Novena may be best known for its medical hub and shopping malls, but over the years, it has steadily evolved into a well-rounded dining enclave. From cosy cafés to family-friendly eateries and international cuisines, the area offers plenty of options for both quick bites and relaxed meals. Among these, Korean food in Novena has carved out a loyal following, thanks to restaurants that balance authenticity with local tastes. Whether you’re craving smoky barbecue, hearty comfort dishes, or refreshing desserts, these four highly rated Korean spots near Novena promise satisfying flavours worth seeking out.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
Founded in 2014, Nanta BBQ stands out for bringing a modern, premium spin to traditional Korean barbecue without straying too far from its roots. Led by owner Mr Kim and a team of experienced chefs, this Korean restaurant in Novena focuses on delivering bold flavours that resonate with both Korean purists and local diners. Their barbecue selection is where the restaurant truly shines, featuring carefully sourced meats prepared with meticulous attention to detail.
What sets Nanta BBQ apart is its commitment to quality. Only A5 Wagyu beef and Kurobuta black pork are used, dry-aged for 40 days to deepen flavour and tenderness before being grilled over aromatic binchotan charcoal. Beyond barbecue, their cooked Korean dishes are equally polished, making it a well-rounded dining destination.
1. First time trying out this Korean food, the service was prompt and good , all staff were friendly and polite. The food were excellent and not too over powering . So far one of the best I tried . During weekends , best to make reservations as there would be crowd. Will return again .
2. The black pork BBQ here is simply amazing! The meat is thick, juicy, and grilled to perfection with great flavor. I really liked the center stew on the grill – it gives a very authentic Korean dining experience. The side dishes were fresh and well-prepared, and the staff kept everything clean and organized. Definitely one of the best Korean BBQ places I’ve tried. Highly recommended!
3. Good value set meal. The aged pork cutlet (2 pieces per set) has good flavor, fries were fresh from the fryer. 3 out of the 4 side dishes are tasty, we refilled twice. Will come again.
| Website: | https://www.nantabbq.com/ |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday-Friday: Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Dinner: 5:30 PM – 10 PM | Saturday-Sunday: Lunch: 11 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM | Closed on Mondays |
| Number: | 6258 1391 |
| Address: | 175 Thomson Rd, #01-175/177 Goldhill Centre, Singapore 307624 |
When Korean bingsu first surged in popularity around 2015, many dessert cafés came and went. Nunsaram Korean Dessert Café, however, has stood the test of time. Named after the Korean word for “snowman,” Nunsaram remains a familiar name for those craving finely shaved ice desserts done right. It’s widely recognised as one of the pioneers that helped popularise authentic bingsu in Singapore.
Their bingsu is made with soft, milky shaved ice and topped generously with high-quality ingredients. The Injeolmi Bingsu is a standout, featuring chewy rice cakes and fragrant soybean powder that delivers a nostalgic, traditional flavour. Beyond desserts, the café also offers savoury bites like kimbap, tteokbokki, and hotteok, making it suitable for both light meals and sweet endings.
1. More than just desserts, this authentic Korean eatery (run by a Korean husband and wife team) whips up excellent gimbap and ttokbokki. My Korean wife loves the food here, and the bingsu is no exception – especially the injeolmi one!
2. One of the best Korean bingsu around! Good quality shaved ice. Their drinks are great too – jeju orange & iced americano. Gimbap is nicely plated and taste yummy too. Highly recommend to try this cafe!
3. I have visited this place many times. Previously, I usually had bingsu and desserts, but this time I tried the gimbap and tteokbokki. I often visit with my child, and I personally think the bingsu here is much better than regular ice cream. It contains fresh fruits, and my child absolutely loves it. The gimbap was truly outstanding — I can honestly say it’s one of the best gimbap I’ve had in Singapore. It’s generously filled with ingredients and tastes amazing. The takeaway packaging was also
| Website: | http://nunsaram.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Open Daily 10:30 AM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 9664 1459 |
| Address: | 238 Thomson Rd, #01-54/55 Novena Square, Singapore 307683 |
Established in 2007 by a Korean family, Hansang Korean Family Restaurant embodies the warmth of home-style Korean cooking. The name “Hansang” translates to “a table full of food,” reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy of generous portions and communal dining. This makes it a comforting choice for families, office lunches, and group gatherings alike.
Soups are a strong point here, with popular options like Sagol Haejang Guk offering a spicy, deeply flavoured broth filled with tender beef and crunchy bean sprouts. Samgyetang is another crowd favourite, especially for those seeking something nourishing. Mains range from army stew hotpots to ssambap and braised mackerel, while set menus provide excellent value. It’s a Korean restaurant at Novena that prioritises hearty meals over flashy presentation.
1. The service here was really good. The portion sizes of the meat was also very good, they are very generous with the amount of food that they give here. The server was also really nice and friendly and made us feel very comfortable here. I’ll definitely be coming back here for Korean barbecue again!
2. Lunch promo pricing was fair, though the choices weren’t quite to our liking. The food overall was nice and well served, with fair portions. Side dishes were just so-so. The fried chicken was soft and tender, and the soy garlic sauce was perfect for us. The fries were super crispy too! We also tried the cup Bingsu at the promo price — milky and refreshing. Overall, a decent meal with a few highlights.
3. Really so glad I tried this place! Fantastic portion, delicious and fresh ingredients, Taste is just nice to me. Service is excellent by a Korean lady. She’s so kind and polite. Will wanna dine in again and try other dishes. Thank you so much!
| Website: | https://hansangkoreanfamily.shop/ |
| Operating Hours: | Open Daily 11:30 AM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 6397 6752 |
| Address: | 10 Sinaran Dr, #03-33 Square 2, Singapore 307506 |
Hana K-Food is a modest, cosy eatery known for serving affordable Korean food in Novena with a few unexpected twists. One of its most distinctive offerings is its stamina-boosting soups, including loach soup and eel soup—items rarely found even in Korea, let alone Singapore. These soups are prepared with vegetables and kimchi, resulting in rich, earthy flavours that appeal to adventurous diners.
Beyond these unique options, Hana K-Food also covers familiar favourites. Bibimbap can be customised with added meats, while classics like jjajangmyeon, tteokbokki, and kimchi pancakes provide comforting, no-frills satisfaction. For those who prefer variety, their set meals bundle popular dishes at wallet-friendly prices, making it an easy choice for everyday dining.
1. Frequent Hana K often whenever we crave for Korean food! Love the Kimchi Jeon and also the new menu Dwaeji Gukbap and the DonKasu. The korean food was authentic and delicious! Will be back again!
2. return visit. very authentic Korea food. Food is fresh and delicious. There’s set value meal to consider, worth the price
3. Owner lady is a Korean so you can expect authentic experience here! Very nice atmoshere and the food looks and taste so good
| Website: | https://www.facebook.com/hanakfood |
| Operating Hours: | Open Daily 10 AM – 9:30 PM |
| Number: | 6635 6077 |
| Address: | #02-25 Velocity @ Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd, Singapore 307683 |
All four restaurants offer something different, which can make choosing just one a challenge. To help narrow things down, here are our top picks based on dining preferences, budget, and overall experience.
1. If you want premium Korean BBQ for special occasions
Our pick: Nanta BBQ
Nanta BBQ is the clear choice if you’re celebrating or simply want a more indulgent Korean dining experience. With its A5 Wagyu beef, dry-aged meats, and binchotan charcoal grilling, it delivers flavours that feel refined and memorable. While prices are higher than average, the quality, technique, and overall polish justify the splurge, especially for date nights or entertaining guests.
2. If you’re craving dessert or a light, casual hangout
Our pick: Nunsaram Korean Dessert Café
Nunsaram is perfect for those who prefer something sweet or want a relaxed café setting. Its bingsu remains a standout thanks to its fine texture and authentic flavours, and the addition of savoury snacks makes it versatile. It’s an easy spot to linger after dinner or to catch up with friends over dessert without committing to a full meal.
3. If you want hearty, value-for-money Korean comfort food
Our pick: Hansang Korean Family Restaurant
Hansang excels at delivering filling, home-style Korean dishes that don’t break the bank. The generous portions, extensive menu, and well-priced set meals make it ideal for families or colleagues dining together. If your priority is a satisfying, traditional Korean meal in a welcoming setting, Hansang is a dependable go-to.
Novena’s Korean dining scene may not be the loudest in Singapore, but it’s quietly impressive in its diversity. From premium barbecue and comforting family-style meals to nostalgic desserts and rare soup offerings, these four restaurants showcase the many sides of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or planning a casual catch-up, there’s a spot here that fits the occasion.
If you’re planning your next gastronomic adventure in the area, why not continue exploring? Check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Novena and discover even more flavours waiting just around the corner.
Novena is one of the more underrated neighbourhoods for Korean food in Singapore, offering a wide spectrum of Korean cuisine within a compact, MRT-connected area. You’ll find Korean-Chinese fusion restaurants, which are especially popular for classics like Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), Jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), and sweet and sour pork. These eateries cater well to both families and office crowds from the nearby medical and business hubs.
In addition, Novena is home to traditional Korean restaurants that focus on comforting, home-style dishes such as samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), kimchi jjigae, doenjang stew, and braised meats served with multiple banchan. For those looking for a quicker meal, the basement levels of shopping malls around Novena MRT offer casual Korean snack outlets, where you can grab affordable options like kimbap, tteokbokki, ramyeon, and Korean fried chicken. This variety makes Novena suitable for everything from a fast lunch to a full sit-down dinner.
Yes, Novena does have Halal-certified Korean dining options, particularly within the major shopping malls directly connected to Novena MRT. These restaurants are popular among Muslim diners working or living in the area, as they offer MUIS-certified menus without compromising on flavour.
Typical Halal offerings include beef and chicken bulgogi, Korean-style grilled meats, and hotplate dishes served with rice. You may also find Halal-friendly versions of popular comfort foods such as army stew (budae jjigae) and kimchi soup, prepared without pork or alcohol-based ingredients. As certification status can change, it’s always best to look for the official Halal decal or check with staff before ordering, especially if you have strict dietary requirements.
Korean food in Novena caters to a wide range of budgets, depending on the type of dining experience you choose. For casual meals like a noodle dish, rice set, or stew, prices typically fall between S$15 and S$25 per person, making it a convenient option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.
If you are planning a Korean BBQ meal or premium set menu, expect prices to start from around S$35 per person and go up to S$60 or more, especially for higher-quality cuts such as pork belly, beef short ribs, or wagyu. Buffet-style BBQ options, where available, are usually priced on the higher end but are popular for group gatherings and celebrations.
Yes, Novena is well-known among Korean food lovers for having authentic Korean-Chinese restaurants, particularly along the Thomson Road shophouse stretch. These eateries are often praised for their house-made noodles, which have a noticeably chewy and springy texture compared to mass-produced versions.
Many of these restaurants also offer the popular “half-and-half” option, commonly known as jjajampmyeon, which lets diners enjoy both Jjajangmyeon and Jjamppong in a single bowl. This is a great choice if you’re dining in a small group or want to sample more than one signature dish without ordering separately.
Making a reservation is strongly recommended, especially if you are dining on Friday evenings, weekends, or public holidays. Korean restaurants in Novena are popular with families, office workers, and hospital staff, which means peak dinner hours can get crowded quickly.
Mall-based restaurants often see waiting times of 30 to 45 minutes during busy periods, while standalone BBQ restaurants along the main roads usually have limited seating capacity. Calling ahead or booking online can save you time and ensure you get a table, particularly if you are dining in a group or planning a special occasion.