As food enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for authentic dining experiences, and we found just that at JIHO Samgyetang SBCD in Singapore. Located at 18 Cross Street, this outpost is the first beyond Korea, Sydney, and Shanghai, making its Southeast Asian debut with a brand steeped in over 35 years of heritage. We walked through the door with curiosity and anticipation, ready to dive into the world of Hanbang — the centuries-old Korean tradition of herbal medicine — and to see what made JIHO Samgyetang a favorite among locals in Korea.
At the heart of their menu is the signature Healthy Samgyetang, a nourishing herbal chicken soup simmered slowly to extract every bit of flavor from the combination of premium ingredients. Each bowl is infused with a patented blend of Korean herbs, often used to relieve fatigue and support joint health. We found it to be just what we needed after a long day. The hearty, fragrant broth, combined with tender chicken and ginseng, felt like a hug in a bowl, deeply comforting yet revitalizing.
The menu doesn’t stop there. We were impressed with the range of samgyetang variations — six distinct types to be exact. We tried the fiery Spicy Samgyetang, which packs a punch with its rich, spicy broth, and the Black Garlic Samgyetang, an earthy, nutrient-rich version that felt even more deeply satisfying. But our personal favorite? The Beauty Samgyetang, with its subtle and fragrant broth that left us feeling like we’d just gotten a glowing skin treatment from the inside out. It’s a great example of how JIHO has perfected the art of combining functional, traditional ingredients with culinary innovation.
What really stood out to us was how the restaurant takes its classic offerings and reinterprets them. For example, the Samgyejuk is a comforting take on the traditional Samgyetang but served as a rice porridge. Then there’s the Knife-cut Samgye Kalguksu — a dish that elevates the traditional soup into a new form, adding texture with handmade noodles, yet still keeping that nourishing, herbal goodness.
But it’s not just the soups that impressed us. We also explored their range of drinks, perfectly complementing the hearty bowls of soup. The Jujube Tea was refreshing, with a natural sweetness that balanced the savory meals we were having. For something with a little more kick, their Ginger Tea, served hot and fragrant, had just the right balance of spice and warmth. Prices are reasonable, with each bowl of samgyetang ranging from $18 to $26, while drinks are priced between $5 and $8.
The space itself is sleek and modern, with a simple, inviting design. Located on the ground floor of 18 Cross Street, JIHO Samgyetang SBCD is situated in the heart of the Central Business District, making it an easy spot to pop into for lunch or dinner. The ambiance is calm, with natural light pouring in from large windows and a soft hum of conversation, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal without feeling rushed.
Overall, we found JIHO Samgyetang SBCD to be a fantastic addition to Singapore’s dining scene. With its deep roots in Korean tradition, paired with a menu that offers both classic and creative twists, it’s a place where comfort, health, and flavor meet beautifully. Whether you’re in the mood for something light yet nourishing or a bold, spicy kick, JIHO Samgyetang has you covered.
We highly recommend visiting JIHO Samgyetang for a taste of Korea’s herbal heritage, now available in Singapore. Visit us at Food Reporters SG to find more hidden gems like this.