Tanjong Pagar is home to three main types of food establishments: Korean restaurants, cafés and bars. So it was about time someone did a mash-up to serve all three traits under one roof. Enter: The da bang (meaning ‘coffee shop’ in Korean) by day and Don’t Tell Mama by night. Opened by the same folks behind neighbour Chicken Up, the 50-seater café brandishes a modern industrial interior of raw concrete walls and furniture made from upcycled tyres, plastic crates, oil drums and wooden pallets. K-pop tunes permeate the air for an upbeat atmosphere and a recessed shelf holds a collection of board games like Pop-up pirate, Jenga and Taboo for you to loan whilst you’re there.

Brunch with a Korean Twist

Food wise, you can expect brunch fare given a Korean spin, such as the Kimchi Panini ($12, pictured), where ciabattas are sandwiched generously with sautéed kimchi, cheese and an LA Chinese dressing. The café also does a Bulgogi Panini ($12) that is equally as popular amongst its patrons.

Reminiscent to the Nacho Omelette that celebrity Raymond Kim cooked on a Korean variety programme, Happy Together, is The dabang's Nacho Cheese Omelette ($16, pictured). Here, it comprises of a potato and fried egg base, topped with roasted capsicum, onion, olive, mozzarella cheese, BBQ sauce and a crushed mix of regular and black bean nachos, which contrasts nicely with its chewier base. Great for sharing!

For dessert, pick from three Mega Bingsus – Mango Yoghurt Bingsu ($18), Blueberry Cheese Bingsu ($18) or the championship trophy-like Monster Bingsu ($25, pictured). The huge dessert bowl comes with its wall laced in chocolate sauce, before snow-soft ice is added and topped with various snacks like Pepero sticks, wafers, rice puffs and Oreo.

Prefer espresso-based ice cubes in your iced coffee? Say no to dilution and order the Ice Cubes Latte ($9, pictured) or Ice Cubes Mocha ($9).

Don’t Tell Mama

Come sunset, the café transforms into a Korean-Mexican fusio bistro, Don’t Tell Mama. Expect prawn burritos, kimchi chicken quesadillas and bulgogi fries to accompany their signature Soju Rita ($25). Try and catch their free flow liquid buffet ($28 nett for ladies, $35 nett for guys) promotion with complimentary bar bites, which ends 31 Dec. The da bang/ Don't Tell Mama 52 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088473 Opening Hours Daily, 7.30am to 12 midnight

Written by Peh Yi Wen Images: Peh Yi Wen