Seoulizm

Situated within the Korean enclave along Tanjong Pagar Road, Seoulizm by Soul B is a relatively new addition to the neighbourhood that is located closer towards to the Jinrikisha Station; this also makes it a short walking distance away from Maxwell MRT Station along the Thomson-East Coast Line. From far, Seoulizm by Soul B sets off a different vibe from its neighbours with its white tiles and orange light box that bears the establishment’s name, the latter functioning as a signboard. Whilst the exterior is pretty loud, the interior exudes a modern vibe without being extremely over-the-top; no doubt that there are some metallic elements to provide an ultra-modern, clean and futuristic vibe that blends with its exterior, but the usage of wooden elements for its shelves and area behind the counter along with white tables and chairs provided a minimalistic look without feeling quite pretentious. More of a Korean establishment that is poised to serve up BBQ meats, stews and ala-carte dishes that works for a communal setting, Seoulizm by Soul B attempts to appeal to the office crowd in the Central Business District by serving up set lunches — for less than $20, patrons can choose between four different mains; all of which comes with Banchan (i.e. small plates) coupled with a bowl of steamed rice and soup on the side; add-ons that can be opted includes Soupy Tteokbokki and a Mentaiko Cheese Steamed Egg where both are charged at an additional rate.

Everything here comes atop a metallic platter here — this would include the choice of mains as well as the various Banchan that comes alongside; only the bowl of kelp soup and the bowl of steamed rice would come separately. It is noted that the Banchan served would vary based on “seasonal supplies” — therefore, there may be some variation of the Banchan served up from what is being illustrated on the menu.

On the day of our visit, the Banchan includes various forms of Kimchi, as well as a beansprout dish, and a fishcake dish. For our choice of Gochujang Pork Bulgogi, there are also leafy greens, green chili and garlic cloves, as well as Ssamjang served on the side — this would allow one to enjoy the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi dish much like a Korean Ssam dish.

Going for the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi on its own, we would think that the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi was pretty well-executed — the pork is sliced in large slices so that one can get quite a bit of bite with a single piece. The slices of pork also came free of any undesirable porky stench, whilst being well-marinated with the Gochujang Bulgogi sauce for that sweet-ish note; thought that there wasn’t much spiciness coming with the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi although it was pretty flavour — a dish that would likely do well with those whom have low tolerance to spiciness in general. When had with the sticky short-grain rice served at the side, having the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi with a bit of rice provided the rice with more flavour and further enhanced the textures of the rice by giving it a bit of moistness, making it easier to eat. That being said, the way we found most enjoyable to have the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi here was to have it like a Korean Ssam dish — wrapping the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi alongside a bit of Ssamjang and some cloves of garlic with the lettuce provided; the Ssamjang provides a sweet bean-y note almost akin to that of a thick Gochujang without the spiciness mixed in with miso paste that further enhances the flavours of the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi, while the cloves of garlic provide a crunchy zing that tickles the tastebuds. The lettuce provides a wholesome ending to the entire dish; that crispness and freshness of the leaves cutting through all the heavier notes of the Gochujang Pork Bulgogi here.

We visited Seoulizm by Soul B in the month of March 2023; they were running a limited time-only promotion for the month where all Set Lunch items are priced at $12++ irregardless of the choice of mains ordered. The usual price of the set lunch at Seoulizm by Soul B is otherwise in the range of $15 to $16, depending on the choice of mains that the patron chooses. Needless to say, the Set Lunch is especially value-for-money at its promotional price — there is quite a spread of items to go for in one seating; the format of which the meal is set up to be is pretty much as Korean as it gets where it is wholesome and hearty. One can indeed eat their fill here, considering they are already quite generous with the various Banchan that they serve up even on first serving — the portion size of the mains also not being compromised here. The environment is also tastefully decorated; never mind the exterior that some may find a little too snazzy — the interior was actually pretty well-lit and fairly cosy unlike how some Korean BBQ joints tend to be with dark interiors and furniture that compromises a little on the comfort aspect. The staff at Seoulizm by Soul B were also pretty friendly as well — the Korean Ahjumma behind the counter who also served us our food and billed us at the counter being especially friendly; there seems to be a little bit of a language barrier since she did not speak much, though we could feel her sincerity and just felt very welcomed through our interactions with her. Serving up a truly Korean dining experience, we have had quite a fun time dining by ourselves at Seoulizm by Soul B — would look forward to coming back with some others to have the Set Lunch again another time!