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SARIWON's Bulgogi and Galbi Korean Barbecue!

The Korean craze in Manila just got even more interesting with the opening of the first branch outside Korea of the legendary Bulgogi of Mrs. Bun-Im Koo (from the Sariwon town in North Korea).

Most Filipinos are not familiar with the brand except for the Korean community that immediately patronized the restaurant. Filipinos tend to go for the Bulgogi and Galbi, while the Koreans enjoy the cold noodles.

Sariwon's Bulgogi and Galbi are better than those from Bulgogi Brothers, and I love that they use a smokeless roaster so you don't smell like Bulgogi after eating.

Here are some notes, tips and recommendations if you plan to try it out...

Bonifacio High Street Central Restaurants:

• Jamba Juice Opens in Manila!
• SutrA Christmas Dinner: Our First Taste of BHS Central
• ARIA Mania in Manila?
• GEISHA, an Indian-owned Japanese Vegetarian Restaurant You'll Love :)
• ELIAS and the Spirants
• Mango Tree: Finally, Thai Fine Dining in Manila!
• A Beso Cucina Vinoteka Date
• The Cake Club Dessert Haven
• A SLICE of Pia Cayetano
• SARIWON, Authentic Korean Barbecue - First Branch outside Korea
• Village Tavern, a Higher-End Friday's?
• STELLA, Sister of Chelsea & the Star of BHS Central
• 'CUE, Modern Barbecue
• NOLITA (North of Little Italy): A Taste of the Real New York Pizza in Manila?
• BHS Central: A Guide to the BEST Eats in Bonifacio High Street Central

Bulgogi Brothers now in Manila!

The first international franchise of Bulgogi Brothers (with 29 branches in South Korea) finally opened in Manila! :)  

At first, I thought it was just one of those franchises capitalizing on the booming expansion of International Chains here in the metro. I'm usually not a fan of restaurants based in a mall, but the foodies were abuzz with excitement over the opening of Bulgogi Brothers, so I had to see it for myself.

I was happy that our family decided to try it because it was different. I liked the awesome free appetizers they offered, the unique food combinations with their Korean liquor, and the family-friendly nature of the restaurant. I also loved their focus on service (which a lot of other restaurants in Manila need to improve on).

It was during our visit that I learned how to truly appreciate Bulgogi, particularly through the different ways it was prepared and served, plus how it was paired it with various liquors.  

Here are some foodie notes on what to expect at Bulgogi Brothers...

The Original Bon Chon Chicken is Now in Manila!

 

Bon Chon Chicken, the Korean foodie favorite in New York, is finally here in Manila! This is the official Philippine franchise from Korea and NOT a franchise of the 4 Fingers Bon Chon in Singapore.

Bon Chon is the original double-fried chicken from Korea. The first fry removes all the fat and makes it "paper-fried crisp" and then the second fry includes the secret sauce.

The chicken is bigger than that of Chicken Charlie's and a bit more expensive also. I liked its soy-garlic flavor, which has ginseng as a secret ingredient. The sauce was a bit bitin, though, and did not cover the entire chicken well.

Related Blog Posts:
Chicken Charlie - Manila's "Bonchon" Crispy Chicken?
Wee Nam Kee's Hainanese Chicken Rice Now in Manila!

Manna Korea Garden

I'm on the lookout for the best Korean restaurant in town. I was hoping to meet a Korean foodie who would be kind enough to share his/her tip on the best Korean places in town. But I have not found one, so please send me your Korean resto favorites in the comments section.

One of the most recommended Korean restaurants by both Filipinos and Koreans is Manna Korea Garden Restaurant in the P. Burgos area. We thought it was just OK (probably because we didn't know what to order in Manna). What's your favorite dish there?