MANILA, Philippines - You won’t find Korean pop stars Psy or Super Junior, but you will enjoy authentic Korean dishes and meet friendly staff at the Kogi Bulgogi Restaurant.
Kogi Bulgogi is a versatile Korean restaurant with Bulgogi being the bestseller. A different Korean food adventure, Kogi serves six mini-Korean appetizers and you may request your dishes to be adjusted to your preferred spice level.
In other Korean restaurants here, kimchi is served as a starter. Not in Kogi Bulgogi. They have these six mini-Korean appetizers called Banchan
Set your sights on Kogi Bulgogi’s exquisite delights. Heads will really turn as they serve Kalbi Jjim (beef stew that uses short ribs flavored with relish and garlic), Sae-u (prawns deep-fried in light tempura butter), Sam Ssambap (vegetable bite-size rice wraps served with chicken or beef) and the signature Korean dish Bibimbap (rice with seasoned veggies and egg served in a heated stone pot).
Although Korean in nature, Kogi Bulgogi has prepared its dishes that will truly suit the Pinoy taste. “We try to take it up a bit to the level of Pinoy taste. It’s basically in the same mold of Korean dish, with a little twist. Filipino customers like their food saltier or sometimes sweeter. There’s no real secret to our delicious Korean dishes. What we use are quality ingredients,’’ said Michael Soon, brand manager for ifoodsinc, that also manages other trendy restaurants such as TokyoCafé, Stackers, Miso-Ten, Peri-Peri, and Parmigiano.
One of the highlights of Korean food is its spices and beef. “Korean food is usually spicy. People are starting to appreciate our dishes. Koreans are really known for how they cook their beef, that’s juicy and tender,’’ said Soon.
With Bulgogi being the best-seller dish, other delectable fare of Korean eats in the restaurant include Japchae, Soft Shell Crab Salad, Sae-u Twigim, and Deungshim Gui.
There’s a plethora of exciting Korean dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Relish the rice toppings like Chicken Kalbi Bap (grilled chicken), Bulgogi Dub Bap (beef bulgogi), and Hai Dub Bap (tuna), among others.
Apart from its distinct spicy flavors, Korean cuisine notably balances meals with veggies for that ideal dining experience.
Kogi (meat) Bulgogi (dish of marinated beef cooked with onions) is a restaurant that can be enjoyed with meals to share. It is a hit for families and friends. The abundance of offerings makes your meal pleasurable, thus Kogi Bulgogi is a top choice for gatherings and celebrations. “It’s not expensive but just right and affordable. Our serving is for sharing,’’ Soon said.
At its newest Gateway Mall branch, Kogi Bulgogi has as unique Asian feel with a touch of modern Korea. Contrasted with the light and dark furniture, it has wooden earth tones that create delightful aesthetic balance. “This will be the new look of Kogi Bulgogi in our future branches,†Soon said.
Save room for dessert. At the corner of the restaurant is Café Soon where you may also want to unwind and sample its desserts, coffee, and tea.
Check out Kogi Bulgogi at Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown Mall, Promenade Greenhills, Limketkai Center Cagayan de Oro and the newly opened Gateway Araneta Center branch.