The Korean craze had been, and still is, unstoppable and hitting an all-time high with Asian blockbuster serial, Jewel In the Palace. ‘Jang Geum', played by Lee Young-Ae, captured our hearts in the drama with her sob-tale and, of course, superb culinary skills that made us drool endlessly at the sight of her fabulous medicinal-infused Korean cuisine - yes, even if it's all on screen only. Fortunately, Amara Hotel at Tanjong Pagar Road comes to the rescue of diehard K-drama fans with Hyang-To-Gol Korean Restaurant, a chi-chi venue that promises to live up to Jang Geum's legendary culinary skills.

• The Vibe
  Stepping into Hyang-To-Gol makes you think of Jewel In The Palace at once. A traditional Korean drum (as seen in Jang Geum's palace) is displayed proudly for all to see at the entrance. As you approach the drum in fascination, a league of Hanbok-clad ladies, lined neatly alongside the wall, will charmingly greet you in melodious Korean. Steer right into the dining hall to see dark wooden tables and straight-backed chairs, padded with leather, imparting a sense of lavish, homely comfort. The restaurant provides 5 private rooms that come equipped with its own LCD television and full length windows looking out to the busy roads of Tanjong Pagar – ideal for some business talk over lunch or a chic social gathering.

• The Food
  Hyang-To-Gol boasts of some of the finest ingredients in their menu, ranging from their popular prime beef to the assortment of appetising kimchi. First-time diners may be surprised by the restaurant's generosity – a tantalising spread of 10 small side dishes, which they term banchan, are provided free-of-charge for every table.

  If you love your kimchi, you'll love Hyang-To-Gol for their variety of banchan . There are 3 different kinds of kimchi served, namely the freshly marinated cabbage kimchi, the aged (pickled for at least two weeks) kimchi, and the kakktoge (radish kimchi). Together with a tantalising kimchi stew, these are the usual ‘permanent residents' on the banchan list. The remaining 6 dishes are on a rota basis out of their extensive menu, which includes fried anchovies, sweet corn pancakes and m iyeok-muchim, a seaweed starter seasoned with sweet vinegar and salt . These banchan dishes are often spicy and tangy in taste, complementing the mandatory Korean staple of white, sticky rice.

  If you've had your fill of kimchi, move on to Hyang-To-Gol's array of barbequed meat items. The Lospyeonchae ($35 for a Small; $50 for a Large) features prime beef that is slightly roasted to retain every bit of its juices and tenderness. A captivating shade of pinkish-red, the prime beef is sliced thinly for patrons to roll an assortment of vegetables that are served alongside the meat within the tender slices. It is indeed incredible how the tender beef melts in your mouth with a contrasting crunch from the fresh vegetables rolled in between. This dish comes with a dipping sauce but the prime beef is already a delight on its own taste, and I rather not rob the dish of its original charm.

  Another of Hyang-To-Gol's specialty is the Pan-fried Seafood with Spring Onion Pancake ($20), a perfect alternative for people staying off red meat. A thin crust hides the aroma of spring onions and silvers of fresh seafood, resulting in a simple, fuss-free accompaniment for your rice. Best of all, this pan-fried pancake is not as oily as you might expect it to be!

• The Service
  The staff members in Hyang-To-Gol are perfectly trained to attend to your needs, from the simplest task of making menu recommendations to the exquisite rolling of vegetables within your prime beef slices into neat cylindrical parcels. They do it with a smile and astounding efficiency, so there is little left to dissatisfied about.

SD Food Advisor's Take on Hyang-To-Gol Korean Restaurant
The incessant streams of Korean conversation between members of staff, and even amongst the numerous Koreans who patronise the restaurant, may get a little trying after some time. However, Hyang-To-Gol is still well-known for its luxurious ambience and an equally luxurious menu. Nevertheless, be prepared to cough up for a meal fit for a palace that will probably earn an approving nod from Jang Geum, herself.