Machisoyo!
There’s one thing you’ll find in most–if not all–K-dramas: they all embody Korean culture in one way or another, and most of the time feature Korean food. Whether it’s a romantic comedy or a series with some magical twist, there’s always this scene that makes your mouth water with its subtle inclusion of Korean cuisine.
Here’s a rundown of Korean joints you can go to satiate your craving right after your hours-long K-drama binge.
Ogane
This samgyeopsal place in Tomas Morato is known not only for its fresh meat selection and refillable side dishes. Had too much soju? Order Sulgook, a kind of soup meant to chase one’s hangover or go a little adventurous with Yeongsotangb(goat soup) and Yeomso Jeongol (goat meat stew).
Photo from OGANE Restaurant
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303 Tomas Morato Ave, South Triangle, Tomas Morato, Quezon City
Wing2x Korean Chicken
Who doesn’t love Korean chicken wings? Every time a new K-chicken place pops up, you know you just have to go and eat. Wing 2x has borrowed a favorite Pinoy flavor and added it to chicken wings: Adobo.
You can have adobo-flavored chicken wings alongside classics like Garlic Parmesan and Honey Soy when you order the Wing Sampler and opt for unique side dishes like Green Papaya Salad and Mapo Tofu fries.
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2/F, North Ave cor EDSA, SM City North EDSA, Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City
Fantastic Baka
The Premium Unlimited eat-all-you-can at this K-bbq in Caloocan includes not just fantastic-tasting beef, but also choice cuts of chicken, pork, and seafood. Cap off your meal with your favorite Korean ice cream.
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5/F, Rizal Ave Ext, SM City Grand Central, East Grace Park, Caloocan
70s Kimchi
Known for its best-selling Beef Stew, 70’s Kimchi has been a favorite of Filipino families since 1973. Grilled Chicken, Beef Bulgogi, and Bibimbak are other staples that have also become a hit among patrons.
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LG/F Food Forum, Shaw Blvd cor EDSA, Shangri-La Plaza, Wack-Wack, Mandaluyong
Samgyeopsal House
The word “samgyeopsal” translates to three-layered meat. It’s a quintessential Korean delicacy made with pork belly and usually served with lettuce and kimchi. It’s no wonder Pinoys are crazy about ‘samgyup’–it’s essentially the Korean version of Inihaw Na Liempo, which Filipinos love. If you’re in San Mateo, Rizal, plan a trip to Samgeopsal House.
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3/F, Gen A Luna Ave, SM City San Mateo, Ampid I, San Mateo, Rizal
Golden Baboy
If there’s a Fantastic Baka, then it’s no surprise there’s Golden Baboy, too. This unlimited samgyupsal place along Taft Ave. is pretty straightforward. You get to grill your cuts of pork belly and other choice meat to your liking–perhaps a light golden brown–and enjoy Japchae, Potato Marble, Kimchi, and other side dishes.
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2/F, Taft Ave, D’ Students’ Place, Taft Ave, Malate, Manila
Yahu! Kitchen
Yet another of Marikina’s up-and-coming dining spots, Yahoo! Kitchen is a place where you can enjoy live performances as you dig into your meal.
Yahu! Kitchen’s bestselling So Galbi Jjim (Tender braised beef short ribs served with sweet-savory sauce) or Osam Bulgogi (Squid and pork belly marinated in a blend of seasonings, vegetables, and mushrooms). Otherwise, you can also order All-Day Breakfast Meals, Baby Back Ribs Rice, or pulutan from the menu. Hold your beer!
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Blk 7 Lot 11 Gil Fernando Ave, Marikina, Sto. Niño, Marikina
Busan Korean Restaurant
Attention, Katip Peeps! You don’t have to ride a train to Busan to enjoy the food there. If this hotspot hasn’t been caught by your radar, you sure are missing a lot. Seasoned and roasted to perfection at precise temperatures and set times, Busan Korean Restaurant’s Signature Roasted Samgyupsal is a hit among its patrons.
If you’re craving something with a bit of zing, try the Yangnyeom Fried Chicken, which is served with a special sauce made from Gochujang or red chili paste. Pair either of these with Roasted Samgyup Soy Bean Soup and your choice of flavored soju.
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G/F, F. Dela Rosa cor Esteban Abada St, OYO 809 Crowne One Condo, Katipunan, Katipunan, Quezon City
Hava Taste
Korean cuisine is heavily influenced by the Chinese (think noodles and dumplings) so it’s no surprise that Koreans love to eat Chinese food, too, Come to think of it, the 2018 K-drama “Wok of Love” focuses not on K-bbq or Tteobokki or Kimchi; it is about of a chef who tries to revive a Chinese eatery.
Hava Taste, a Chinese bistro in Quezon City, is the perfect place to go after watching “Wok of Love.” You can choose from a wide array of Chinese dishes such as Sate Chami with Beef Tenderloin Noodles, Eight Treasure Soup, Sweet & Sour Fish, Pork Spareribs, Butter & Garlic Chicken, and Hava Mapo Tofu.
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32 Landargun St, Quezon City, Doña Imelda, Quezon City
Seoul Train
Hop on to the Seoul Train if you’re in it not just for the food but also for the ‘gram. This locomotive-inspired restaurant does look good in photos, but wait till you get the food into your mouth.
Seoul Train serves leading brands of fresh Wagyu (OMI chateaubriand, A5 Saga, and Kagoshima beef) and USDA beef. It also offers different galbi or short rib dishes, and a well-stocked alcohol menu. Soju, whiskey, wine, gin, and beer are available.
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28 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Tomas Morato, Diliman, Quezon City
Mr Nuggets Ph
Chicken Nuggets, simple yet flavorful, make a satisfying snack, especially when paired with a side of french fries. Mr. Nuggets Ph, however, offers more than good ol’ nuggets. Korean corndogs in Classic, Mozza, Overload French French Fry, and Mozza Ramyeon variants are also available. For something extra-filling, why not try the Marinara of Seafood Aglio Oglio Pasta, or perhaps Nasi Goreng.
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Unit 1, Blk 29 Lot 16 Saudi St, Better Living, Parañaque
Krazy K-BBQ
At Krazy K-BBQ or KKB, you can have unlimited pork Samgyeeop for only P199 and choose different sides dishes to go along with it: marble potato, fishcake, cucumber, spiced tofu, rice, sweet banana, lettuce, and kimchi. You can order unli-beef, -chicken, or -seafood as an add-on, too.
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516 Quirino Hwy, Novaliches, Talipapa, Quezon City
Paldo
In the mood to dress up a little and go somewhere fancy? Feel like a Korean CEO and experience Korean fine dining at Paldo. Marvel at the chic interiors as you browse the menu and choose from a delectable selection of main courses.
If it’s your first time at Paldo, you may want to try its signature offering, the Surasang Set, which combines Grilled Plate Pork Belly with Soy Sauce Marinated Crab, Seoul – Style Bulgogi, Roasted Fish, Braised Back Rib, DakGalbi, Royal Modeum Jeon, and Doenjang jjigae, along with a selection of side dishes. Also known as the “King’s Meal,” it was originally served to royals and aristocrats of the Joseon dynasty.
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33 Sct Santiago St, Diliman, Quezon City
Mr. Porkie Unlimited Samgyupsal 198
Samgyupsal is made affordable in Antipolo City. For only Php198, you can have unlimited pork samgyupsal, bulgogi, and side dishes including rice, lettuce, braised tomatoes, sweet banana, and coleslaw.
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3/F, L Sumulong Memorial Circle, Okinari Arcade, Antipolo, Dela Paz, Antipolo
SOUP Samgyupsal and Hotpot
Get the Korean experience of breaking bread with your closest friends and family while serving each other food you’ve cooked. Enjoy a wide variety of meats, veggies, and side dishes for as low as P399!
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2/F, National Hwy (in front of McDonald’s Tunasan), Localle Food Park, Tunasan, Tunasan, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
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