The Koreans have invaded the whole world. Yes they already did but in a good way
. My workmates (hi Abby and Dane
) is sooo into KDrama and KPop that they’re speaking tongues already. I admit I watched some but did not get addicted but it changed dramatically. 😦
I got addicted to Korean Food! Gotcha
A bunch of Korean themed restaurants keeps budding in the metro and I already went to some of them and this for sure is different.
It’s a small resto located in a lobby of a hotel. Couple of tables lined up and a huge television playing KDrama, but of course.
As a Bicolano and a home cook(claiming it) spicy food does not bother me or my palate. Koreans are known for their Kimchi, a pickled vegetable seasoned with garlic, red pepper, and ginger that is the national dish of the said state(as revealed by Merriam Webster Dictionary) and they’re also health buffs.
Tried Samgyeopsal (thin slices of pork) seafood pancake, soft tofu soup and Shabu-shabu (like of hot pot).
We were served with a whopping eight (8) side dishes that already filled up the table. Then food keeps on coming and piling up. I though we only have four dishes to try.
Samgyeopsal. The pork belly was cooked/ pan grilled right next to me together with slices of potato and onion and no seasoning was added even salt. After the fat was rendered, it was cut into bite sizes using a pair of scissors, sign of an authentic Korean meal prep.
The owner/chef Mr. Kim showed us how to properly wrap the meat with vegetable, bean paste, sesame oil and a different kind of kimchi. He also said it should be eaten in one piece
and shoved said wrap into my mouth 
and then we laughed It was pretty good to eat, somewhat healthy way of eating meat.
Shabu-shabu. A pot of boiling water was also sitting next to us. The owner then removed a piece of I think is sea weed and several anchovies from the pot and started putting mushrooms, slices of sweet potatoes, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, cabbage, leaks, leaves of sesame into the boiling water then the beef, tofu, slices of fish cake and shrimp. The broth was AMAZING and I’m not kidding. The dish was so simple but the taste was nothing compared to whatever I’ve tasted before. It was a remedy for flu and it will instantly cure any disease and also my hunger.
Soondubu jjigae or Soft tofu soup/stew. Redish spicy soup base with tofu, shellfish and beaten egg. The spiciness does not over power the whole dish and all of the ingredients go well with each other. I was a little bit hesitant because of the shellfish but nah, the antihistamine will do its job .
Haemulpajeon or Sea food pancake. Unlike others, this seafood pancake has a leek like vegetable in it and Mr. Kim told us that the proper way to cut the food is following the leaves lengthwise.
We, sure was very full with all these food and wrapping up with a cup of Korean coffee.
I personally recommend this place, its a bit pricey but it is so worth-ed plus the owners are very accommodating. Visit EJ Cafe and Restaurant (Korean and Filipino Food) at the lobby of KJA Hotel, Almeda Highway, Naga City.
Black & White Scribbles 