Let’s go.
Gaja Korean Kitchen in Poblacion is one of the newest and most buzzed about Korean restaurants in Metro.
Fun Fact: Gaja is Korean slang which roughly translates to “let’s go”
What they aim to do is take a centuries-old cuisine that is rooted in tradition and reintroduce it to the Filipino palate by adapting it with modern techniques to suit our evolving tastes. The food is exceptional and the ambiance when the dining area is full can be electric, but the excitement does not stop there.
Hidden inside Gaja is a speakeasy, the likes of which we have not seen before. This strange yet spellbinding painting hides the secret entrance to The Odd Seoul, a unique bar that offers modern takes on Korean soju cocktails.
The Odd Seoul – Poblacion
Dimmed lighting and warm neon lights greet all those who set foot in The Odd Seoul. You are completely transported into a different world.
Far from the vintage, Prohibition style speakeasies we’ve seen sprouting all over the Metro, The Odd Seoul is young, modern, and hip.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of the Seoul underground. This is further reinforced by the huge Seoul Metropolitan Subway Map which takes up most of the wall.
Like most secret bars, seating here is limited. Come early if you want to score comfortable seating. Trust us, you’ll need it — their cocktails and shooters are smooth AF. If you’re not careful, they’ll surely stab you in the back.
Soju wanna get wasted? Here are the must-tries:
Smoking Tiger
This concoction of Soju, Sherry, Guava and Lemon Juice definitely packs a punch. This cocktail is presented to you under a glass case which traps the smoke and imparts the drink with a strong, smokey flavor.
Kimchi Sour
The true gem of their cocktail menu is their Kimchi Sour, a delicious drink with Soju, Kimchi, Almond, Lemon Juice, Egg White, Dried Rose. Who would have thought that Korea’s national dish could be made even better.
ODD
Go the classic route with their signature Soju shooters! The presentation (in glass test tubes) is a little odd, but it works right? It may look gimmicky, but don’t be mistaken. These shooters contain a deadly combination of soju AND tequila.
Insider Tip: Start with white, get bloodied up with red, and finish off with a smooth blue.
The Odd Seoul is sure to become your new favorite late-night spot in Poblacion. They open daily at 4PM and close at 2am from Monday to Thursday and 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, they’re open until midnight.
You might not be able to reserve a table for the bar, but you can still get a booking discount at Gaja Korean Kitchen with Booky. Get up to ₱500 off!
Reservations are not accepted
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8445 Kalayaan Ave., Poblacion, Makati
(0906) 493-0799
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