Radish, cucumber, apple and cabbage – we love all kimchi the same. Here’s the intel on where to get ‘em fresh.
Similar to sauerkraut in Europe, kimchi is fermented vegetables seasoned with the likes of garlic, ginger and gochugaru (Korean chilli pepper). Just like how K-dramas, K-beauty and K-cuisine have swept our sunny shores, this piquant pickle is no different. From eating on its own to zhooshing up your home meals, we can’t get enough of this banchan. So when the craving hits, this homemade kimchi guide will have your back.
The best homemade kimchi in Singapore
Jin Kimchi
Tired of the one-note store-bought kimchi, the folks at Jim Kimchi have created five flavours: original, radish, cucumber, spring onion and white kimchi. The last one is actually perfect for those who can’t take heat as it is soaked in a fruity and salty brine sans hot pepper flakes. If the raving reviews are any indication of how good it is, we’re sold.
Order online
Lee’s Kimchi
The secret to good kimchi lies in the fermentation process and the kimchi here is already fermented before it is sent to you. With no added MSG and preservatives and low in sodium and sugar, there are five flavours to try, including a vegan version. Plus, the recipes are ajumma-approved, so you know it’s going to be good.
Order online
Hangkuk Kitchen
Get your kimchi fix with this one-stop-shop for all things Korean. The culinary team is made up of Korean chefs and all of the ingredients are directly imported from the Land of the Rising Sun, so you know it’s going to be authentic. Selling at 1kg and 500g for $10.95 and $5.95 respectively, the kimchi is a steal! While you’re at it, check out the heat-and-serve series which includes army stew and samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup).
Order online
Pink Candy
Pink Candy is an expert when it comes to this pickled vegetable dish. With 10 years of experience in kimchi-making, they’ve created a recipe suited for Singapore’s humid weather. Take your pick from flavours like apple, radish, spring onion and cucumber. If you happen to be around Beauty World Centre, check out its stall for affordable Korean dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), kimbap and grilled meats.
Pink Candy, #04-60, Beauty World Centre, 144 Upper Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 588177
Little Farms
Little Farms needs no introduction but did you know its stores offer a wide range of kimchi? Yes, and while you can shop for the classic version, we say take the artisanal route with flavours like szechuan pepper and turmeric, black miso and garlic, and Thai chilli and galangal. Oh, did we mention there’s even kimchi mayo?
Little Farms, multiple locations including Novena and Holland Village
Wanting Kimchi
If you prefer your kimchi to be more flavourful than sour, Wanting Kimchi might be the one for you. On top of the usual flavours like apple and radish, there’s the vegan First Snow White Kimchi. It is essentially baek kimchi made with cabbage, radish, red dates, bell peppers and chives, suspended in a fruity brine with undertones of ginger and garlic. And for those who live for the sour taste, let it age in the fridge for an extra one or two weeks.
Order online
Kimchi Local
Tired of the usual apple and cabbage version and on the hunt for peculiar flavours? How does pineapple and cucumber kimchi sound? Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. The fact that they have launched new fruity flavours like tangerine and pear proves that Kimchi Local must be doing something right.
Order online
There you have it! Now you know where to hit up if you’re hankering for kimchi in Singapore.
