Sariwon Korean Barbecue at Greenhills Promenade

When conversation about the Best Korean Restaurants in Manila occurs, I always notice that Sariwon Korean Barbecue Restaurant which now has branches at BGC and Greenhills is almost always part of the discussion. Some of my favorite Manila food bloggers and other food enthusiasts have raved about Sariwon being one of the best when it comes to well executed Korean dishes. I cannot blame them, I myself is a fan.

Sariwon which originates in North Korea pride itself for being named as the Best Korean Restaurant by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This success was brought outside Korea for the first time when they opened their first branch in the Philippines, specifically at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig couple of years ago. Its presence at our local restaurant scene soon picked up and this year they have opened another branch located at Greenhills.

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Online food sites and other media outfit have talked about the legendary bulgogi recipe of Sariwon’s Mrs. Boon-Im Koo which uses 12 kinds of fruit for marinade in lieu of the usual sweeteners. Most of us are also well acquainted with Sariwon’s history from way back 1938 by now. Hence, this time, let me just show you my recent visit to Sariwon Korean Barbecue’s newest branch at Greenhills Promenade.

Boasting of wide floor area with two levels, Sariwon Korean Barbecue Restaurant at Greenhills is located at the ground floor of the new Promenade building. The overall ambiance of the place carries a modern vibe of a restaurant. The first level has a high ceiling giving the second level an illusion that its just a mezzanine level rather than a usual level that carries decent number of tables and chairs with private function room to boot. Of course, the smokeless grill table tops which Sariwon is also known for are still ever present in every diners table.

As with any feast at Sariwon Restaurant, ours started with a set of Banchan (Korean appetizers) of unlimited servings. The banchan set includes Sigeumchi Namul (spinach in sesame oil), Kochu Myeolchi Bokkeum (anchovies with green chili), Baek Kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage), Kongnamul (boiled bean sprouts in sesame oil) Musaengchae (white radish in sweet vinegar sauce) and Danhobak saraba (sweet potato pumpkin salad) and a plate of crisp salad.

We were set to try some of Sariwon's prepared dishes on their menu but a visit at Sariwon wouldn't be complete without experiencing grilling meat on their famous smokeless grill table top hence, we had a serving of Galbi (Php695 / 280g). These USDA Choice beef short ribs was sporting an exclusive cutting technique that made every morsel of the meat downright tender and flavorful as it cooked.

The marbling on the beef was very apparent, a clear indication of its high quality which is expected since Galbi is one of Sariwon's signature dishes. Diners may opt to grill their own food or they may ask the food attendants to assist them.

Galbi is meant to be eaten by wrapping it with green leaves including shisho leaves, adding in some slivers of garlic and dousing it with chili paste. It's the ideal way to enjoy a flavorful galbi treat. However, even if the meat is eaten on its own, rest assured that you are still in for a flavorful treat.

Green Leaves and Shisho Leaves with Chili Paste and Garlic for Sariwon's Galbi

Served in a sizzling stone pot, Sariwon's Dolsot Bibimbap (Php380) begs to be had especially when one craves for an authentic Korean dining experience. While it has the usual ingredients found in a usual bowl of bibimbap, the execution is nothing short of great since the use of sizzling stone pot adds dept of flavor to the dish.

One of my favorite dishes at Sariwon is their Galbi Jim (Php780). It is essentially a beef stew made with Korean flair to it. I am all for well executed beef stew. Most Korean variations I have come across with tends to lean on the sweet side of the spectrum with rather thin sauce which I have no problem at all. However, Sariwon's rendition opened a new door for me. Their beef stew posses the kind of depth in flavor and tenderness of the meat only known from such dish meticulously prepared with respect for the ingredients. It was spicy alright, but dare I say, I am a fan of this dish despite my aversion for spicy food.

Japchae (Php380) is another dish at Sariwon which can be found in every Korean restaurant there is, but only them can provide such flavor that made you want to come back for more. I appreciate that this version of Japchae will not kill you with excessive sweetness to compensate for the lack in savory flavor. This one hits the right balance.

One of the newest dishes recently released at Sariwon is Soondubu Chigae (Php 300). It is essentially a tofu soup with bits of meat. This dish is fiery. I tried having a spoonful of it and in an instant, I want to punch someone in the face. It was really spicy for my liking. Nevertheless, it was a hearty soup perfect for those who does not mind the kick at all, unlike me.

Another new dish is Kimchijeon (Php 280), Sariwon's new take on the usual Korean pancake. Kimchijeon in contrast to Haemul Pajeon boasts of kimchi instead of the traditional ingredients. It is mildly spicy and a great variation for those who loves pancake but wants something new yet familiar.

For dessert we had the traditional Korean sweet treat Patbingsoo (Php 180). Made with shaved ice topped with sweet red beans, mochi balls, and milk. Most Korean restaurants I have been to only rely on the usual Korean ice cream you may find elsewhere, it was good to know that Sariwon didn't go to that route and created something really special for their diners.

Aside from the dessert, another good way to cap off a feast at Sariwon is to have a serving of their Sikhye, a slightly sweet cold drink made of malt and rice. A palate cleanser that may be a sort of pact that will make you realize that a return at Sariwon in the near future must ensue.

I must say that due to its proximity, I am one of those who are more than happy that Sariwon Korean Barbecue Restaurant opened a branch in this side of the metro. Like what I said, I am a fan and if they continue on serving high quality and reasonably priced Korean dishes, I will forever be.