We've passed this curiously named restaurant called Happy Baboy (Pig) along Annapolis in Greenhills many times and was always curious what kind of Korean food they serve. That's the sign inside, but a similar sign is visible on the street.
Irene and I finally summoned up the will to try the place out one lunch time. The place is sparsely decorated with food shots plastered on the glass doors. The Korean owners were busy inside, one manning the tills and the other assisting us to our table.
We browsed thru their menu and was told their specialty was Jokbal (pork trotter). After completing our order, we were handle a sauce with two tablets inside similar to medicine just a little bigger (I was too slow to take a pic). The server then proceeded to pour some water and to our surprise it turned out to be wet towelettes.
The banchan (appetizer) was a sparse four plates, we're used to more from our favorite Jang Ga Nae.
First to arrive on our table was the Wonjo Jokbal (P400/small), seasoned and steamed, served cold and sliced with vegetables on the side. Happy Baboy really do serve good jokbal, this is much flavorful and less fatty than the one we are used to.
The jokbal is served with two dipping sauces, Gojuchang (fermented chili and bean paste) and Saeujeot (Korean fermented shrimp sauce). A quick dip in which ever sauce is your fancy, lay it on top of a lettuce or sesame leaf, wrap then eat away. I prefer the sesame wrap, its very fragrant and adds a different dimension to eating the jokbal.
Next up, Yangnyum chicken (P350), a plate of fried chicken slathered with sweet and spicy sauce.The taste is different from the Korean fried chickens I've tried before. Despite being slathered in sauce, the chicken underneath is still crispy with a slight tangy taste. I like BBQ Chicken's better so will forgo this next time. Its also served with a plated of pickles, which serves as a great palate cleanser.
Eggs hold a special place in my tummy, I always get tempted to order after seeing it on the menu. This time I gave in to ordering Gyeranchim (P50, not sure if this is right), a steamed egg dish.Irene and I took turns spooning some egg into our mouths, be careful its super hot. The steamed eggs had some carrots and leeks giving it more flavor and I think some broth was used during the steaming since the whole thing was so good.
After we asked for the bill, the server laid down two glasses which she said was dessert and was on the house. Initially I though it was some kind of tea with plums but that guess was so wrong. The yellow cylindrical shapes was like iced fruit balls and the liquid was sugary water.
Give Happy Baboy a try if ever you get tired of the usual joints in Greenhills. Even better is you can visit two groceries on your way out, a Korean grocery and a small branch of DEC. So you get to fill your tummies then have more food to bring home.
Happy Baboy
Annapolis Street (after OB Montessori)
Greenhills, San Juan
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