Nipong Naepong: Singapore's first ever jjamppong specialty concept
What: By the same folks that brought us hits like Chir Chir, Massizim and Kogane Yama, comes another Korean food brand: jjamppong specialty concept Nipong Naepong, also Singapore's first ever, at JEM shopping centre.
What to expect: The name translates to “your ppong, my ppong”, and is fitting for their intriguing menu of fusion jjamppong (Chinese-Korean seafood noodles)—a dangerous area to play in, but they managed to pull it off well—and a selection of playful tortilla-based pizzas.
Highlights: If like me, you like your Korean flavours and spice, go straight for the classic Cha Ppong ($15.80).
The specially imported, house-made jjolmyeon (wheat noodles) are chewy yet smooth, and arrives drenched in a punchy broth. Already quite fiery at Level 1, with a traditional Korean chilli pepper-type heat—that seems to attack all areas of the mouth—is balanced with tangy and mild sweet notes, and an almost wok hei-esque, smokiness from fried cabbage.
The Tae Ppong ($15.80), also Nipong Naepong’s only stir-fried option, and the Vongole Ppong ($16.80) are both deeply smoky, and robust though in different ways.
The former, a Phad Thai-inspired ppong, boasts a flavoursome pepperiness, whilst the Korean take on the classic Italian clam pasta dish is a notch lighter and fragrant with hints of dried chilli.
There are, of course, also non-spicy jjolmyeon options available.
The Keu Ppong ($17.80, spicy version available as well) is essentially a take on Alfredo pasta, and the Ro Ppong ($17.80) is presented with a pretty ‘Roje’ (Korean for Rose) sauce of cream and tomato sauce, made creamier with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Ro Ppong
What’s unique about the ‘soft' pizzas here, with baked tortilla wraps as the base, is that you’re actually recommended to roll up the slices. And from what I tasted, it works.
The Ninae Pizza ($18.80) is a wonderful curl of honey, fresh baby spinach and dollop of cream cheese, with bite of cherry tomato to give a refreshing, juicy squirt.
Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Ni Pizza
With buttery yet fluffy, housemade whipped cream and fragrant sweet potato puree, the Ni Pizza ($16.80) works as a fun starter, dessert, or even both.
Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Ni Pizza
This was an invited media tasting session, though all views expressed are my own.
Nipong Naepong
Address:#01-16 JEM, 50 Jurong Gateway Road, Singapore 608549
Tel: +65 6262 4078
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11am-10pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-11pm