plum extract on their grilled meats for a new dimension of flavor. The result is a BBQ experience that is not only indulgent but also deeply connected to Korean heritage ingredients.

Gamtan Korean Cuisine

Address: 132 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068599

Tel: +65 8349 0391

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday, 11:30AM- 3PM and 5PM – 10:30PM