During our trip to Korea last April, I made no research whatsoever on where to go or eat leaving it up to our able tour planner, Fran. So when I asked where our first dinner was, she said Yoogane Chicken Galbi, which specializes in Dak Galbi, a spicy chicken dish. The place was a block away from our hotel in Myeongdong, good call since it was drizzling a bit.
Off we walked, bearing our umbrellas to shield us from the light drizzle. We entered thru their small back door and I was quite surprised at how big the restaurant was, it can seat at least 100 people.
Their menu had both pictures and English words on it so its a bit easier to find what you like but there is still the language barrier when doing the ordering itself. There is one or two on the wait staff that has a meager grasp on the language. So we finally got our orders done with the help of hand gestures.
Dak Glabi or Chicken galbi is the dish the restaurant chain is most famous for.We all initially thought the price of KRW8,000 (around P310) cheap but it seems that the price per person serving. The dish is cooked right on the table on a large steel plate, think big paellera.
The waitstaff will come over and cook, so no need to do anything but watch in amazement like us. After the initial sauteing of the chicken and veggies, they will place a circular aluminum wall around the pan, I think to make it easier to cook with out any accidental splashes.
We added some extra Rameon (KRW1,500 or P57) as well as Udon (KRW2,00 or P78)
This is the Dak Galbi after cooking together with the added rameon and udon. It looks spicy and really was too spicy for me, too bad we could not communicate better with the staff to maybe tone it down, chalk it up to the language barrier.
We also got a totally non spicy Char Grilled Dak Galbi (KRW9,500/per person or P360). I enjoyed this one more, but one I did not totally appreciate since my taste buds were already dulled by the dak galbi.
Unlimited salad, kimchi and pickles to match with the dak galbi are available in set places these are scattered around the restaurant, which you get self serviced.
I loved the atmosphere, preparation and cooking process. My judgement is still pending with regards to the food due to the super spicy taste. I’m hoping a repeat eating at the soon to open Yoogane Philippines store in Il Terrazo will be better for my wee taste buds. According to the Yoogane Philippines FB page, the branch will start operations in August.
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