New kimbap concept Sotbox now open at Suntec City

From the team behind the viral sotbap (pot rice) and Korean soups, comes a brand-new takeaway kimbap concept known as Sotbox. 

Located at the basement of Suntec City, Sotbox serves up a variety of kimbap (Korean rice rolls) — both regular- and mini-sized — yububap (rice in tofu skin), snacks, and even clear broth. 

The team’s previous two concepts — Sotpot and Onggii — are located in more prominent spots within Suntec City. Meanwhile, this new kiosk is tucked on the mezzanine, between the basement and first floor of Tower 3, close to Giant hypermart.

The concept itself is simple: Scan the QR code on the screen, order and wait for your items to be prepared, which in this case, is for it to be cut and packed. 

HungryGoWhere understands that the items are prepared in one of their restaurant kitchens due to space constraints at the current kiosk. 

Sotbox’s menu 

Right off the bat, we were pleasantly surprised at the number of kimbap flavours on display — nine with regular white rice, two keto versions and seven mini versions.

There is even chungmu kimbap (S$11.90), a regional dish which originates from Tongyeong, Busan, where plain rice rolls are served with squid and radish kimchi. 

The squid and radish kimchi was spicy, slightly tangy and very fresh. Having tried a version of it in Busan, Korea before, I’d say Sotbox’s take doesn’t fall too far from the proverbial tree. 

When it came to Sotbox’s regular kimbap, we tried its Classy Classic (S$8.90), tuna mayo Harmony (S$11.90), Porky-Bulgo Go Go (S$10.90) and nutty cream cheese (S$12.90). 

For those unfamiliar with kimbap, a regular or classic roll typically comprises seasoned rice filled with egg, radish, carrots, cucumber, and ham. 

The team was split on which our favourite rolls were — I personally enjoyed the generous serving of cream cheese in the nutty cream cheese, while my team preferred the Porky-Bulgo Go Go, which comes with pork bulgogi, radish and carrots. 

The tuna mayo roll came a close second, though it tasted sweeter than anticipated. 

As someone who prefers her kimbaps adequately seasoned with sesame oil, I found Sotbox’s rice a tad underseasoned, though I suppose this can be resolved by choosing more flavourful fillings (such as tuna mayo) or by dipping it liberally in one of its four sauces. 

If you find the huge kimbap rolls a bit much, there’s also the option for mini ones, known as kkoma (or child in Korean). Prices start at a low S$1.90 for a simple Hammy Carrot Bite, which comes with ham, carrot and cucumber, and go up to S$2.50 for a Ooh La tuna mayo with tuna mayonnaise, carrot and cucumber. 

In hindsight, opting for mini rolls meant we had more tummy space for more flavours and also made for easier dipping.

In addition to the regular white-rice rolls, there were also keto-friendly kimbap (from S$11.90) rolls filled with shredded egg instead of rice (though this was limited to two flavours — regular and bulgogi), and generously stuffed yububap (rice in dried tofu skin, from S$2.50), similar to a Japanese inari sushi.

Need something to wash all of that down? Sotbox also sells clear pork or beef broth (from its sister restaurant Onggii, no less!), though we found the price of S$2.40 and S$2.90 respectively a bit steep for a clear broth with no additional ingredients.

Sotbox’s menu also featured interesting sides (or gansik in Korean) such as fried eomuk (fishcake, S$2.90), which provided a good textural contrast to the “softer”, carbohydrate-heavy mains, dumplings and fried chicken.

To round off the whole experience, there are also Korean drinks such as Spring tea and sikhye slush (sweet rice drink) on its menu, though these were unavailable during our visit.

This was a hosted tasting.

Hungry for more? Read our latest review on the viral kaisendon spot Kaunta at Tanjong Pagar, or head to Summer Hill and check out its unique brunch trolley experience. 

Do explore the new GrabFood Dine Out service for awesome deals.

You can also book a ride to Sotbox at Suntec City.