Date #10: Seoul Barbecue, Libis

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The restaurant we will feature today is one of my favorite restaurants, Seoul Barbecue. Korean cuisine is something most people are unfamiliar with, but those who have tried it, I’m sure, have been captivated.

Ideally, I would recommend this place for medium-sized groups (4-6 people). I know that two people can finish the meals in this place, but if there’s only you and your date, chances are, you’ll get full before you get to try the other dishes. So if it’s possible, try arranging a double date or bring some of your friends.

Take note of lunch/dinner hours. Try calling them if possible, to reserve or to ask what time they will close.

The place is very simple and clean. They have good airconditioning too. The staff is courteous, and they have a good knowledge of the menu.

One thing about eating in places where you’re not an expert on the cuisine is that the staff must be able to answer your questions. The menu was well-designed, and everything had pictures.

Free appetizers! This is a staple when it comes to Korean restaurants. We were really hungry when it arrived that we ate before taking pictures, so the fishcakes and the kimchi were almost out. My favorite was the kimchi, which thankfully did not taste like it came from one of those bottles you can get in the local grocery store.

I don’t know why they have Tempura (P350) on their menu, but I really recommend that you order this. The shrimp was big and plump, but what’s really special is the sweet and crunchy batter. (It’s written as fried shromp on the menu. Yes, shromp.)

Dolsot Bibimbap (P300) is a staple Korean dish. You can ask the waiter to mix the entire thing for you before eating. It’s composed of ground beef, egg, and various vegetables. What’s amazing is that the rice retains its stickiness even after mixing, so you’ll have no trouble with eating this with chopsticks. I loved the crunchy tutong part around the edges.

I’m sure we’re all familiar with Kalbi Jim (P280) a.k.a. Korean Beef Stew. The secret of this stew lies in the tender meat with tendons and the light flavorful sauce. Very, very delicious (take note, this is the first time I’ve used that word in this blog). This would be perfect with white rice so you can taste the richness of the sauce better.

Their Chicken Bulgogi (P200?) was well-marinated and tender. My only complaint is that there were annoying little bones stuck with the meat. But I loved the delicate spicy-sweet flavor of this dish, nonetheless.

What’s best about Seoul Barbecue is that although it is a stand alone establishment in Libis, it’s a walking distance (you only have to cross one footbridge) from Eastwood City. So if you want to watch a movie or grab dessert in Eastwood, no problem! We bought this yogurt in Golden Spoon, Eastwood Citywalk :D

The Verdict: GO. HERE. NOW. Korean cuisine is one of the best in the world, and you HAVE to try it. Seoul Barbecue is recommended by most Koreans because of its authenticity and value. You’re getting back what you paid for, to the very last centavo. When you visit, try ordering their Japche, I heard they serve the best one around :)