I've only seen this done on Korean TV - rolling seaweed into rice balls and a grandma feeding it to her grandchildren! So when I saw this on Saemaeul's menu, I just had to order it for the experience haha. J and I dropped by this year's Korea Travel Fiesta in Makati and I wanted another Korean experience for lunch. We found Saemaeul restaurant being constructed at the Top of the Glo many months back and I told him we should go because of Chef Paik Jong Won!
Good thing this restaurant was finally open! This popular Korean chain has recipes developed by the renowned celebrity chef Mr. Baek/Paik, one of the few Koreans I would like to meet so much in person. This kind of samgyupsal setup is very popular in the Hongdae neighborhood in Seoul. And much like eateries in Korea, they serve only and master a few specialty dishes. In this case, they serve affordable pork and in BBQ style. Trivia: Beef is expensive in Korea.
Unfortunately for us, their thin slicer machine was broken that day in Makati, and so I chose not to order the Yeoltan Bulgogi (another dish for another time).
I am also saving the Yangnyeom Pork and Kimchi stew for next time.
The banchan was served first and did not disappoint. It's a very good serving of veggies in preparation for our protein main dishes. I liked their kimchi so it made me look forward to ordering the Kimchi chigae (soup) next time.
For carbs, I figured the sabal self rice balls would be enough for the two of us since we don't eat that much. For me, this is good for 3-4 people.
While waiting, this was good exercise and a fun activity for me. Gloves were provided.
I ordered the Moksal (Pork Neck) part since it was very nostalgic of my Korean BBQ days with friends abroad. I like my meat just plain so I cooked that first. I dip it in the sesame oil with salt.
I cooked the Yangnyeom pork last because it was marinaded in a special sauce. In general, the ones with sauce burn the grill more so I leave them last.
We cleared out all these and the banchan (with X refills) and were very full. Look at the price below - less than P1000!
I've been having difficulty finding authentic Korean taste in the metro lately and this hit the spot and the price point.
Restaurant Details:
새마을식당
K-Park, L4 Top of the Glo,
Glorietta 1, Makati
