Singaporeans can travel anywhere for good food.
So, here’s an unexpected place to enjoy Korean BBQ, Korean cuisine, drinks and more.
The Oval Seletar is a picturesque spot in Seletar Aerospace Park, surrounded by heritage colonial bungalows with serene views.
Been there before?
You can find Chingu Dining at The Oval, which offers a modern twist on Korean food in a cosy setting.
The Korean restaurant is housed in a charming colonial bungalow, creating a atmosphere that contrasts with the usual bustling BBQ joints.
The serene location, away from the city’s usual dining hubs, offers a backdrop for a leisurely meal, for that special occasion or a relaxed gathering with friends.
(A giant Jinro frog may just make a special appearance if you are celebrating a birthday.)
In case you find the name Chingu Dining familiar, there is another outlet at Rochester.
Chingu Dining has also introduced a beautiful alfresco outdoor dining space, to enjoy contemporary Korean cuisine and drinks in a natural setting.
It’s pets-friendly too to bring your fur-kids along.
The outdoor menu includes BBQ sets like the Meat Lover, Pork Lover, Beef Lover; to pancakes, Korean Fried Chicken, Baked Tteok-bokki, Cold Noodles, to Banban Pot of Army Stew.
Hungry for more? Let’s check out the following recommendations from Chingu @ The Oval:
Meat Lover ($132)
Enjoy the Meat Lover Set at $108 (U.P. $132) with promo code “JJANG88” from now till 31st December 2024. Promotion is only valid for alfresco dining customers at Chingu @ The Oval.
The main draw of Chingu Dining is its use of both dry-aged and wet-aged meats, which are grilled right at your table.
Choose from premium cuts like the Kagoshima A4 Wagyu Rib-eye or USDA Prime Rib-eye, along with more affordable and flavourful options such as marinated pork ribs or chicken thighs.
I decided to go for the Meat Lover platter for a mix of everything.
The platter features USDA-Prime Rib-Eye Steak, Marinated Pork Ribs, Pork Belly and a serving of melted mozzarella, sliced pineapple and king oyster mushroom.
My favourite? The Marinated Pork Ribs.
They were tender, offering just the right balance of sweetness and char for a melt-in-the-mouth experience. So good.
The USDA-Prime Rib-Eye and Pork Belly were also well-grilled with a smoky aroma that complemented the succulent meat. But perhaps the marinated meat had that added flavour punch.
I would recommend savouring the meats on their own first, then add some grilled pineapple and melted mozzarella.
A bit of creaminess here, and some sweetness there… Daebak!
Stir-Fried Seafood Glass Noodles ($24)
I love my Japchae, but this has quite a more aesthetic presentation and luxurious ingredients.
What I really liked is that the chewy glass noodles is fried till they absorb all that savoury, sweet sauce.
There is also a generous variety of seafood, including prawns and squid which are fresh and tender.
Rosé Tteok-bokki ($22)
So what’s Rosé? It is a pink-coloured sauce made from gochujang, cream, and milk, which gives a smooth and balanced texture.
Here, you get chewy, soft rice cakes, with additional of fish cakes cooked in that sauce.
The creaminess of the sauce helps tone down the usual heat of Tteok-bokki, making it approachable even for those who aren’t fans of overly spicy food.
Perilla Pesto Linguine ($18)
I was surprised to find a more Western-style dish here, but the kitchen team still adds in that Korean element.
If you love pesto pasta, try this variation with subtle perilla flavours, garnished with parmesan and pine nuts for a welcome crunch.
You would find a herbaceous yet slightly nutty taste that set it apart from the usual basil pesto.
While it may not be a traditional Korean dish, it was a tasty fusion – fresh-tasting and creamy.
Korean Fried Chicken ($20)
Why get one flavour when you can have two?
I tried both the Soy Garlic and Sweet & Spicy variations, and each brought its own charm.
The chicken is double-fried ensuring a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside juicy and succulent.
The Soy Garlic option has a savoury glaze with a hint of sweetness that isn’t overpowering, while the Sweet & Spicy one packs a light punch of heat, balanced by the sticky sweetness of the sauce.
My vote will go to the Soy Garlic, just marginally more.
Steamed Egg Fromage ($14)
The dish is called “Steamed Egg Fromage” because Chingu Dining wanted to highlight the presence of cheese.
It is the key ingredient that gives the steamed egg its distinct taste and creamier texture.
It feels more indulgent than the usual gyeran-jjim, with the cheese forming a slight golden crust, while the inside remained fluffy. A must-order here.
Cocktails: Soju Fresca and Melona x Green Apple (prices start from $13)
For the new alfresco area, you would also find an outdoor bar for wine, soju (and soju bomb bucket), makgeolli, draught beer, and specially-made cocktails and mocktails.
I had the Soju Fresca which was a bright, refreshing drink with fruity flavours, thanks to the fresh watermelon and cucumber slices.
Go for the Melona x Green Apple cocktail, complete with a Melona popsicle – a fun and nostalgic choice.
After the popsicle melts a little, it gives the drink a smoother and creamier mouthfeel with slight milky sweetness.
Overall, the experience of grilling premium meats, modern Korean food, and enjoying the variety of banchan (side dishes) in such a tranquil setting might make Chingu Dining worth the travel and splurge.
Chingu Dining at The Oval Special Promotion:
Enjoy the Meat Lover Set at $108 (U.P. $132) with promo code “JJANG88” from now till 31st December 2024. Promotion is only valid for alfresco dining customers at Chingu @ The Oval.
T&Cs:
– The promotion is applicable only for the Meat Lover Set, for alfresco dining customers at Chingu @ The Oval till end 31 Dec 2024.
– Promo cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or vouchers.
– This offer is limited to one redemption per table per visit.
– Reservations for alfresco dining are recommended, and subject to availability.
– Chingu Dining reserves the right to amend the promotion without prior notice
Chingu – The Oval
7 The Oval, Singapore 797865
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat – Sun)
Reservations: Chingu – The Oval
Chingu – Rochester
2 Rochester Park, Singapore 139213
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Fri), 10am – 11pm (Sat – Sun)
Reservations: Chingu – Rochester
* This entry is brought to you in partnership with Chingu Dining.
