I have tried Matgalne Korean Restaurant along Kalayaan Ave. in Makati awhile back since I am curious about this affordable Korean buffet they are offering. Korean restaurants in Manila are already aplenty hence it is not surprising that most of us have already developed a liking for Korean dishes. I already have few favorite Korean restaurants but it wouldn't hurt to try others which I have not been before.
Matgalne Korean Restaurant in Makati opened way back in 2003. They also have a branch in Ortigas which just opened December of last year. They are known for their affordable buffet including unlimited Sangyupsal or pork belly and Chadolbaegi or beef.
I have not been to Matgalne Ortigas but I was told that the branch in Makati is more spacious and brighter. It's facade is nondescript while the interior is fairly spacious and clean. It has a comfortable vibe to it too.
Compare to other Korean restaurant I have been to which has a griller attached to the table, Matgalne uses a tabletop burner with metal griller. Food attendants were very accommodating and helpful, hence if you do not dig cooking your own food, they will do it for you.
The buffet spread was fairly decent. They were running a Php299 buffet rate promo during my visit, hence I wasn't really expecting extravagant spread. Everything is laid out in immaculately clean plate in contrast to the others who has their food presented in chaffing dish.
The spread composed primarily of the usual Korean dishes such as the proverbial banchan/side dishes which I always enjoy to bits. Matgalne's selection of banchan during our visit was pretty impressive.
There are around 20 dishes on the buffet spread. Some of which I really
liked while the others are somewhat forgettable. The food presentation
as well as the selection were very laidback which goes perfectly well
with the homey vibe that this restaurant exudes.
There were dishes that looked somewhat similar to each other, I guess it has something to do that most of them were covered with batter and egg, I don't know what is up with that. But it does not mean that they all tasted the same because honestly, they don't. Each has its distinct taste palatable enough for the deal to be considered good.
I appreciate that during our visit, they are quick to replenish the buffet spread in every chance that the item on the plate was already running low. If by any chance you want something on the spread which isn't replenished yet, you can always ask the food attendants and they will gladly assist you.
There weren't many choices when it comes to dessert. As a matter of fact, they only have the caramel glazed sweet potato during our visit. Good thing though that the taste make up for the lack of option.
While the choices on the buffet spread was decent enough, I deem that the thing that will make this buffet deal really a bang for your buck is the unlimited meat you can have.
The Chadolbaegi or beef was thinly sliced which make it easy to cook. I appreciate how impressive the taste was, a great indication that they uses good quality of beef. I can finish servings after servings of this in no time.
The Sangyupsal was equally impressive. Generous servings in every plate, which means you wouldn't have to catch the food attendants attention every so often for a refill.
I guess I could say that for its affordable price, the choices on the buffet spread are good enough. If you are paying Php399 you wouldn't really expect something that you can get from a five star hotel buffet. What will make me go back to Matgalne Restaurant however are the unlimited sangyupsal and chadolbaegi because these two are what make this buffet a good deal. Also, I heard they now have a noodle station, that might be worth checking out as well.
Matgalne Korean Restaurant in Makati
4768 Kalayaan Avenue Corner Mariano Street, Poblacion
Makati City, Metro Manila
Tel #: (02) 890 – 2949
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight, Monday to Saturday
Matgalne Korean Restaurant in Ortigas
2F Millenium Place Building., Meralco Avenue
Ortigas Center, San Antonio
Pasig City, Metro Manila
Tel #: (02) 632 – 9714
Operating Hours: 11:00 am to 12:00 midnight, Monday to Saturday
