A Taste of Korea in Bukit Batok: The Story of Sagol Korean Food
December 17, 2024, 4:38 pm
In the heart of Bukit Batok, a small hawker stall is making waves. Sagol Korean Food, run by Upeka, a Sri Lankan native, serves authentic Korean dishes that rival those found in high-end restaurants. This culinary gem opened its doors in February 2023, and since then, it has become a beacon for food lovers seeking delicious, affordable Korean fare.
Upeka’s journey is as rich as the flavors she serves. With a passion for cooking ignited by her chef husband, she ventured into the world of Korean cuisine. Her husband, a seasoned chef with over two decades of experience, taught her the intricacies of Korean cooking. Together, they transformed a modest investment of S$10,000 into a thriving business.
The stall’s name, Sagol, is a nod to her husband’s nickname. The addition of an “L” was a clever workaround; in Korean, “Sago” means “accident.” The couple’s dedication to quality is evident in every dish. They use fresh ingredients and make everything from scratch, including their beloved kimchi. Upeka’s kimchi is aged for a week, ensuring it’s crunchy and flavorful, not overly sour. Customers rave about it, with some even requesting to buy it by the container.
Sagol Korean Food offers a small but enticing menu. Diners can enjoy dishes like dolsot bibimbap, jjajangmyeon, and soon tofu soup, with prices starting at just S$5.50. The dolsot bibimbap, served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, is a standout. It features a medley of vegetables, tender beef bulgogi, and a sunny-side-up egg, all mixed with a sesame oil-spiked gochujang sauce. The crispy rice at the bottom adds a delightful texture, making each bite a celebration of flavors.
During lunchtime, a line of eager customers often snakes out the door. Upeka’s food has garnered a loyal following, including regulars who are Korean nationals. They praise the authenticity of her dishes, often returning multiple times a week. Upeka’s humble demeanor shines through as she reflects on her unexpected success. Initially overwhelmed, she now embraces the bustling atmosphere of her stall, grateful for the support of her community.
Despite the challenges of running a stall alone, Upeka manages to balance her responsibilities as a mother of two. She opens Sagol only on weekdays for four hours, from 10 AM to 2 PM, to prioritize her family. Each day, she prepares a limited number of servings to minimize waste, ensuring that every dish is fresh and delicious. By 1:30 PM, she often sells out, a testament to the quality and demand for her food.
The stall’s popularity has sparked plans for expansion. Upeka and her husband aim to introduce Korean BBQ in the evenings, allowing them to reach more customers while still keeping family at the forefront. This venture is set to launch in the first half of 2025, and Upeka is excited about the possibilities.
Upeka’s story is not just about food; it’s about resilience and passion. She came to Singapore over 20 years ago, initially working in a cha chaan teng chain. After marrying her husband, she embraced her role as a homemaker, raising their two children. The idea of opening a stall was born from her love for cooking and her husband’s encouragement. It’s a journey that reflects the heart of many immigrant stories—finding a place, building a life, and sharing culture through food.
As customers savor their meals, they experience more than just flavors; they connect with Upeka’s story. Each dish is a piece of her journey, a blend of Sri Lankan warmth and Korean tradition. The laughter and camaraderie shared with her patrons create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
Sagol Korean Food is more than a stall; it’s a community hub. Upeka’s friendly interactions with customers, who affectionately call her “ahjumma,” add a personal touch to the dining experience. She cherishes these moments, finding joy in the connections she builds through her cooking.
In a world where fast food often overshadows home-cooked meals, Sagol stands out. It’s a reminder that good food comes from the heart. Upeka’s dedication to her craft and her customers is palpable in every bite. For those in Bukit Batok, Sagol Korean Food is not just a meal; it’s an experience, a taste of Korea served with love.
As the sun sets on Bukit Batok, the aroma of sizzling dishes lingers in the air. Upeka’s culinary journey continues, one plate at a time. With plans for the future and a commitment to quality, Sagol Korean Food is poised to remain a beloved fixture in the community. For anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine, this hawker stall is a must-visit. It’s where flavors meet stories, and every meal is a celebration of culture and community.
Upeka’s journey is as rich as the flavors she serves. With a passion for cooking ignited by her chef husband, she ventured into the world of Korean cuisine. Her husband, a seasoned chef with over two decades of experience, taught her the intricacies of Korean cooking. Together, they transformed a modest investment of S$10,000 into a thriving business.
The stall’s name, Sagol, is a nod to her husband’s nickname. The addition of an “L” was a clever workaround; in Korean, “Sago” means “accident.” The couple’s dedication to quality is evident in every dish. They use fresh ingredients and make everything from scratch, including their beloved kimchi. Upeka’s kimchi is aged for a week, ensuring it’s crunchy and flavorful, not overly sour. Customers rave about it, with some even requesting to buy it by the container.
Sagol Korean Food offers a small but enticing menu. Diners can enjoy dishes like dolsot bibimbap, jjajangmyeon, and soon tofu soup, with prices starting at just S$5.50. The dolsot bibimbap, served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, is a standout. It features a medley of vegetables, tender beef bulgogi, and a sunny-side-up egg, all mixed with a sesame oil-spiked gochujang sauce. The crispy rice at the bottom adds a delightful texture, making each bite a celebration of flavors.
During lunchtime, a line of eager customers often snakes out the door. Upeka’s food has garnered a loyal following, including regulars who are Korean nationals. They praise the authenticity of her dishes, often returning multiple times a week. Upeka’s humble demeanor shines through as she reflects on her unexpected success. Initially overwhelmed, she now embraces the bustling atmosphere of her stall, grateful for the support of her community.
Despite the challenges of running a stall alone, Upeka manages to balance her responsibilities as a mother of two. She opens Sagol only on weekdays for four hours, from 10 AM to 2 PM, to prioritize her family. Each day, she prepares a limited number of servings to minimize waste, ensuring that every dish is fresh and delicious. By 1:30 PM, she often sells out, a testament to the quality and demand for her food.
The stall’s popularity has sparked plans for expansion. Upeka and her husband aim to introduce Korean BBQ in the evenings, allowing them to reach more customers while still keeping family at the forefront. This venture is set to launch in the first half of 2025, and Upeka is excited about the possibilities.
Upeka’s story is not just about food; it’s about resilience and passion. She came to Singapore over 20 years ago, initially working in a cha chaan teng chain. After marrying her husband, she embraced her role as a homemaker, raising their two children. The idea of opening a stall was born from her love for cooking and her husband’s encouragement. It’s a journey that reflects the heart of many immigrant stories—finding a place, building a life, and sharing culture through food.
As customers savor their meals, they experience more than just flavors; they connect with Upeka’s story. Each dish is a piece of her journey, a blend of Sri Lankan warmth and Korean tradition. The laughter and camaraderie shared with her patrons create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
Sagol Korean Food is more than a stall; it’s a community hub. Upeka’s friendly interactions with customers, who affectionately call her “ahjumma,” add a personal touch to the dining experience. She cherishes these moments, finding joy in the connections she builds through her cooking.
In a world where fast food often overshadows home-cooked meals, Sagol stands out. It’s a reminder that good food comes from the heart. Upeka’s dedication to her craft and her customers is palpable in every bite. For those in Bukit Batok, Sagol Korean Food is not just a meal; it’s an experience, a taste of Korea served with love.
As the sun sets on Bukit Batok, the aroma of sizzling dishes lingers in the air. Upeka’s culinary journey continues, one plate at a time. With plans for the future and a commitment to quality, Sagol Korean Food is poised to remain a beloved fixture in the community. For anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine, this hawker stall is a must-visit. It’s where flavors meet stories, and every meal is a celebration of culture and community.