The “I’m Kim” franchise by Kingdom Food Group is no new kid on the block. They’ve been around for at least a good decade, sprouting across the island not just in town, but in the heartlands as well. In recent years, they’ve also earned themselves quite a few awards by Tripadvisor & Hungrygowhere.
The covid-19 global pandemic has altered the way we consume, wine & dine. In particular, buffet; change is inevitable. And the “I’m Kim” franchise is one such buffet restaurant that’s quick to adapt.
Limits of patrons & diners is well managed within regulation, so it’s best to make reservation to be sure you’ll have your spot to commune with your four other family members/ friends (prevailing regulation, 5pax per table until further notice).
As we’re getting acquainted with Adrian who hosted us, I observed from peripheral vision that the sterilizing regime is well adhered to standards. When diners vacate, the staff would clear the tables as necessary, followed with serious dose of alcohol wipe down.
Why serious? The fragrance of alcohol stands out amidst the smoky grilling ambiance.
Gone are the days where buffet goers get to liberally access the buffet spread, the diners at this franchise now get pampered with the service crew shuttling & conveying the ingredients of choice, from an order chit akin to that of some dim-sum joints.
For the benefit of those unfamiliar to what’s in store, the buffet spread comprises of prepared, cooked & uncooked items. Needless to say, the uncooked items are ingredients meant for the BBQ & Shabu Shabu, both the grill & convection stove are recessed at your tables.
Note: some items on the listed are marked available for Dinner, Weekends & Public Holidays only.
Meats & Seafood comprise of Teriyaki Chicken, Volcano Chicken (Spicy), Black Pepper Chicken, Pork Belly, Marinated Pork, Beef Bulgogi, Chicken (Hotpot), Sliced Pork (Hotpot), Bacon, Spicy Pork, Beef Roll, Prawns, Mussels, Squid and White Clams
Whether you like your veggies grilled, boiled or raw, there’s Fresh Lettuce, Broccoli, Long Cabbage, Xiao Bai Cai, Sweet Corn, Brinjal (aka Eggplant), Onion, Japanese Leek, Sweet Potato, Green Chili, Garlic, Enoki Mushroom, Shimeji Mushroom, Button Mushroom and Oyster Mushroom
Ingredients that go well in the Shabu Shabu, or improvise your own Oden, there’s Lobster Ball, Crabstick, Naruto Kamaboko, Taupok, Seafood Tofu, Fish Ball with Roe, Egg Tofu, Luncheon Meat, Hot Dog Sausage, Beancurd Skin, Raw Egg and Quail Egg
While you’re at it, don’t miss out on the condiments; Korean Ssamjang, Goma Sauce, Thai Chili Sauce, Thousand Island, Sesame+ Salt & Pepper
In any case, while watching & waiting for BBQ/ Shabu Shabu to be ready for consumption, the prepared & cooked items are time savers to satiate the anxiety of suspense.
For Salads, Sides & Soups, offers variety of: Kimchi, Pamuchim, Corn, Potato Salad, Coleslaw, Fusilli Salad, Edamame, Radish, Sliced Tomatoes, Mushroom or Ginseng Soup
And Cooked variety offered: Tteokbokki, Korean Japchae, Carbonara, Fries, Nanban Chicken, Cheese Tofu, Tempura, Assorted Sushi, Mentaiko Pasta and Korean Chicken Wings
The Chicken Wings are seriously must try… or some say “don’t try, will die”
Though there’s Carbs on the list, Steamed Rice, Tanghoon, Udon & Instant Noodles… though carbs is a staple in Asian diet, Singaporeans typically refrain from carbs in buffets (buffet mileage strategy… shhh… don’t quote me).
Sliced Watermelon is also in the spread, so you can have them before, during or after the meal. Some would prefer to pair with Soju.
The Buy 2 get 1 free promotion on alcoholic drinks seems perpetual, get to choose from Soju, Makkoli or Hite Beer. Those who can hold their alcohol might prefer the Soju or Makkoli, but be warned, Soju is Asia’s reply to Vodka.
Please drink responsibly, don’t drive, sail, fly or operate machinery after consumption.
For folks like me who prefer avoiding peak hour crowds, get to enjoy discounts for their Off-Peak Promo. Albeit limited only to the buffet bill, all other promotional discounts (i.e.: Student, Senior, Child, Vouchers and Alcohols) not applicable. Availability of slots will vary for different outlets, so make reservations, be punctual, and dine within allocated time slots, so others get a chance to dine too.
In solidarity with the Healthcare Heroes during the present ongoing pandemic, flash your Healthcare Staff Pass to enjoy 20% off your total bill for minimum 2 adult dining; for daily lunches or weekday dinners ONLY. Vouchers and Off-Peak discounts not applicable.
(Understandably, Healthcare Heroes work shifts and granted that reservation is recommended. Best to check with establishment about the concession terms & conditions)
All in all, I think the concept works well for our local market, considering Korean style BBQ has been widely consumed since the 1990s down at Marina South, except they’re now readily available in airconditioned premises of malls in the heartlands. And now, with the stringent social distancing measure, dining becomes more comfortable with less ambient noise.
I had the joy of face stuffing in good company of fellow foodies, Purple Tastes, Captain Slow Yeo, Her Pen & Fork and her +1, and kudos to Adrian & Kingdom Food Group for hosting us at the Gantral Mall branch.
Promotions are updated regularly, so it’s best you follow their social media handles or visit their website, so you’re kept up to speed.
I’m Kim Korean BBQ & Shabu Shabu
Grantral Mall – 3151 Commonwealth Ave West #02-05 Singapore 129581
T: +65 62611936
AMK Hub – 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #04-04 Singapore 569933
T: +65 62193473
I’m Kim Korean BBQ
School of the Arts – 1 Zubir Said Drive #01-04 Singapore 227968
T: +65 62387218
I’m Kim Junior-Korean BBQ & Army Stew
*SCAPE: 2 Orchard Link #03-01 Singapore 237978 (Next to Cineleisure)
T: +65 66340420
GoroGoro Steamboat & Korean Buffet
The Centrepoint: 176 Orchard Road #03-43 Singapore 238843
T: +65 63857854
Tampines 1: 10 Tampines Central 1 #03-16A Singapore 529536
T: +65 65094281
Captain Kim Korean BBQ & Hotpot (Halal Certified)
NTUC Income Tampines Junction – 300 Tampines Avenue 5 #01-06 Singapore 529653
T: +65 62604247
W: https://kingdomfood.sg/
C: https://kingdomfood.sg/contact/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/imkimshabushabu/
IG: @imkimshabushabu
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Pictures taken using Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
IG: @o_oican
Epicurious Caniggia 
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