Review: Korio’s latest Bugis outlet sees glorious new sammies and doughnuts

There’s just something deeply satisfying about a good sandwich, the kind that comes freshly-prepared, unapologetically stacked with ingredients (usually some variation of meat, cheese, and greens).

There are a few places in Singapore I like to frequent for said sandwiches, such as Joji’s Sandwich Parlour and Koki Bakery & Brew Bar. 

Both know what they’re doing, sure, but if I’m being really honest, there’s one place for me that (excuse my choice of words) really stirs the loins: Cult-favourite Korio that emerged during the first months of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The backstory

Korio first made waves when it launched in January 2020, as a tiny takeaway counter at Far East Square. Then, it quickly drew crowds for its hefty sammies and brioche doughnuts.

In fact, I still remember travelling down all the way from Sengkang during the “circuit breaker” period just to bring back a couple of sandwiches, and its disappearance at the end of 2023 left regulars, myself included, a little lonely. 

Thankfully, it returned last December with a large 600-square-foot space at IOI Central Boulevard Towers through a fresh partnership with the Zouk Group. Now comes the new Bugis outlet, a bit smaller with limited seating, but with the same great deli vibes.

Like at the Downtown outlet, there are 10 sandwiches and an excellent selection of doughnuts here, with everything under $20. No frills. No gimmicks. Just sandwiches that take themselves seriously.

Our verdict

Compared to their first iteration in Far East Square, Korio’s new Bugis outlet feels more grown-up and refined – a familiar sight if you’ve already been to the other CBD store.

It’s very good as both a casual sandwich-donut haunt and takeaway lunch spot, and most of the outlet-exclusive sandwich flavours are a hit.

Some need some small tweaks, but objectively, all of them are thoughtfully constructed, consistently well-seasoned, and also very generous for something so deceptively compact. 

As for the brioche doughnuts, grab them fast when they’re freshly fried and glazed — they’re not too sweet and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat rather than sinful regret.

If you’re anywhere near Bugis, Korio is worth the short walk. But even if you’re not, go anyway. The crowd builds quickly from noon onwards, so time your visit wisely. 

That said, the orders are served up relatively fast, and I got my sandwiches in just over 10 minutes despite it being close to peak lunch hour (12pm) on a weekday, which came after just three to four minutes of queuing.

What it’s good for

Korio Bugis’ breakfast egg & cheese muffin (S$8, available from 8am to 10.30am only) is one of those things that sound boring, but is a really solid morning sandwich that fills you right up. 

Compared to the CBD outlet’s breakfast sandwich, which includes luncheon meat and egg gribiche, Bugis’s version dials it back with warm English muffin, cheddar, egg, and herb mayo. The cheesiness comes through on my first bite, along with a hit of spring onion and dill.

More assertive and meaty is the new mortadella muffin (S$15.50), which comes with slices of grilled mortadella, provolone cheese, piquant mustard mayonnaise, and a sunny-side-up egg. 

The sharpness of the house-pickle jalapenos cuts through the richness well. I fully respect the decision to use English muffins in this sammie, for that extra bit of yeastiness and chewiness.

Yet another store-exclusive, the truffle chicken (S$15.50) is a rich thing that’s guaranteed to fill you up. There’s marinated chicken thigh, hash brown, provolone, scrambled egg, all glossed with truffle mayo. 

Despite all that, it’s surprisingly not that greasy — the truffle oil comes in subtly through the soft eggs, the hashbrown is thin but golden and crunchy, the chicken is lightly seasoned, and the potato bun keeps it all together, absorbing any excess sauce.

And then there’s the grilled cheese (S$15), a legend from the original days. It remains vegetarian, but it’s not lacking in any way. The whole wheat sourdough bread is pressed until crisp, layered with molten gruyere, cheddar, and mozzarella for an incredible cheese pull. 

The caramelised onions and touch of mustard give it sweetness and tang — I believe this is still one of the finest grilled cheeses in the city. The sandwich comes with a small tub of tomato and basil dip — use it generously for even more depth of flavour.

I shouldn’t be surprised by this, but Korio’s brioche-based donuts are still very soft and light — more pillowy than pastry-like. 

While these are baked fresh every morning, I also noticed some of the more popular flavours being topped up during lunch time, so you can rest assured you’ll still get some if you come later in the day.

Of its flavours, the honey with sea salt (S$5) looks simple, but the sweet and savoury balance is what makes it memorable. The glaze is thin and subtle, and flaky crystals of salt sharpen the honey just enough to keep things interesting. I might have finished this in less than a minute, I wasn’t counting, just inhaling it. 

The chocolate ganache with hazelnut ($5.50) is the one I’d definitely order again. It’s deeper, richer, but still avoids sugar overload. The crushed and chopped hazelnuts add a roasted edge and some texture, and the layer of bittersweet ganache holds it all together without being messy.

There are several more doughnut flavours – think cinnamon sugar with maple butter, original glazed, lemon curd, chocolate peanut butter, and apple fritters — that I’ll definitely be back to try. Counting them all, that’s seven altogether, a good amount for a small, quaint shop, and more than enough to go around even if the flavour you’re eyeing is out. 

On Korio Bugis’ beverages, I didn’t quite know what to expect from the sparkling blueberry espresso (S$7), but thankfully, it worked. 

Built on a base of Allpress’s classic espresso blend (sweet, crisp, a little chocolatey), it’s a slightly sweet and gently fizzy drink with a subtle tang from the blueberry. It’s strange at first, but the fruit really works with the coffee and becomes really refreshing as you sip on it.

What it could improve on

One of the new entries, the brisket sandwich (S$18.50), sounds great on paper, but the cut of the slow-cooked brisket itself is a bit too lean and chewy. 

It’s a shame because the flavour profile works technically — the pickled onions, caramelised onions and horseradish mayo come together to bring a harmony of sweet and tangy flavour. All that’s missing? More indulgence, more fat, more tenderness from the brisket.

Our quick takes

Is it conducive to conversation? You’re not going to want to sit down for a long lunch here. There are only a few seats inside, though there are plenty of communal spaces for takeaways on the ground floor nearby.

Is a reservation necessary? Walk-ins only.

How to get there? Korio is a 2-minute walk from Bugis MRT Station Exit D, tucked at the northeast corner of Guoco Midtown II.

HungryGoWhere paid for its meal at this restaurant for this review.

For other new eats around town, check out our latest articles on Wewa, a fast-casual Middle Eastern concept, and Blue Bottle Singapore’s newest standalone store.