If your family is looking for a comforting, restorative meal after a busy week of school and extracurriculars, SAM SAM SAM (삼삼삼) has opened its doors at Novena Square.
Venue: #02-46 Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road, Singapore 307683
Opening Hours, 11 am - 10 pm, daily
Conceptually modelled after a 1980s Korean herbal medicine shop (hanyakbang), SAM SAM SAM (삼삼삼) offers Singapore’s first body-matched samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) experience. Every soup formulation is developed in consultation with a panel of licensed Traditional Korean Medicine doctors, pairing traditional ingredients like Korean ginseng, jujube, and slow-cooked chicken with targeted herbal botanicals sourced directly from Korea.
Beyond individual tonic bowls, the space features warm timber interiors, retro sports culture visuals, and interactive communal dining options designed for family sharing.
Finding Your Family’s Perfect Bowl
Instead of a typical menu layout, dining at SAM SAM SAM begins with a simple diagnostic flow chart. Parents and kids can follow the short decision tree to pick a soup based on how their body feels that day:
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Vitality Tonic ($29): The classic, mild Korean ginseng chicken soup slow-cooked with ginseng, jujube, and garlic. Ideal for first-timers, younger children, and general nourishment.
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Nourishing Perilla ($30): A rich, creamy, and nutty soup enriched with finely ground perilla seeds. Formulated for lung health and deep comfort.
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Immunity Black ($32): Built around slow-aged black garlic for a robust, umami-rich broth. Formulated for energy replenishment and immunity support.
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Circulation Elixir ($29): A light, aromatic herbal broth infused with ginseng, aimed at circulation and inner balance.
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Thermal Detox ($30): A spicy, purifying broth tailored for dispelling inner cold and stress recovery (best reserved for adults or older teenagers who enjoy spice).
BYKidO Tip: If dining with younger children who are sensitive to stronger herbal flavours, opt for the Vitality Tonic or the Nourishing Perilla. Both offer gentle, naturally soothing broths without overpowering bitterness.
Communal Pots & Kid-Friendly Options
While individual samgyetang bowls are served with tender chicken, rice, and side dishes, families visiting together can also opt for communal sharing dishes and gentler staples:
1. Whole Chicken & Sharing Pots
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Whole Chicken Pot with Mushrooms (버섯듬뿍 닭한마리): Features a whole chicken, seven varieties of assorted mushrooms, and a clean, nourishing broth inspired by traditional samgyetang. Once the chicken and mushrooms are enjoyed, you can order a bowl of porridge cooked directly in the remaining broth for a comforting finish.
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Korean Spicy Chicken Pot (닭볶음탕): A braised chicken dish simmered with potatoes and vegetables in a rich, spicy broth. Adults can finish the meal by adding rice to create a crispy nurungji fried rice in the pot.
2. Hand-Pulled Noodles & Porridge
For a lighter meal or quick lunch, the menu includes:
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Samgye Kalguksu: Hand-pulled noodles served in slow-cooked ginseng chicken broth, available in Vitality, Spicy Jang, and Perilla variations.
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Stomach-Friendly Porridges: Comforting bowls available in Chicken Porridge, Dried Pollack Porridge, and nutrient-dense Abalone Porridge.
3. Crispy Sides
To complement the main soups, families can share sides such as Mung Bean Pancakes (녹두전), Water Parsley Pancakes (미나리전), Market-Style Tofu and Kimchi, or Fried Fresh Ginseng (수삼튀김), which is golden-fried to offer a crisp texture while softening the botanical notes.
Step Into a Retro Korean Apothecary
The interior design provides a distinctive setting that feels quite separate from the surrounding shopping mall. One side of the restaurant features detailed apothecary drawers, ceramic jars, and dark timber furniture, evoking the atmosphere of a traditional Korean herbal shop. The adjacent space incorporates black-and-white graphics inspired by 1980s and 90s Korean athletic culture, referencing the historical connection between samgyetang and recovery after physical effort.
Planning Your Visit
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Stroller Access & Seating: Located on the second floor of Novena Square, the venue is fully accessible via mall elevators. The restaurant features a mix of booth seating and wooden dining tables suitable for family meals. Space is rather small, so strollers may need to be left outside.
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Convenient Location: Situated directly above Novena MRT station, it makes for an easy lunch or dinner stop when running weekend errands in the Novena medical and retail belt.
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Takeaway Options: Selected menu items are also available for takeaway if you prefer to bring a warm bowl of broth home for a family member who is recovering or under the weather.
Practical Details
- Location: #02-46 Novena Square, 238 Thomson Road, Singapore 307683
- Nearest MRT: Novena (Directly connected to the mall)
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Pricing: Samgyetang from $29 | Kalguksu from $25 | Porridge from $21 | Together Set for 2 at $88
