If you've been missing the stacked New York-style sandwiches and fluffy brioche doughnuts from Korio, then you have reason to rejoice. The popular shop is making a comeback via a pop-up with Zouk Group this May, the first after it shuttered its Far East Square store in December last year.
For the pop-up, Korio will take over Zouk Group's Hello Kitty Kitty speakeasy space at Clarke Quay. The limited-time menu has all that Korio does best – hot sandwiches and sweet treats – with globe-trotting flavour profiles crafted in collaboration with Zouk Group's new chief culinary officer, chef Lorenz Hoja. German-born chef Lorenz largely trained under French master Joël Robuchon in London and Paris, eventually taking over as the executive chef at L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in Singapore, where he earned the restaurant two Michelin stars in 2016 and 2017.
The concise menu has four sections, each consisting of two menu items. Under Starters, you'll find sandwiches like Nordic Craze ($17), a rich salmon confit sandwich with quail egg, créme cheese, ikura, and marinated onions; and The Italian Job ($17), a focaccia sandwich bursting with burrata, zucchini, parmesan, tomato confit, and arugula.
Heftier options are in the Filler section, which include the Get Shorty ($25), a bagel sandwich with juicy braised beef short rib, roasted onions, and provolone, cut through with horseradish cream and pickled cucumber. The Jon Bánh Jo Mi ($25) has barramundi nuggets, pickled veggies, XO mayo, and house sriracha for a pleasing kick.
Korio's beloved doughnuts make a comeback in Happy Endings – a selection of sweet treats inspired by local flavours. Pandan lovers should try Green Magic ($8.50), made with pandan chantilly, coconut glaze, and a sprinkling of roasted coconut flakes. Overdose on chocolate with the Chocolate OD ($8.50) – this time, chocolate chantilly and glaze is given a surprising twist with a kumquat topping.
There are cocktails on the menu too. Choose from one of two spritzes: the refreshing Hail Mary with Bianco tequila, watermelon celery shrub and tomato water with lemon and soda water; or the Coco Cabana, a tropical sensation of pineapple rum, espresso, and coconut water.
Get a three-course set (starter, filler, and dessert) for $45 or a two-course set (filler and dessert) for $31. Otherwise, you can enjoy them ala carte too. The Korio x Chef Lorenz Hoja pop-up runs from May 16 to June 8, Thursdays to Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm (or until sold out). Make your bookings and reservations here.
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