Family Korean Food Feast at Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall

Whenever the fam is in Eastwood Mall and is in the mood for Korean BBQ (which is quite often), Soban K-Town Grill is our go-to place.

This resto boasts of clean and modern interiors, warmly lit and giving that casual yet cozy vibe.

Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall

We were ushered to a table that can seat our family of four, but had trouble accommodating all the food brought to our table.

Since we prefer unmarinated meats over flavored ones so we ordered a Classic BBQ Combo Set (Php1,780). Good for our group of four, it is composed of 180g fresh beef belly, 180g pork belly, 180g boneless fried soy garlic chicken chops, one japchae (stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables), one pajeon (savory Korean pancake), half a serving of gimbap (Korean version of sushi rolls) and four refillable cups of either plain or kimchi rice. Adding to our table’s load are the refillable side dishes which include my favorites: egg cakes and sugared peanuts.

Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall

The meats that we grilled were of good quality, and I loved dipping slices of them in salted sesame oil and ssamjang paste, then wrapping them in crisp lettuce leaves together with some kimchi rice before taking a bite.

The soy garlic chicken, on the other hand, was tender and yummy; it suited the tastes of my little boy just fine!

Plus, since I presented one of their flyers from one of the take-one boxes at the parking area, we were each given a free coffee jelly dessert!

Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall
Soban K-Town Grill, Eastwood Mall

It was a wondrous feast for our family of four, one dining experience we wouldn’t mind repeating.

This Soban K-Town Grill branch is located at Second Floor, Eastwood Mall, Libis, Quezon City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm, Fridays to Saturdays from 11am to 11pm and Sundays 10am to 10pm.

Other branches are located at:

  • Ground Floor, Robinsons Place Manila, Ermita, Manila
  • Level 3, Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Greenbelt, Makati City
  • Level 2, One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 28th Street Corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
  • Ground Floor, ATC Corporate Center, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
  • Upper Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City North EDSA, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
  • Third Floor, Bridgeway, SM Megamall, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City

Premium Korean BBQ at Fantastic Baka, Tomas Morato

Craving for your fix of Korean-style grilled meats?

Look no further than Fantastic Baka, one of the newest Korean BBQ restaurants to open in the vicinity of the foodie-friendly Tomas Morato area.

Located at the Grandia Place right across ABS-CBN, it offers a premium selection of meats and dishes expertly prepared by three-Michelin star awarded Chef Jang Jungyun, considered one of Korea’s A-list chefs.

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

At the invitation of Fantastic Baka’s mother company, Tong Keun So, my officemates and I made our way to this restaurant for our pre-holiday lunch.

The resto has a sizeable dining area with grills built in to the tables and exhaust tubes extended down from the ceilings. The combination of dark wood and pine, as well as the black-and-white color theme in furnishings and decor give the place a sleek and modern feel.

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

Our group of four were served items from the Unlimited Php799 package which includes eight kinds of beef and seven kinds of pork such as plain and seasoned plate, plain and spicy bulgogi, brisket point, plain and seasoned prime chuck eyeroll, hanging tender, regular and thinly sliced pork belly and more.

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

We requested for several refills of thinly sliced beef plate and the more premium beef variants. We had to grill the meats ourselves but fortunately, our waiter gamely gave us some grilling tips and we managed (thankfully!) to get ouselves fed.

My preference towards Korean-style grilled meats leans towards the unseasoned variants. I just dipped the cooked pieces in salted sesame oil and the savory ssamjang prior to wrapping them in the crisp lettuce leaves provided.

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

Banchan (side dishes) were generously served, with our group showing marked preference for Jap-chae, steamed egg, stir-fried fish cakes and cole slaw. We also got a taste of Fantastic Baka’s famous cheese sauce in which we dipped some of the cooked meats.

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato
Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

While the regular meat variants are yummy enough by themselves, the premium beef cuts are absolutely superb: they have a tender, juicy and buttery feel as you bite into them.

At Php799 per person for unlimited servings of 15 beef and pork variations, or Php599 per person for unlimited servings of 11 variations, Fantastic Baka might seem a bit pricey but the premium beef cuts are worth it.

With this treat from Fantastic Baka, my coworkers and I were able to embark in another epic happy lunch adventure. We went back to the office smelling like barbecue but you won’t hear us complaining. 🙂

Fantastic Baka, Tmas Morato

Want to dine at Fantastic Baka but on a budget? Dine from 11am to 4pm on weekdays and get Php100 off on the Unlimited Php599 menu. Kids below 3 feet dine for free and kids between 3 feet to 4.2 feet will be given a 50% discount on the Unlimited sets.

Fantastic Baka also has a Php200 penalty for leftovers so do finish off all the meat refills you requested for.

If Korean Barbecue is not your thing, you might want to check out Fantastic Baka’s Bento Meals. At only Php280, you can enjoy Sweet and Sour Chickeb, Pork Bulgogi or Spicy Pork Bulgogi served with soup, Japchae, stir-fried fishcake, fresh salad, kimchi, iced tea and unlimited rice.

Fantastic Baka is located at 143 Grandia Building, Mother Ignacia Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, open daily from 11am to 12 midnight. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 915 8455899.

Disclosure: Our lunch was hosted by Fantastic Baka. The food items mentioned here were served for us to sample the fare and were not paid for by our group.

Unli Korean BBQ Buffet at Saram, Sikatuna Village

Let’s face it: the Pinoys’ love affair with all things Korean will not be going away anytime soon. (And, truth be told: do we want it to?).

Case in point: the proliferation of restaurants offering unli Korean barbecues all over the metro.

One such eatery is Saram Korean BBQ Grill Buffet. Located along V. Luna Extension in Quezon City, it provides unlimited meats for grilling as well as a wide array of banchan (small side dishes) that you can munch on while cooking or can add to the lettuce wrap along with your grilled meats for added flavor and texture.

Saram, Sikatuna Village

Here’s what you can expect to enjoy at Saram:

Plain Meats
Samgyeopsal – thinly sliced pork belly
Woosamgyup – thinly sliced beef

Flavored Meats (available in regular and spicy variants):
>Dwaeji Galbi – marinated pork ribs
Bulgogi – thinly sliced marinated beef
Dakgalbi – marinated chicken pieces

Banchan:
Kimchi – fermented vegetables; no self-respecting Korean resto will find itself lacking this dish
Namul – steamed, marinated or stir-fried vegetables usually seasoned with minced garlic, sesame oil, vinegar, chopped green onions or dried chili peppers; my favorite among these are the Sigeumchi Namul (spinach) and the Kongnamul (bean sprouts)
Gyeran-jjim – mixed and season eggs steamed in a hot pot; already great by itself but do try adding a bit to your meat lettuce wrap. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Pajeon – thin and slightly soicy pan-fried pancakes flavored with scallions
Japchae – Korean glass noodles sauteed in a slightly sweet garlic sauce along with chopped vegetables

(You can get all the banchan you want from the buffet table, while the meats will be served at your table upon request.)

Saram, Sikatuna Village
Saram, Sikatuna Village
Saram, Sikatuna Village

Well here’s some great news: Saram has an ongoing Christmas promo which allows diners to enjoy unli grilled meats and banchan at very affordable buffet rates.

Saram, Sikatuna Village

Check out the options available:

Set A: unlimited plain meats at Php249/head for lunch and Php299/head for dinner

Set B: unlimited plain and flavored meats at Php299/head for lunch and Php349/head for dinner

Set C: unlimited all-beef meats; add Php100 to the lunch or dinner rate

You can also get a Pork/Beef Ramen at Php220 or a Seafood Ramen at Php249. Both are good for two people.

So if you find yourself in Sikatuna Village and want to satisfy your Korean food cravings, head on to Saram.

Saram Korean BBQ Grill Buffet is located at 109 V. Luna Extension, Sikatuna Village, Quezon City (beside Mercury Drug), open daily from 11am to 3pm and 5.30pm to 10pm.  For inquiries, call +63 2 7443817 or +63 917 8852185.

New Masil branch at SM Mega Fashion Hall now open

While doing some errands at SM Megamall, Hubby and I were arguing about where to have dinner. We were bandying various restaurant options until we saw that the Masil Charcoal Grill Restaurant is already on soft opening. At that point, our argument was moot because being avid Korean food lovers, we headed straight to the resto.

We usually frequent Masil’s branch in Tiendesitas; it is one of our go-to places when the fam is craving for Korean food.

A noticeable difference from the Tiendesitas branch (and most other Korean restos) is the absence of exhaust tubes hanging from the ceiling. The exhausts in this Masil outlet are actually built-in to the grills, sucking the smoke through air vents above the sunken grills. (This is good news to people who hate smelling like barbecue after dining at a Korean barbecue joint.)

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

Similar to the Tiendesitas branch, however, is the resto’s delightful generosity when it comes to side dishes! My absolute faves are the fish cakes, egg pancake and steamed eggs.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

For our Korean barbecue dinner, we went for our usual orders:

Chadolbagi (Php450). 180g thinly sliced beef brisket.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

Sam gyeop sal (Php370). 180g of thickly cut pork belly.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

And since we wanted to try something new, we ordered Galbi kkotsal (Php1,500), 160g of USDA high choice boneless short ribs.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall
Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

All of these were expertly grilled by our server while we ate, changing the grill implements after each grilling. The Galbi kkotsal, in particular, was smooth, buttery and tender, bursting with flavor as I bite into it.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

I just loved assembling my Korean barbecue lettuce wrap according to my preferences.

Masil, Mega Fashion Hall

Looks like we have found our Korean food haven at SM Megamall!

This Masil branch is located at Fourth Floor, Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open daily from 10am to 10pm.

Its other branch can be found at Tiendesitas, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue Corner C5, Ugong, Pasig City, open weekdays from 11.30am to 3pm and from 5.30pm to 10pm, and weekends from 11.30am to 10pm.

A new branch is set to open in February 2019 at Ground Floor, Unimart Supermarket, Oranbo, Pasig City.

Japanese-Korean Buffet at Firefly Roofdeck, Poblacion

Dining at a roofdeck restaurant affords you a spectacular view to enjoy together with your meal.  Aside from the stunning vista of city lights, you also get to enjoy cool, clean and calming breezes far removed from the busy streets below.

Despite my acrophobia, I have a special affinity for roofdecks: I guess the peace and relaxation I experience when situated far above my normal concerns outweigh my chronic fear of heights.

This is why I was excited when Zomato invited me to a foodie meetup at Firefly Roofdeck.

Located at the 32nd Floor of City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati, Firefly Roofdeck provides a chill ambiance in which you can relax and while away the workday’s stresses.  The resto’s ceilings, spacious dining area and al fresco setup give you an expansive background for your get-together with friends or solo chill-out drinks while waiting for Makati rush hour traffic jams to abate.

Firefly Roofdeck’s view of the Makati skyline is quite simply breath-taking.  Especially during evenings, you will see a wide expanse of blue-black sky awashed with pin-points of colorful lights and skyscrapers jutting upward.

Firefly Roofdeck recently launched its Japanese-Korean buffet, coincidentally, two of my favorite cuisines.  It boasts of an extensive menu of new and favorite Japanese and Korean dishes, giving diners a wide selection of viands to choose from.

These include:

  • Salad Bar (with choice of Wafu, Ponzu, Yangnyeom Jang dressing): Kimchi, Sigeumchi Namul, Oi Muchim, Hobak Bokkeum, Gaji Namul, Gamja Jorim, Mu Saengchae, Pajeori, Eomuk Bokkeum; Chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard dish)
  • Japanese Bar: assorted maki rolls and takoyaki
  • Cook-to-Order marinated Chicken and Pork
  • Assorted bread rolls
  • Soup: Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)
  • Carving Meat/Centerpiece: Buta no Kakuni (Japanese Braised Pork Belly)
  • Main Courses: Seafood Cheese Tteokbeokki (Spicy Rice Cake), Chicken Nanban (Deep-Fried Chicken with Tartar Sauce), Gaji Namul (Steamed Eggplants) and Japchae
  • Rice: Tori Chahan and Steamed Rice
  • Dessert: Sata Andagi (Okinawan Doughnuts), Fresh Fruits and Chef’s Discretion Desserts

At only Php800+ per person, it is available only for dinner until November 30, 2018.

The sheer variety of food on offer can be quite overwhelming at first, but as I’ve often advised when eating at an eat all-you-can buffet, concentrate on food that are your absolute faves or try out ones you don’t get to eat often.  This way, you get to maximize your savings and the experience.

Some menu items could use a few tweaks such as offering mild and spicy ssamjang dipping sauces to go with the grilled pork and chicken, replenishing the ebi tempura more often, offering more dessert choices (hopefully bingsu!) and lessening the sweetness of the teokbokki.

Other than those points for improvement, the upscale ambiance and the superb servicing of Firefly Roofdeck’s wait staff make dining at Firefly Roofdeck truly memorable.

Aside from the Japanese-Korean Buffet, diners can opt for other menu items ala carte such as:

Rooftop Barbecue (includes vegetables and choice among rice, French friends or mashed potatoes):

  • Grilled Squid (Php650)
  • Grilled Liempo (Php325)
  • Beef Tenderloin (Php780/200g | Php1,395/400g)
  • Lamb Rack (Php728/200g | Php1,195/400g)
  • Rib Eye (Php840/200g | Php1,395/400g)
  • Salmon Fillet (Php875)
  • Tiger Prawn (Php595)
  • Chicken Breast (Php295)
  • Hungarian Sausage (Php575)
  • Veal Bratwurst (Php575)

Bar Chow

  • Mezclado Nueses & Patatas Fritas (Php195)
  • Lechon Kawali (Php495)
  • Tinapa Salted Egg Roll (Php225)
  • Buffalo Itik (Php625)
  • Grilled Tuna Panga (Php850)
  • Grand Chicharon (Php150)
  • Adobo Potato Wedges (Php225)
  • Lechon Sisig Overload (Php350)
  • Crispy Crablets (Php245)
  • Papas Fritas (Php195)
  • Chicken Fingers (Php295)
  • Cerveza Pescaito Frito (Php325)
  • Nachos A La Queen (Php395)
  • Camaron Picante (Php425)
  • Pollo Palomitas en Parilla (Php295)

Firefly Roofdeck is located at the 32nd Floor of the City Garden Grand Hotel, Makati Avenue corner Kalayaan Avenue, Poblacion, Makati City, open daily from 10am to 2am.  For reservations and inquiries, call +63 2 5543429.

Disclosure: Together with other Zomato foodies, I was invited to attend a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant.  All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Need some tips to maximize your eat-all-you-can experience?  Read my buffet survival guide.

Samgyeopsal Promo Offer in Jin Joo Korean Grill, Ortigas

I’ve been hearing a lot about Jin Joo Korean Grill and I’ve been hankering to try it out. When I saw a Metrodeal offer that would allow me to enjoy its Samgyeopsal Grill with unlimited side dishes, normally priced at Php470, at the discounted price of only Php149, I just grabbed it and scheduled my Korean food adventure.

This also gave me a reason to visit the newly renovated The Podium mall in Ortigas Center, wherein Jin Joo is one of the welcome additions to the mall’s gustatory offerings.

Located at the mall’s second floor, its facade first appeared cramped. However, I changed this opinion upon entering: it has a sprawling and well-appointed dining area, comprised mostly of wood elements. Here and there are spots of interest like colorful Asian-themed paintings on the wall, tasteful lighted signages and linesmof soju bottles along another wall.

Each table is equipped with a state-of-the-art grilling stove, allowing diners to cook their meats according to their preference.

Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium

Upon assisting me to my window seat, my server Macq immediately laid out side dishes for me to munch on while I wait. These include kimchi (of course!), strips of flat scrambled egg, soy potatoes, crushed dilis, banana slices and assorted veggies.

Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium

The pork belly was grilled in the kitchen since grilling at the table requires at least two meat orders. I didn’t mind since I didn’t have to worry about cooking the meat right. 🙂

When Macq finished serving and slicing the grilled pork belly, I dipped tender and juicy slices in the ssamjang and sesame oil provided, then wrapped them in lettuce leaves together with thin slices of garlic and some of the crushed dilis. This resulted to a very tasty mouthful of samgyeopsal.

Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium

I took advantage of the unlimited side dishes by asking for refills of the potatoes, egg, and banana slices.

Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium
Jin Joo, Podium

The Metrodeal offer  gave a me a fine preview of what to expect at Jin Joo. Some reminders if you’re also availing of the same promo:

  • Call the branch first to reserve. Walk-ins are usually not accommodated.
  • Arrive on time as your reservation will only be held for 20 minutes.
  • You can only use one Metrodeal voucher per visit.

On my next visit, I’m looking forward to trying Jin Joo’s 10 Flavors Unli K-BBQ set priced at Php499/person (add Php50 for dinner).

This Jin Joo Korean Grill branch is located at the Second Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 10pm and Fridays to Sundays from 10am to 10pm.  For queries and reservations, call +63 917 2555508.

Other branches may be found at:

  • Fifth Floor, SM Aura Premier, C5 Road Corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel No: + 63 917 2481777)
  • Eastwood Citywalk 1, Libis, Quezon CIty (open daily from 11am to 12mn | Tel No: + 63 915 2091888)
  • Ground Floor, South Wing, SM Mall of Asia, Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City (open daily from 11am to 10pm | Tel No: + 63 917 2555509)
  • Ground Floor, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Glorietta Complex, Makati City (opening soon)

Happy Korean Lunch at Neul Bolm, Tagaytay

Ever since the extended family discovered the wonders of Korean cuisine that Tagaytay has to offer several years ago, a sojourn here is hardly complete without a meal at a Korean restaurant.

One such eatery is Neul Bolm Korean Restaurant which has moved to a new location since our last visit.  (Incidentally, it is tagged on Zomato as “Permanently Closed” but as confirmed by the wait staff and this review, it is still very much in operation.)

The new location is just as spacious as their previous one with a cleaner and more modern aesthetic.  It has long wooden tables with built-in grills for the Korean barbecue; two tables side-by-side was able to comfortably accommodate our party of ten.

Neul Bolm, Tagaytay

We ordered Ssambap, meats to be grilled right on our tabletop and served with green leafy vegetables, a few slices of garlic, sesame oil and some ssamjang or red bean paste sauce. These include:

Cha Dul Begi (Php500), thinly spiced beef and Samgyubsal (Php400), grilled pork belly.

Neul Bolm, Tagaytay
Neul Bolm, Tagaytay

Jeyuk Bukum (Php400), spicy stir-fried pork with vegetables

Neul Bolm, Tagaytay

These were accompanied by generous and refillable servings of banchan, side dishes such as sliced fish cakes, rolled omelettes, kimchi and more.  Many of these have some acid or vinegar elements which help cut through the richness of the grilled meats.

We also ordered Kimchi Jeon (Php280), a kimchi and seafood pancake with egg; Budea Jjigye (Php970 for a Large serving), a soup of kimchi, ham, sausage, pork and veggies; Bulgogi Junggol (Php650), tender slices of savory-sweet marinated beef served in sauce; Dolsot Bibimbab (Php280), rice and vegetables mixed with a spicy paste and served in a heated clay pot; and Steamed Egg.

Neul Bolm, Tagaytay
Neul Bolm, Tagaytay
Neul Bolm, Tagaytay
Neul Bolm, Tagaytay
Neul Bolm, Tagaytay

After the meal, the kids were also able to enjoy several assortments of Korean ice cream which are also offered by the restaurant

Neul Bolm Korean Restaurant is located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway near Sky Ranch.  For queries and reservations, call +63 46 413 1536.

Loud Dinner at K-Pub BBQ, Trinoma

Now I can say that I’ve seen everything when it comes to Korean BBQ.

As our despedida blow-out for one of our office barkada who will be moving on to greener and less stressful pastures, we decided to have dinner at K-Pub BBQ in Trinoma. We figured that the group will bond over our shared love of Korean food and of chismis.

Well, the Korean food we had plenty. Our group availed of the Beat the Clock Eat & Run meal package wherein we can get unlimited refills for an hour at Php599 per head. The set includes:

  • Chadol Baki (Beef Sukiyaki)
  • Tong Samgeopsal (Whole Pork Belly)
  • Yengnyem Samgeopsal (Marinated Pork Belly in Sweet Spicy Sauce)
  • Dwaeji Galbi (Marinated Pork Chop)
  • Dak Galbi (Marinated Chicken in Sweet Spicy Sauce)
  • Fried Spring Roll
  • Japchae

The set also comes with side dishes such as steamed egg, kimchi pajeon, steamed rice, kimchi fried rice, soup, lettuce and house salad, as well as Melona ice cream bars for dessert.

I am not a fan of these timed Korean BBQ. Instead of leisurely enjoying your food and time with your friends, there’s the sense of trying to stuff your face before the hour for refills run out.

With its hefty price tag, the value proposition of this arrangement is also dependent upon the efficiency of the wait staff for refills. That efficiency is already compromised by the number of diners and the loud background noise.

And oh, that noise! (Yeah, I’m having a #TitasOfManila moment.)

For one thing, being a Korean resto and having K-pop decor, somehow, playing mainstream pop is off-strat. Furthermore, there’s a stage with an an open mic segment during which diners can sing if they so choose. (Well, one among us did choose, hehehe!)

Still, the noise precluded most of the chismis to the point that as soon as we finished the refill hour, we hung out at the cafe next door to recover and chat.

Note to self, and to you, dear readers: this place is not one for languid dining. But a great one for boisterous fun. Unfortunately, not for a tita like me.

Unli Samgyeopsal at Korean Palace, Baguio

Similar to the phenomenon in Manila, Korean restaurants have sprouted across Baguio City, spurred no doubt by the growing appreciation for the gastronomic pleasures brought by Korean cuisine.

On our second night in the City of Pines, the fam braved the cold and drizzles and made the drive to this Korean restaurant which is quite near the apartelle where we were staying.

The resto has grown considerably since our last visit three years ago. The eating area and the parking space have been expanded. Still the place was already quite packed with the dinner crowd by the time we made our way there at 6pm.

At Php399/head, our group was able to eat out fill of samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), woosamgyup (thin beef brisket slices), pajeon (vegetable pancakes) and all sorts of side dishes. (We did have to do our own grilling, though.)

The staff were polite and accommodating but due to the sheer volume of diners, refill requests did take some time.

By the way, if you ever had that desire to have that photo opp while dressed up in traditional Korean, this place can accommodate you. You can borrow the costumes on display for picture taking purposes.

Korean Palace is located at No 38 South Drive, Baguio City. For inquiries, call + 63 74 4467557.

For tips on surviving an eat-all-you-can setup, view my blog post here.

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Birthday treat at All4U, SM East Ortigas

All-you-can-eat Korean barbecue joints have sprouted up all over the metro, spurred no doubt by the proliferation of K-pop and other Korean what’s-its in Filipino pop culture.

At SM East Ortigas, another of these joints opened its doors to cater to those craving for unlimited Korean-style grilled meats: All4U Unlimited Grill & Shabu Shabu.

When I ate at All4U’s Century City Mall branch, I didn’t appreciate it so much. To be clear, this is not wholly the fault of the restaurant: I had lunch earlier that day in another all-you-can-eat Korean joint and samgyeopsal was probably coming out of my ears.

This newly opened branch near my place allowed me to rediscover the resto and its offerings while sating my Korean barbecue cravings.

At only Php599 (on promo rate from Php699), one can enjoy all the shrimp, chicken breast, pork belly and beef brisket that you can grill on your table and eat. This also comes with bottomless iced tea, refillable rice, side dishes and sauces, refillable soup that you cook using the shabu shabu also on your table, as well as a packet of ramyun (Korean ramen) per table and a bar of Melona ice cream per customer for dessert.

Our group always ends up ordering multiple refills of the pork belly and beef brisket slices which I like wrappping inside the Korean ice lettuce together with garlic slices while doused with ssamjang sauce. I’m not partial to grilled shrimp and the grilled chicken breasts often end up too dry.

When we dined here during my birthday, I got half off the regular rate of Php699 plus the service staff served me a small chocolate cake while singing the Happy Birthday song. 🙂

To make the most out of this all you can eat restaurant, check out my buffet survival guide.

This All4U Unlimited Grill and Shabu Shabu branch is located at 2nd Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Pasig City (Tel: + 63 977 6005945).

Other branches are located in:

  • Makati: 4th Floor, Century City Mall, Poblacion, Makati (Tel: + 63 2 8092881)
  • Ermita: 3rd Floor, SM City Manil, Ermita, Manila (Tel: + 63 917 2781758)
  • Novaliches: UG Ayala Fairview Terraces, Maligaya Road cor Quirino Highway, Novaliches, QC
  • Muntinlupa: GF Water Garden, Festival Mall, Filinvest, Muntinlupa (Tel: + 63 916 4263221)
  • Tagaytay: Al Fresco Area, LGF Fora Mall, Aguinaldo Highway, Tagaytay