How to skip the queue for popular samgyetang at Modu

Go early and opt to be seated at its sister restaurant on the same floor to secure a table. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SINGAPORE – At a time when restaurants keep going belly up, it is heartening – and a relief – to see a queue outside one. But here is the problem: What if you really want to dine there?

Many times, I have tried to get seats at Korean restaurant Modu, which serves ginseng chicken soup, but the long queue at Mandarin Gallery always puts me off. On the latest visit, however, I get lucky.

It is about 4.50pm, and already there is a line. Staff at the entrance ask if we would like to be seated at sister restaurant Drim instead. That Korean steakhouse is at the other end on the same floor. Yes, we say. Achievement unlocked.

We opt for 2-Gather ($98), a set meal for two. It includes two variations of samgyetang, an appetiser, a dish for sharing and dessert.

When seated at Drim, diners can pick from four variations of samgyetang, while those seated at Modu can pick from six. We opt for Beauty Collagen and Perilla Seed. Both are excellent.

The flavour of ginseng comes through very well in the Beauty Collagen soup, and the clear broth has plenty of depth. I even like the glutinous rice stuffed into the chicken, as it is not heavy like others I have had. Do not forget to eat the strips of ginseng root.