The emergence of Korean drama serials and their colourful culture has fascinated the world to no end. What more could we say of Korean cuisine? Nutritious, healthy and unpretentious; curiosity has seized the humble taste-buds and led on to an island-wide hunt for authentic Korean food. Trusted by Koreans for its reliable menu, we know it has to be authentic when discovered that Haebok has a standing history of at least 14 years and more.

• The Vibe
  Adjourn up the winding staircase within Furama Riverfront Hotel and one will almost immediately notice the simple layout of Haebok's doorway. A glass cabinet showcasing plastic replicas of signature Korean dishes beckons a step into a plain and neat layout of tables. Keeping to a classic theme of brown and pale beige, Haebok brings to the heart reminiscences of home.

• The Food
  It seems odd mentioning Haebok's complimentary side dishes, but these are worthy of mention as they are simply delicious. Kimchi fans will adore Haebok's fresh cabbage kimchi or kakktoge (sliced radish) accompanied with sweet and spicy chilli oozing with every satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables. Other dishes include lightly fried potato cubes, greens, black beans and more.

  Onto their signature dishes, Haebok specializes in Choon Chean Dakgalbi ($20), barbecued chicken with fish cake, sweet potatoes and vegetables. Served on a sizzling hotplate, the sweetly marinated chicken slices mixed together with juicy vegetables tastes just like home-cooked food. Light in oil and salt, the chicken seems tenderer upon multiple helpings, hence enhancing the enjoyment of every bite.

  To counter the warm tropical weather in Singapore, indulge in Samgaytong ($20), also known as ginseng chicken soup. This large bowl of nutritious broth serves 3-4 persons. Simmered for about half a day with chicken, herbs and young ginseng roots, the chicken meat is cooked so well, it almost falls off its bones. The ginseng root is also soft and surprises with a sweet aftertaste.

  There is also spicy tofu cooked with egg, otherwise known as Sundubujjige ($14.50). Guests can request for their preferred amounts of chilli, which is otherwise adjusted to suit local taste-buds. The blend of tofu and egg is silky smooth with a satisfying bite to it. Do not be alarmed by this seemingly spicy dish, it is light on the palate and savoury to the senses.

• The Service
  Just like coming home, guests at Haebok's are pampered and ensured their stomachs filled to satisfaction. The restaurant smells wondrously like one's kitchen at home and warm-hearted service only serves to complement the meal.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Haebok's Korean Restaurant
Nostalgic Koreans will find a visit to Haebok's extremely heart-warming, especially when food served to tables replicates dishes made back home. Locals keen to try authentic Korean dishes will love this unpretentious restaurant, with their affordable dishes that can be shared out comfortably amongst three to four at a table. Warm food is definitely a thumbs-up with an inbuilt grill installed into each table; it cannot get any fresher than that!