Kong Madam – New Restaurant for Traditional Korean Soft Tofu

Kong Madam is a new Korean restaurant at Guoco Midtown II that specialises in traditional soft tofu stew. The menu focuses on handmade tofu dishes and charcoal-grilled items. It is a good casual dining destination for families and groups.

Kong Madam at Guoco Midtown II

The Kong Madam brand was created by 678 Company, with input from South Korean media personality Kang Ho Dong during its setup in Singapore. The South Korean firm also operates Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong and LA Agassi Gopchang. Kang Ho Dong is a household name in Korea, and Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong is known for offering an authentic Korean barbecue experience with premium meats. The barbecue brand operates internationally, with outlets in the United States, Indonesia, China and Australia.

The new Kong Madam is located at the road level of Guoco Midtown II. The restaurant has glass walls and is brightly lit. The main entrance announces that you are entering a Korean tofu restaurant. There is a rustic wooden panel as a backdrop, with a wooden signboard featuring traditional Korean characters. Shelves display onggi (pottery) and gamasot (miniature cauldrons) that are used in traditional preparation of tofu and stew.

The interior blends a contemporary eatery with the rustic charm of a traditional Korean tofu house. The space uses a warm colour palette dominated by rich wood tones and features traditional Korean design elements.

The restaurant uses light-wood chairs and integrated bench seating that runs along the perimeter of the dining hall. Communal tables stretch across the central section. There is also booth seating, along with a few bar counter seats. The layout accommodates both intimate meals and larger groups.

Beyond the main air-conditioned space, there is a large outdoor dining area. This sheltered section is non-air-conditioned.

Soontofu

Kong Madam specialises in soontofu, also known as sundubu-jjigae. The Korean soft tofu stew is a dish typically serves bubbling in a black stone pot.

Kong Madam prepares its soft tofu using traditional methods. The restaurant says it uses techniques developed over decades of Korean tofu-making tradition. Kong Madam’s tofu is made using 100% pure soybeans. Pot-boiling remains the core technique. This results in tofu with a silky texture and subtle bean flavour. The handmade approach distinguishes the restaurant’s tofu from mass-produced alternatives.

Menu of Kong Madam

Soontofu features prominently on the menu at Kong Madam. Charcoal-grilled meats and fish form the other main category. There are also side dishes such as fried chicken, dumplings and pancakes.

Below are photos of pages from the physical menu, along with a few screenshots from the digital menu.

A children’s menu is available for families. Patrons can request dietary modifications when ordering.

The Combo Meal

The Grilled Mackerel and Soontofu Combo Meal ($28.90) includes hot stone rice, the mackerel, soontofu and side dishes. The mackerel was served on a separate plate.

The soontofu came in a traditional black stone pot. Ingredients in the stew included soft tofu, seafood, vegetables, egg and a mildly spicy broth. The soft tofu had a custard-like consistency. It absorbed the flavours from the broth.

The fish was charcoal-grilled until the skin turned golden brown. The flesh remained moist beneath the crispy exterior. The charcoal grilling added a smoky note without overwhelming the fish’s natural taste.

Steamed Dumplings

The steamed dumplings ($14.90 for six pieces) were served in a bamboo steamer basket. Each dumpling contained a mix of vegetables and meat. The skins were thin yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. They had good texture and flavour, and were surprisingly enjoyable.

Good Korean comfort food

Kong Madam is a good dining destination for Korean comfort food. It has a clear focus on authentic soft tofu dishes. The soontofu is prepared using traditional methods, resulting in a depth of flavour that sets it apart from more standard offerings. The restaurant fills a niche for diners seeking traditional Korean soft tofu dishes.

The menu offers sufficient variety, with reasonable portion sizes and pricing. Overall, the dishes we tried were enjoyable. In addition, the free-flow tea service adds value, and is a simple gesture that is much appreciated. The new Korean restaurant is suitable for both quick lunches and leisurely dinners, whether dining alone or in larger groups.

Ratings:
Food: 4
Service: 4
Value: 3
Atmosphere: 3
Overall Rating: 4 TOPs 

Kong Madam
20 Tan Quee Lan Street
#01-02/03 Guoco Midtown II
Singapore 188107

Tel: +65 68835051

Opening Hours: 11 am – 10 pm
On weekdays – break from 3 pm to 5 pm

Nearby MRT Station: Bugis

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