Onggii debuts a pop-up at Nex with its comforting gomtang and new mains

Hearty mains

Onggii serves up a range of Korean comfort bowls, from gomtangs to stews, and even protein-heavy options.

First up are two new additions, now available at its Suntec and Nex outlets and set to stay on the permanent menu.

The gkong chi kimchi jjigae (S$17.90) is a great pick if you’re after something warm and soupy. A kimchi-based stew, it features three pieces of Pacific saury — a slightly briny, oily fish — lending the broth a deep, savoury flavour with a light tang. It also comes with a bowl of rice and side dishes such as quail eggs, seaweed, and kimchi.

If you’re leaning towards something heartier, the braised spicy pork square rib (S$23.90) steps in — six tender, succulent ribs coated in a bold, fiery glaze. It comes with the same selection of side dishes but skips the carb base, making it better suited for sharing or paired with an additional bowl of rice or noodles.

Beyond the new additions, the rest of the menu leans into Onggii’s signatures from its Suntec outlet.

The classic ginseng chicken soup (S$24.90) is one such highlight — a limited item that isn’t listed on the physical menu. You’ll only find it on the online ordering system, if it’s still available.

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The broth is light, yet deeply flavourful, with a clean, herbal sweetness from the ginseng that isn’t too overpowering. The chicken is tender and falls apart easily, revealing a stuffing of glutinous rice and mung beans, which adds a subtle nuttiness and comforting bite to the dish.

Alongside the bowl of broth, it comes with a selection of side dishes, including kimchi, pickled radish, sauces, and condiments that help enhance the flavours of the soup.

Beef-wise, we had the beef wang galbi gomtang (S$24.90), a beef short rib soup that stood out for its deeply rich, yet clean-tasting broth. It features tender beef short ribs that fall apart easily, making each bite especially satisfying.

It also comes with a warm bowl of rice on the side, along with kimchi, pickled radish, soy-braised quail eggs, fishcake, and a light soy-based dipping sauce with garlic and chilli.

Prefer a kimchi-based option? On its a la carte menu, there’s the dweji kimchi jjim (S$22.90), a sharing dish that features tender pork braised in a bold, tangy kimchi base with a slight kick. It’s hearty, deeply flavourful, and especially satisfying if you’re a kimchi lover!

If you’re looking for something beyond soups, the so galbi jjim (S$34.90) is a hearty sharing option that leans richer and more indulgent. It features tender braised beef short ribs in a thick, savoury gravy, alongside mushrooms, lotus root, and even tteokbokki, which adds a chewy, comforting texture to the dish. The meat is fork-tender and easily falls off the bone, soaking up all that rich sauce.

Of course, no Korean meal is complete without pancakes. The kimchi jeon (S$15.90) comes in nine square-cut pieces, served with a light soy-based dipping sauce that complements its crisp exterior. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s hard to go wrong with — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with tangy kimchi flavour.

For drinks, there are a couple of new options since our last visit, including the ginseng punch (S$4.90), a refreshing drink with a noticeable herbal flavour and slight bitterness that may take some getting used to. 

If you’re after something simpler, there are also familiar picks such as the grape Bongbong (S$3.90).

For more on what to eat, check out Sabana coffee house at Mei Ling Food Centre, and craft-beer bar Orh Gao Taproom.