Well-loved Korean restaurant brand ilmiri, best known for its modern takes on jjimdak (braised chicken), is now officially under new Singaporean ownership. The transition, effective 17 July 2025, marks a new phase of growth for the brand’s first overseas outpost, located at 25/26 Circular Road, Boat Quay.

Founded in Korea in 2009 and boasting nearly 150 outlets nationwide, ilmiri is a household name back home—and you’ve probably spotted its signature dishes in hit K-dramas like Vincenzo and Thirty-Nine. With a cult following for its comforting yet contemporary take on jjimdak, ilmiri blends authentic flavours with K-culture flair.

From Seoul to Singapore: A Brand Built for Sharing

The Singapore outlet, which opened in 2023, will continue operating from its 85-seat, two-unit Boat Quay location, now under the helm of Michelle Tan, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in gold trading and real estate investment.

Tan fell in love with ilmiri’s bold flavours and saw untapped potential in the brand’s single Singapore outlet. With the acquisition, she plans to expand ilmiri’s footprint locally and across the region.

“There’s something uniquely comforting and familiar about Korean food—especially jjimdak—which shares ingredients and soul with many Asian cuisines. It’s time more people in Singapore experienced ilmiri,” says Michelle.

A Menu of Hits – And New Twists to Come

Crunchy Potato

Unlike its Korean branches, ilmiri Singapore curates a “greatest hits” menu combining popular items from three of its sub-brands: Gold Jjimdak, Goi Mari, and Duru-chigi Market. This means diners here can enjoy dishes not even available in Korea.

⭐ Highlights include:

Cloud Cheese Jjimdak (S$41.90): Their signature dish featuring braised chicken, potatoes, Korean rice cakes, dumplings, and mozzarella.

Mari Combi (S$47.90): Charcoal-grilled marinated beef or pork rolls served with three dipping sauces and a side of tofu stew.

Eonyang Bulgogi (S$28.90): Grilled marinated beef from southern Korea.

Crunchy Potato (S$17.90): Korea’s answer to rosti, with cheese and sour cream.

And for Singapore’s globally-minded palates, expect new fusion dishes like the Yaki-Udon Jjimdak—a bold Korean-Japanese crossover—and two more additions launching at the end of July.

Yaki-Udon Jjimdak

New Leadership, Local Insight

Founder Mr. Cho Kibum, who established the Singapore outlet, shared that while ilmiri’s menu resonated well with locals, his Korea-based team didn’t have the on-the-ground insight to scale the brand here.

“Michelle and her team understand Singapore’s dining scene better than we ever could. With her leadership, I believe ilmiri can truly thrive here,” said Mr. Cho.

Dine Like a K-Drama Star

Aside from the food, ilmiri offers a vibrant, communal dining experience in a casual and social setting. The large portions and shareable menu are designed to bring friends and family together—whether you’re a K-drama fan or just a fan of good food.

📍 ilmiri Singapore
25/26 Circular Road, Singapore 049381
📞 Reservations: +65 9655 2689
🌐 Book online
📸 Instagram | Facebook
🕒 Hours:
Weekdays: 11:30am–3pm, 5pm–11pm
Weekends & Public Holidays: 12pm–3pm, 5pm–11pm

Whether you’re chasing that drama-worthy bite or looking to discover your new comfort food obsession, ilmiri is the taste of modern Korea—served with local heart.

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Images: ilmiri Singapore