Beyond Korean fried chicken and K-BBQ, another Korean dish is quickly becoming the new crowd favourite — samgyetang.
Comforting, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, one meal here was enough to show us why this ginseng chicken soup means so much to generations of Koreans.
Tucked away at Cross Street and brought to Singapore by the team behind SBCD Korean Tofu House, JIHO has officially made its Southeast Asian debut — and judging by the steady queues since opening, Singaporeans are more than ready for this style of restorative Korean dining.
Weekender finally carved out some time to visit after hearing endless buzz online, and honestly, the experience felt less like eating out and more like pressing reset on a very tired week.
The moment the stone pot arrived at our table, the aroma alone was enough to slow everything down. Steam carrying the scent of herbs, garlic, and slow-cooked chicken filled the air, instantly giving that comforting “someone is taking care of you” feeling even before the first spoonful.
Founded in 1991 in South Korea, JIHO has spent decades refining hanbang-style cooking — a traditional Korean philosophy centered around medicinal herbs and wellness ingredients. But unlike what many people imagine, the broths here don’t taste medicinal or overpoweringly herbal. Instead, they are deeply savoury, silky, and incredibly balanced, with a clean finish that somehow feels rich without being heavy.
We started with their signature Healthy Samgyetang ($29.80++), the most classic version on the menu and probably the best introduction for first-timers. The whole young chicken was unbelievably tender, gently falling apart with almost no effort, while the broth carried a mellow sweetness from the long hours of simmering. It’s one of those dishes that quietly grows on you after every spoonful.
For something with a little more personality, the Perilla Samgyetang ($32.80++). stood out immediately. The nutty aroma from the perilla seeds gave the broth a richer, creamier texture that felt especially comforting on a rainy afternoon. Meanwhile, the Black Garlic Samgyetang had a deeper, slightly sweet complexity that lingered pleasantly without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavour.
Those who enjoy spice should absolutely go for the Spicy Samgyetang ($32.80++). The addition of Cheongyang chilli peppers gives the broth a fiery kick that slowly builds, making it feel almost like a warm energy boost in soup form. It’s spicy, but still surprisingly clean and easy to drink till the last drop.
One thing we appreciated was how adaptable the menu feels for different dining moods. If you’re rushing through a weekday lunch and don’t want the commitment of tackling an entire chicken, the Samgyejuk options are genuinely smart — all the same nourishing broth flavours, but served as a comforting porridge with boneless chicken. Hearty, satisfying, and easy to finish quickly without slipping into a food coma afterwards.
Beyond the famous samgyetang, the rest of the menu makes this feel more like a proper group dining spot than a one-dish specialty restaurant. The Seafood Pancake (S$19.80++) was crisp and generously filled, while the japchae delivered that addictive glossy chewiness everyone loves.
We also really enjoyed the Squid and Minari Salad (S$29.80++), which added a refreshing contrast to the heavier herbal dishes with its crunchy greens and bright seasoning. What stood out most was the quality of the squid itself — incredibly fresh, tender, and naturally sweet, without any fishiness — making the entire dish feel especially well-executed and premium.
What makes JIHO feel especially relevant right now is how closely it aligns with how many people want to eat today. There’s still flavour and comfort, but without the greasiness or excess. The meal leaves you feeling full yet surprisingly light — the kind of satisfaction that doesn’t immediately make you want to nap afterwards.
In a dining scene constantly chasing louder flavours and trendier concepts, JIHO Samgyetang SBCD offers something much quieter, but perhaps more lasting: food that genuinely makes you feel better by the time you leave.
JIHO Samgyetang SBCD is located at 18 Cross Street, B1-01, Singapore 048423.
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