While the popularity of Boat Quay has been in the decline in recent years, a bleak shadow of its rich history as a trade hub; there is no denying the plethora of dining options available along the banks of the Singapore River. Su Korean Cuisine, opened in January 2007, has certainly brought the focus away from the usual seafood offerings by bringing Korean delights closer to the executive crowd of the Central Business District.

• The Vibe
  The restaurant comprises of three main dining areas; the al fresco setting by the waterfront, the first level of the shophouse and a more private setting on the second. The entrance is nondescript, blending in a little too well with the multitude of restaurants along the river. Despite being kept simple and homely, the décor is undoubtedly classy and tasteful, with soft lighting and unique furnishings. The second level boasts an abundance of natural light in the day and an excellent view of the Asian Civilisation Museum across the river.

• The Food
  Korean cuisine is famed for being labour-intensive, from the marination of their meats to the preservation of their vegetables; a significant amount of time and effort is invested in their preparation, resulting in rich flavours and textures.

  As a start to your meal, savour their array of complimentary side-dishes, made from an impressive range of fresh and preserved vegetables. While their version of the kim chi did not hit the spot, the chilled lotus root is refreshing with a subtly sweet tinge. The variety is indicative of their generosity and intent on providing a complete gastronomical experience.

  Touted to be a popular street snack and not usually served in restaurants, the Korean-Style Fried Rice Flour Cake ($14) comes highly recommended. Piped into inch-long tubes, the chewy rice flour cakes are cooked with a variety of vegetables and mushrooms. The addictive sauce is sweet and light spiced, slightly reminiscent of the local dish comprising of cuttlefish and water convulvus. The Spicy Seafood & Beancurd Soup ($14) has probably been toned down considerably in terms of its fieriness in favour of the local palate. Despite being not spicy enough, the soup still manages to deliver that umami rush together with silky beancurd and bite-sized chunks of fresh seafood.

  If you are a fan of the bibimbap, mixed rice in a distinctive stone bowl, then you simply cannot miss the Assorted Rice in Stone Cattle with Beef ($16). Mixed at the table with some spicy sauce, the assortment of sliced vegetables, rice and beef blends rather well into a sticky mix. As the stone bowl is heated, some of the rice gets burnt and adds a chewy texture to the dish, resulting in a hodgepodge of flavours and varying textures. However, the pieces of beef were too small, making hard to distinguish it from the mix. The Seafood Pancake with Green Onion ($15) is another recommendation, gaining popularity with its crisp exterior and chewy center. Even though the accompanying sauce is a traditional savoury mix, it did not go quite well with the pancake filled with seafood, which might be better off with something tangier.

  Vegetarians need not fret, as there are vegetarian options in the menu as well. The promotional set meals are also a good way to sample the numerous offerings of Su Korean Cuisine, as they can be as affordable as $49+++ for two persons.

• The Service
  While the staff did come across as a little inexperienced, they were commendably quick and efficient. Warm and attentive to our needs, they refilled our glasses promptly and ensured a pleasant dining experience.

The SD Food Advisor's take on Su Korean Cuisine
With the first outlet located in Far East Plaza, Su Korean Cuisine is certainly taking on a different crowd with this outlet at Boat Quay. Offering a greater variety of dishes as compared to other Korean establishments, they have something for everyone, ranging from the popular BBQ meats, famed spicy soups and the lesser-known rice flour cake. If you work around the area and yearn to be more adventurous for lunch, their value-for-money set lunches and weekday daily specials are definitely worth a try. Otherwise, orchestrate a romantic date by the waterfront with their BBQ menu and a little wine, the perfect way to wind down and enjoy the company of a loved one.