Spent a few days in Seoul, South Korea and the food was fantastic. I'm not fond of spicy food, so there were a few things i didn't eat much of but it was still good (Kimchi for instance).
Barbecue
Barbecue restaurants abound. We tried at least 3 and all were great! Restaurants don't mix - either they serve only beef or only pork. But the meat is really tender, well marbled and flavorful! I'd estimate average per head in a simple barbecue restaurant would be P800 to 1000 but well worth it. And those suction cups actually work. It wasn't as hot in front of the grill and I didnt come out smelling too much of smoke.
This place was in all the guidebooks. And when we arrived it was packed with both locals and tourists. There were only 4 items on the menu and we ordered all of it. Each order was W8000 (about P297). Big servings that could be shared. It's Korean-style fastfood - you pay right after ordering and the food comes shortly after.
Fantastic Dumplings! I can finish a whole order. The sauce - kikkoman and vinegar was just the right combnation to complement the juicy dumplings.
Hot noodle soup, traditional Korean style. The noodles were just right - slightly chewy and tender. Clear soup was light, minced meat was ever so mildly spicy and the dumplings (like wantons) were flavorful. Nice.
Cold noodles. Can't remember much of this one but like because its spicy and i didn't have too much of it.
Cold Noodle Soup that tasted much like a mild cucumber soup. It was bland at first. But later on became addicting especially after taking a heaping serving of the spicy noodles. It was cool and refreshing.
Bibimbap
Would have eaten more of this if it weren't so so spicy...
Beef Soup / Stew (??)
I don't know what this is called. It got confusing. Some restos named it Bulgogi on the menu and we would just point to the photo. But each time it was yummy. Light broth, tender beef. And the best thing - not spicy at all :) The best one was in Insadong -
Paris Baguette
Strawberry Tiramisu - yummy
Sweet Potato - ahmmm yup, kamote cake. Not bad but i wouldn't go for seconds.
Lotte Department Store Food Court
Japanese Katsudon meal. W8000 about P300.
Side Dishes
Most restaurants will serve side dishes or appetizers. Usually you can ask for seconds. Not all the same. Some will give spinach, octopus, bean sprouts, glass noodles (like a cold chap chae), potato, sweet potato and many more. But everyone gives Kimchi :)
Street Food
They looked like cylindrical fish ball stuffed with something (sausage, kani, kimchi). After much gestures and actions, i finally ended with a cheese filled one. Interesting, very filling for W2000 (about P75)
For some reason, there are a number of waffle stores in Seoul. But this was interesting because it was just a cart on the road. She was serving pizza too. But the sign said waffle with cream or waffle and ice cream. I of course chose waffle with ice cream - all 3 flavors of blueberry, apple and lemon. Despite the strawberry syrup (that's not ketchup), it wasnt sweet for me. Then she folded it like a sandwich. ahhh, yum! W2500 (about P95), I should have gone back for more.
I saw this on someone's blog before going to Seoul. Ofcourse I had to have it. W2000 (P75) and about 6 to 7 inches high - Its crazy! The ice cream itself was not creamy, a bit icy. But the flavor was good. It was just a thrill to have that much soft serve! I came back for the other flavors but they ran out... Choco strawberry again then :)
Now, I've tried a number of Korean ice cream (ala frozen delights) over here. But this one, was interesting - because it had a foldable plastic spoon tucked inside the label. It said "peel here" and there it was under the false bottom of the cup. I had to bring the little teaspoon home.
Soju. I don't watch much Koreanovela. But i've seen a number enough to see that soju is a part of Korean lifestyle - after office drink while eating noodles or maybe a few bottles to ease a broken heart. When in Korea, must soju then!
