Whenever I hear Korean food, a huge serving of kimchi, spicy noodles or Korean BBQ comes to mind.
But here in Yoogane, they're kicking it up a notch when it comes to the Korean food they serve.
Yoogane, the newest addition to the awesome restaurants in Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato, Quezon City, is a Korean restaurant that serves authentic Korean food. They use fresh ingredients imported from Korea. This idea came about when a group of friends went on a trip to Korea and discovered Dak Galbi, which is one of their specialties. Now what is Dak Galbi?
Dak Galbi is a popular South Korean dish generally made by stir-frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang (chili pepper paste) based sauce, and sliced cabbage, sweet potato, scallions, onions and tteok (rice cake) together on a hot plate. (source: Wikipedia)
Personally, I would describe it as a fusion of Spain's paella and Korea's kimchi. Its a huge serving of rice with chili pepper paste and vegetables. They have it with Bulgogi, chicken or seafood. You have the option to add mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, rice cake and sweet potato slice. I think you can also add ramen noodles also (or you can have it as a side dish).
1 order of Dak Galbi is good for 4 persons. Its a pretty heavy meal, and contrary to how Filipinos eat rice, this shouldn't be consumed as if it's a rice buffet wherein you finish everything in one straight seating. One of the owners shared that Dak Galbi was eaten in Korea like a "pica pica" where a group of friends (or a family) is having drinks.
Dak Galbi is quite hot! But in a really good way. :) I was a little overwhelmed at first because that was my first taste of authentic Korean food with their signature chili pepper paste. But the more I ate some, the more I found it really delicious. If you're sensitive/allergic with spicy food, I suggest you let the waiter/waitress know so they can adjust it for you. (or just add more mozzarella)
We also got to try their appetizers. I'm sorry but I don't know what they are called. But I do recommend you try them, especially the coleslaw-like one, to neutralize the hot flavor of Dak Galbi.
Their Chap Chae is pretty good, as well. I particularly like how fresh the ingredients taste.
You know how vegetables tend to taste a little weird when its served in a restaurant?
Theirs don't taste like that at all. Its not overcooked nor under-cooked.
Now for my favorite dish from Yoogane: the Beef Bulgogi.
I cannot even begin on how much I love this dish. The beef is tender, tasty and doesn't leave an overwhelmingly oily taste (suya). Actually, its our favorite dish (me, Janese and Aldous) because its the first dish we finished. Hahaha!
Here's a shot of their interiors. Each table has its own exhaust for the smoke while your food is prepared.
I think this is intended for the Dak Galbi.
For price list reference, here is their menu.
PROS: Food they serve is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Portion size is pretty generous. The place is conveniently located in Il Terrazzo. The service they provide is excellent. I also appreciate the fact that the place is not cramped with tables, making the atmosphere a little more relaxing than other restaurants.
CONS: The menu is a little short. I was hoping they'd be serving more dishes, but given that its a new restaurant, I think that's understandable. I wish they'll serve desserts soon.
VERDICT:
I will definitely go back!Yoogane
Ground Floor of Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato, Quezon City
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