Korean BBQ is already a very mature dining category in Singapore, with plenty of good options all over the island. With so many choices available, KBBQ restaurants need to do something different to stand out from the crowd. DRIM Gold has chosen to differentiate itself by elevating the Korean BBQ experience into the realm of a premium Korean steakhouse.
Located at WEAVE in Resorts World Sentosa, DRIM Gold is the latest concept from the team behind DRIM at Mandarin Gallery. Here, the focus shifts towards a more refined experience. Carefully selected cuts of beef take centre stage while still retaining the convivial spirit that makes Korean BBQ so enjoyable.
The setting also reflects this ambition, with dramatic cave-inspired interior complemented by design elements inspired by the traditional Korean Hanok house. What you get is a space that feels both theatrical and distinctly Korean.
As you step inside, the sense of luxury and quality is immediately apparent. From the design of the dining room to the attention given to the ingredients, it is clear that this is a place that takes its Korean BBQ seriously. Every effort is made to deliver a polished and memorable grilling experience.
Special Side Dishes
Grilled Jeju Abalone
We have always been a little ambivalent about abalone. Especially the canned ones that make their obligatory appearance during Chinese New Year. For years we have wondered what all the fuss was about. But fresh abalone is quite a different kettle of (shell)fish.
While it may not possess the deep, complex flavour of dried abalone, the natural sweetness of the flesh and its tender bite – when handled properly – can make for a truly enjoyable dish.
At DRIM Gold, they serve live Jeju abalone. It is lightly grilled with butter and finished with a generous shaving of Parmigiano Reggiano. The richness of the butter and the savoury nuttiness of the cheese complement the abalone beautifully, allowing its delicate sweetness to shine through. It is a simple preparation, but one that turns out to be surprisingly delicious.
Korean Beef and Vegetable Hotpot
If you really want to make an impression, the Korean beef and vegetable hot pot certainly fits the bill.
Here, shin beef that has been slowly cooked until tender is sliced paper-thin and served in a rich, deeply beefy broth together with a selection of vegetables.
The whole ensemble arrives in an elegant brass hotpot that adds a touch of old-world Korean charm, while keeping the broth gently simmering at the table. It is both comforting and visually striking. It’s a great dish to have on the table if there are enough people to share.
Chilled Korean Noodle
For something lighter to balance the richness of the grilled meats, the Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Perilla Oil is an excellent choice.
The noodles arrive neatly twirled into a tidy mound in a chilled brass bowl. Their nutty buckwheat flavour is enhanced with a fragrant drizzle of perilla oil. Toppings of sliced beef, pickled cucumber, seaweed, sesame seeds and fresh scallions add layers of texture and flavour, while the subtle herbaceous note of the perilla oil ties everything together.
It is refreshing, aromatic, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s the sort of dish that cleanses the palate while still delivering plenty of flavour.
Premium Meats
As one would expect, the meat at Drim Gold is top-notch. They source some of the best cuts available on the market, and the prices reflect this accordingly. With the recent introduction of Hanwoo (Korean beef) and Jeju Black Pork to our local dining scene, they were naturally among the first to feature them on their menu.
I also appreciate that the grilling station is placed to the side of the table and that the tables are well spaced out. This makes the entire grilling experience very comfortable. You can be assured that you won’t leave the restaurant smelling like grilled beef!
Hanwoo ShortRibs
Hanwoo, Korean beef is now available at Drim. It is sourced from Jeju Island. They offer a few premium cuts, including the, short rib which is one of the most sought-after cuts in Korean barbecue.
In Western cuisine, it is considered a secondary cut and is rarely served as a steak, as it is often deemed too tough. However, when sliced into thin, bite-sized pieces and grilled over charcoal, it becomes wonderfully tender. The intense marbling ensures that each bite is rich and bursting with beefy juices, while the fact that it comes from a well-exercised muscle gives the meat a deeper, more robust flavour.
So how does Korean Hanwoo differ from Japanese Wagyu?
In short, Hanwoo places a stronger emphasis on deep, robust beef flavour, while Japanese Wagyu is prized for its intense marbling and buttery richness. Both are exceptional, but each expresses a slightly different personality on the palate.
If you love beef and KBBQ, then you don’t need me to tell you that you really need to give it a try!
Premium Condiments
The condiments served alongside the grilled meats are equally distinctive. I was particularly taken with the marinated garlic leaves, which pair beautifully with their excellent ssamjang. It adds a fragrant, savoury depth to each bite.
Jeju Black Pork
I have been a fan of Jeju Black Pork ever since I first tasted it in Seoul a few years ago.
Indigenous to Jeju Island, this breed is prized for its rich umami flavour and clean, sweet fat, making every bite especially enjoyable. It is so good that, although beef is usually my first choice at a KBBQ meal, I would gladly choose Jeju Black Pork over beef any day when it is available.
Drim Signature Galbisal
The signature Prime Cut at Drim is the galbisal. It is essentially Iberico pork ribs with the bones removed. This cut is richly marbled with fat and connective tissue, giving it deep flavour and a satisfying chew.
It is not commonly found elsewhere, as most establishments maximise the value of prime pork ribs by serving them bone-in. If you appreciate both flavour and texture, this is a cut well worth seeking out.
Conclusion
Drim ultimately delivers on its promise of elevating Korean BBQ into a refined steakhouse experience. From the quality of the meats to the attentive service and comfortable setting, everything is thoughtfully executed to justify its positioning.
While it may not be an everyday indulgence, it is certainly a place worth visiting when you are in the mood to treat yourself to some of the finest cuts in a polished, contemporary environment.
Disclosure: this post is written as part of a media tasting. Opinions expressed are those of our own.
