Had been eating at places that I would not have expected to eat at pretty recently — times where I am not the one picking where to eat; but it’s really all for the better considering I don’t need to make the decision and just go by other’s cravings, which certainly is a decent break for my mind.

The Vongole Ppong is one of the dishes I have had at Nipong Naepong when they had first opened their doors at JEM — one of the fusion Ppongs offered here that are less heavy on the palate considering how most of them carries creamy or cheese components. Described in the menu as an item that is “cooked with briny clams, white wine and fragrant garlic”, the item also features mussels — a nice, premium addition that helps to give it an additional edge from being just a vongole-inspired dish. Slurping on the chewy noodles, one could most certain taste the slight briny notes in the broth; while the white wine does give it a slight boozy and spicy kick amidst the garlicky flavours, it seems that much of the “spiciness” is pretty much powered by pepper that further enhances those notes — not something I am totally for but fair enough given how Nipong Naepong is more of an establishment for the mass market. Otherwise the seafood are actually relatively fresh and plump; nothing much to complain about even despite having to wait in line for a table during dinner hours on a weekend (well, pretty much every else in Somerset/Orchard on a weekend night). A decent eat for those looking for a convenient Korean-fusion spot in the heart of town.