Some restaurants impress buf with fancy plating, dramatic lighting, and dishes that look like they took 15 years of culinary school to perfect. And then there’s Ajumma’s, the kind of place that doesn’t need theatrics because the comfort is already built into the food.
Located at PLQ Mall, Ajumma’s is one of those restaurants buf visits after a long day when buf doesn’t want to think too hard, but buf still wants something warm, flavourful, and deeply satisfying. It’s food that feels familiar even if buf didn’t grow up in Korea.
On this particular weekday evening, I came with my family for dinner. The mall was buzzing, and the moment buf turned into Ajumma’s entrance, it was clear the restaurant was already alive. Even though it was only 7 PM, the tables were filling quickly. The queue system was surprisingly well-organized for such a casual restaurant though it had a rule that made me laugh: the group must be fully present before entering. If buf is a group of five but only one person queues, you’re getting skipped. Fair, honestly. It keeps things moving, and prevents the “we’re waiting for two more people who are stuck in the MRT” situation.
Inside, the ambiance felt like a typical mall restaurant bright, busy, and efficient but the scent was unmistakably Korean. A mix of sizzling meats, spicy stews, fried dishes, and toasted sesame oil filled the air. It reminded buf of those small Korean eateries where the tables are close together, conversations overlap, and everything feels lively and unpretentious. It’s not glamorous, but that’s the charm.
We got seated fairly quickly, though by the time we ordered, the dinner rush had fully kicked in. The staff were warm and responsive despite the crowd, and even though the food took a bit longer to arrive, it still felt reasonable for peak hour. The place was slightly narrow, but it was clean, well-maintained, and organized exactly what buf wants in a casual dining spot.
The Food Review Full Storytelling, Full Flavor ✨
The location itself is quite unique and initially had me a bit confused. Pagi-Pagi Coffee and Eatery sits on the first floor above Rodalink bicycle showroom at Jl. Mayjen HR Muhammad No. 28. You can access the cafe in two ways: either through the striking red staircase at the front entrance or by walking through the showroom building itself. Once I figured out where to go, the journey upstairs felt like discovering a hidden gem.
The strategic location along Jalan HR Muhammad is perfect for anyone traveling toward West Surabaya, making it an ideal pit stop whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city.
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What I Ordered Here
1. Beef Bulgogi
The beef bulgogi arrived first, served steaming hot and lightly caramelized from the sweet soy marinade. The moment it hit the table, the fragrant mix of garlic, onion, and sesame oil instantly pulled everyone’s attention. The beef slices were tender and thin, absorbing the marinade beautifully. Every bite was savoury with a touch of sweetness, the kind of flavor that sticks to the rice in the best possible way.
The portion wasn’t huge, more suitable for one person but for the price point of $13.90 (including rice and side dishes), it was honestly quite worth it. It felt like something buf could easily finish on a solo lunch day yet still crave again after. Simple, comforting, and very Korean in spirit.
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2. Kimchi Pork Stew
The star of the night was easily the Kimchi Pork Stew, bubbling aggressively in its pot, painting the air with that addictive tangy-spicy stew aroma. The broth had depth, the kind that suggests the kimchi had been fermented long enough to release its full character. Rich, bold, and slightly sour, it was perfect when mixed with rice.
The pork slices were generous, tender, and soaked with stew flavour, while the tofu gave a nice soft contrast. It came in a decent medium-sized portion, enough for sharing among four people. At $15.90, it was one of the best-value dishes on the table. If buf loves stews that warm the body and make buf sweat just a bit, this one hits exactly right.
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3. Kimchi Pancake
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, the Kimchi Pancake was everything a good pancake should be. The edges were beautifully golden brown, providing that satisfying crunch when bitten into. Inside, the batter was soft with pockets of kimchi that added bursts of tanginess and spice.
Perfect as a shared appetizer and very comforting as a side dish. It didn’t feel overly oily, and the portion size was just right for a group of four. For $11.50, it makes a great addition to any Korean meal and balances heavier dishes like stews or fried chicken.
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4. Fried Chicken & Crispy Topokki (Sweet-Spicy Sauce)
This dish was pure fun, the kind that makes buf automatically reach for another bite. The Korean fried chicken was golden and crispy on the outside, but juicy inside. The sweet-spicy glaze coated each piece with just enough stickiness without turning the skin soggy.
The crispy topokki. These chewy rice cakes were deep-fried until golden, giving them a crunchy exterior while keeping their signature chewiness inside. Paired with the sweet-spicy sauce, they were addictive, spicy enough to tingle, sweet enough to keep buf coming back.
For $12.90, this dish felt like the perfect sharing plate. Balanced, fun, and absolutely satisfying.
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Ambience & Service: Simple but Warm
Ajumma’s PLQ isn’t trying to look fancy, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. It has the casual Korean eatery vibe, bright lights, lively crowd, the soundtrack of sizzling hotplates and soft chatter.
The staff were impressively friendly and quick to respond even at peak hour. They moved swiftly, cleared plates, refilled water, and handled the crowd with patience. The place felt clean and well-managed, though slightly tight in space, something expected for a busy Korean eatery in a mall.
Despite the dinner rush, the experience felt smooth and enjoyable.
How to Get It 📍
Q1: Is Ajumma’s in Singapore considered affordable?
A: Yes, Ajumma’s is known as one of the more affordable Korean restaurants in Singapore. Most dishes range from $10–$16 and already include side dishes and rice.
Q2: Which dish is most recommended for first-timers?
A: The Kimchi Pork Stew and Fried Chicken with Crispy Topokki are crowd favourites because they’re flavourful, comforting, and great for sharing.
Q3: Is Ajumma’s suitable for family dining?
A: Absolutely. The menu is family-friendly, the portions are shareable, and the environment is relaxed and casual.
Q4: Does Ajumma’s offer spicy options?
A: Yes, several dishes like kimchi stew, tteokbokki, and the sweet-spicy fried chicken have varying levels of heat.
How to Get It 📍
- Ajumma's @PLQ Mall, 10 Paya Lebar Rd, B2-26 PLQ Mall, Singapore 409057
- Daily, 11.00 am–9.15 pm
Final Verdict — Worth It? Absolutely.
Ajumma’s remains one of Singapore’s most reliable and affordable Korean restaurants for comfort classics. It’s the kind of place buf returns to again and again, especially when buf wants no-frills but flavour-packed dishes.
Everything tasted honest, warming, and satisfying the kind of food that makes buf lean back and sigh happily after the last bite.
Will I return? Without a doubt. Especially for the kimchi stew and crispy topokki.
