Vegetarians at a Korean grill restaurant might worry there is little beyond plain rice and banchan to speak of. At Nami Korean Grill House by Hanjip, that concern is thankfully and cheerfully unfounded. The menu offers a thoughtful range of meat-free options rooted in the bold, complex flavours that make Korean food so compelling: fermented depth, chilli heat, sesame richness, and the satisfying heft of handmade tofu. The following dishes make a very strong case for a table booked soon.
1. Spicy Handmade Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae) — $28
Sundubu Jjigae is one of Korea’s great comfort dishes, and our version uses handmade tofu. This almost trifling detail makes all the difference. Silken in texture and trembling in a deep-red, gochugaru-spiced broth, this stew arrives bubbling and fragrant at the table. Do note that the standard preparation includes seafood or pork, so vegetarians should make a special request when ordering. Pair it with steamed rice to soak up and make the most of every drop of the savoury, gently fiery stock.
2. Cheese Egg Roll — $16
Korea’s love affair with cheese is a relatively recent chapter in its culinary story, but nonetheless one embraced with remarkable enthusiasm. The Cheese Egg Roll we have is a gentle, crowd-pleasing dish, starring a soft, rolled omelette with a warm, melted cheese centre that pulls apart in the most satisfying way. It works beautifully as a shared starter or a side alongside the stews. Simple in concept and consistently enjoyable in execution, we say it is the kind of order you will not regret.
3. Gourmet Mushroom Platter — $38
At Nami Korean Grill House, the grill is not reserved for meat alone. This platter brings together a selection of premium mushrooms ready for charcoal grilling, and the results are genuinely impressive. As the mushrooms char at the edges and release their natural umami, wrapped in perilla leaves or dipped in sesame oil and sea salt, they become something far greater than the sum of their parts. For any diner who loves the theatre of Korean barbecue without the meat, this is the dish to anchor the meal. Proof, if any were needed, that mushrooms have always had a meatiness entirely their own.
4. Seasonal Vegetable Platter — $18
Simple, honest, and always rotating with what is freshest, the Seasonal Vegetable Platter pairs beautifully with a charcoal grill. Vegetables take on a wonderfully smoky character over the coals, with edges crisping while the centres stay tender. Whether enjoyed with a dab of doenjang paste or wrapped in lettuce with a sliver of garlic, each bite reminds you that Korean barbecue tradition has always valued vegetables as a serious component of the meal. If you need some help with the condiments, read our quick guide for the must-haves.
5. Chives Pancake — $22
Lighter and more fragrant than many of its pancake counterparts, the Chives Pancake is a quieter pleasure well worth ordering. Thin strips of fresh chives are folded through a savoury batter and pan-fried until the corners turn golden and lacy. The result is delicate but satisfying, accompanied by a clean herbal note running through each mouthful. Pair with a small bowl of dipping sauce and a cold glass of Makgeolli.
6. Potato Pancake — $22
Similar, but different. Gamjajeon, the Korean potato pancake, is a dish that tends to win people over on first bite. Grated potato forms a batter that crisps up beautifully in the pan, yielding a pancake with a satisfyingly crunchy surface and a soft, starchy centre. Our version is straightforward and well-executed to let the ingredient speak for itself. It is hearty without being heavy, and it goes particularly well with the stews on the menu. All in all, it makes for a clever order for a shared, leisurely meal.
7. Glass Noodles (Japchae) — $25
Japchae has long been considered a celebratory dish in Korea, often appearing at weddings and festive gatherings. And doesn’t that say something about how well-loved it is? Springy sweet potato glass noodles are stir-fried with vegetables and seasoned with sesame oil and soy, creating a dish that manages to feel both light and indulgent at once. Nami Korean Grill House’s Japchae is a reliable pleasure, adored by both Koreans and non-Koreans alike. The noodles carry their seasoning beautifully, and the textures hold together with every forkful, or chopstick-ful. Our observation is that regulars tend to order it as a standalone main, while newcomers often find it appearing as a side. Both instincts are correct.
8. Melona Ice Cream — $3 each
No meal ends badly when Melona is involved. A beloved Korean frozen treat with a devoted following since the 1990s, Melona ice cream is a refreshing, creamy bar available at Nami Korean Grill House in four flavours: melon, mango, taro, strawberry. At $3 each, it is an easy yes! at any point in the evening. Light, sweet, and cheerfully unpretentious, it offers a cooling contrast to the bold, spiced flavours that precede it. Order one for yourself, then consider a second. In Singapore, where the weather makes dessert a year-round obligation, Melona is simply good sense.
A Considered Choice
Eight dishes in, and the case for vegetarian dining at a Korean restaurant has been made rather convincingly. Nami Korean Grill House brings together the fermented soul of Korean cooking with premium ingredients and an atmosphere designed for long, enjoyable meals. Whether you are a committed vegetarian or simply someone who appreciates a great stew, our menu has you covered.
Book your table at Nami Korean Grill House and find out for yourself.
