The Rebel Sweetheart.: Foodie Goodie

12.08.2019

Foodie Goodie | Seoul Kitchen.

I've been wanting to visit Seoul Kitchen for the longest time, ever since I saw photos of their food on my friend's Instagram feed. My friend raved about them, which made me want to try their food even more. I promised myself (and Yue) that we will dine at Seoul Kitchen if and when we visit Los Banos, and that chance finally came yesterday, on the day Yue took the UPRHS Entrance Exam.

Located within the vicinity of the UP Los Banos campus, Seoul Kitchen is a charming and casual neighborhood restaurant that serves classic Korean food. Seoul Kitchen reminded me of the mom-and-pop diners (they call it 'sikdang' in Korea) in our neighborhood in Seongsu-dong, and this place gave me so much Korean feels from the get-go. I mean, just look at the facade of this lovely little restaurant - roof tiles, silhouette of the N Tower, and a sutgarak (long-handled shallow spoon) on the restaurant's logo.

Seoul Kitchen in Los Banos, Laguna.

The place was packed with patrons when we arrived - students, couples, even families with little kids were there at Seoul Kitchen. I actually loved the busy atmosphere, because to me, that equates to good food at a good price. One of their staff ushered us in, and we were lucky to chance upon an empty table that's spacious enough to seat our group of five.

Seoul Kitchen is abuzz during lunch and dinner hours.

Lining up to place our order. :)

Seoul Kitchen observes a 'Pay As You Order' policy, and you have to go to the counter to place your order. I was kinda expecting that it will take awhile for our food to be served, but much to my surprise, the waiting time took no more than minutes (or maybe even less).

Seoul Kitchen is jjang! :)

The kids had Oriental Chicken Pasta, a soy-garlic based pasta with chicken cubes, mushrooms, and nuts. The taste reminded me of Yellow Cab's Charlie Chan, and Yue absolutely loved it.

Oriental Chicken Pasta, Php 150.

I, on the other hand, had Soy Chicken Bibimbap. This dish is one of Seoul Kitchen's bestsellers, and I love that they used kongnamul (soybean sprouts), and not mungbean sprouts. If you want spice in your bibimbap, you can order the regular Bibimbap at the same price.

Soy Chicken Bibimbap, Php 160. Gimbap, Php 110.

We also ordered Jjampong, a seafood ramyun with mussels, squid, and a medley of vegetables simmered with Seoul Kitchen's special seasoning. This dish is rated with two chilis on the spice meter, but my friend who ordered this (and can handle spicy food well) said that the spiciness was quite tolerable.

Jjampong, Php 145.

Of course, I had to have their Tuna Kimbap - rice wrapped and rolled in seaweed, with tuna and mayonnaise. I had been dreaming about mayak kimbap (aka the famous rice rolls sold at Gwangjang Market) for God knows how long, and having a taste of Seoul Kitchen's gimbap sort of eased my (Seoul) homesickness.

Tuna Kimbap, Php 125.

Seoul Kitchen also has coffee, tea, and an array of desserts on their menu. I would have loved to cap our meal with a bowl of bingsu (shaved ice dessert), but my stomach refused to take any more food. Haha! Aya, Yue's friend, did try the Mochalatta, a frappuccino blended with chocolate and coffee and served with a generous portion of whipped cream. The frappe was gone before she can even put down her spoon. :)

Mochalatta (Pint), Php 150.

If you're into Korean food or fusion cuisine, I suggest you try and visit Seoul Kitchen. Not only is the food good and authentic (the restaurant is co-owned and managed by a Korean national), the prices are quite affordable, too. Plus points for the cozy, Korean ambiance, and the friendly and approachable waitstaff.