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Nipong Naepong: Singapore's first ever jjamppong specialty concept

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Cha Ppong and Vongole Ppong

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.

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Keu Ppong and Ro Ppong
Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Cha Ppong

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.

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Tae Ppong

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.

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Vongole Ppong
Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Keu Ppong

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

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.

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Ninae Pizza

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

Nipong Naepong - Jjamppong Specialty Concept - Grapefruit Ade

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

See this map in the original post