Must Try Grilled Pork Ribs from Jobakjip 조박집 (South Korea, Seoul)

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

If you are a fan of BBQ / Grilled Pork Ribs, the best place to have it in Seoul is in Mapo 마포 at Mapo's Dwaeji Galbi & Dwaeji Jumulleok Alley. In the 1950s, the Mapo port was busy with cargo boats that carried timber and grains down the Han River to the many sawmills and granaries in Mapo. There were many hungry seamen and workers looking for cheap filling food and booze to get over their strenuous day. With a growing demand, many eateries started popping up selling grilled pork and Makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Even after the port closed down, the blue collar workers were replaced with white collar workers (e.g. office workers). The office workers would frequent these eateries for the Makgeolli and Soju after a stressful day at work. The youngest employee in the group would normally be tasked (arrow-ed) to grilled the meat. Today, there are many barbecue restaurants (some having been opened before the dock was closed) along this particular alley.

My Korean friend brought us to this particular eatery known as Jobakjip 조박집 at the Dwaeji Galbi & Dwaeji Jumulleok Alley (aka Mapo BBQ Alley). Along the way, we spotted several barbecue restaurants and in fact, there was a hint of smokey barbecue smell in the air in this alley! Jobakjip 조박집 is 5 to 10 minutes walk away from Mapo Station (subway line 5) Exit 1.

When we entered the eatery, I was surprised that the eatery was nearly full (considering the competition). 

Menu

Focus on the menu, not the guys... The menu was mainly in Korean and English language. It was also simple and straight to the point. There was just two mains in it; (i) Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭 and (ii) Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비. There were also Rice,  Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수 and Alcoholic Beverages. 

Interestingly, this is a non-smoking eatery. The eatery is well-ventilated and the place is not smokey unlike some other barbecue restaurants. But do note, your clothes will still definitely smell. 

All the wooden tables in the eatery had a charcoal fire pit in the middle as all the customers here would definitely be here for the barbecue food.

This was the spread we ordered, some food items are not shown in this photo. As usual, there would always be complimentary side dishes.

Each person would be served a bowl of salad.

Another side dish for sharing. There was also preserved radish.

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

I was told that this eatery is well known for its Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비. No need to worry about the fats as they would melt in the heat and help ensure that the meat is tender. The excessive fats would drip down into the grills.

The meat is normally marinated in a concoction of soy sauce, sliced scallions, garlic, ginger juice, sugar, sesame seeds, sesame oil and pepper. It would typically be scored to allow the meat to adsorb the marinade easily. 

Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비

The Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비 was indeed delicious. It was well marinated and succulent, of great quality and flavour. The smokey flavour from the charcoal stove was locked in the meat too. This is a must try! 

The garlic can be grilled too. The sauce at the left is the gochujang sauce. Not too sure what the sauce at the top is.

The locals would normally not eat the meat alone. They would take a piece of lettuce, spread the gochujang sauce on it, add a grilled garlic on top.

Then they would take the piece of cooked Galbi and drip it into this special sauce before adding the meat onto the lettuce and wrap it up. This is how they would eat this.

Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수

We also ordered a bowl of Radish Water Kimchi Noodle (DongChimi Noodle) 동치미국수 each. This is water based, non spicy kimchi and is traditionally consumed during winter. Today, koreans consume this all year round. It was served chilled. The broth was clear and was refreshing while the radish was crunchy.

Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭

We also ordered the Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭. Compared to the Galbi, this is normally lightly marinated in a concoction of sesame oil, salt, garlic and pepper. Instead of scoring the meat, the concoction would be rubbed over the meat.

Hanwoo Grilled Seasoned Meat (Beef Jumulleok) 한우 주물럭

The staff would change the grills before this is grilled. The marbling on the meat looks great. However, looks can be deceiving. The appearance and price of the Beef Jumulleok, mismatch the taste. It was not as tasty and flavourful as the Galbi (which was way cheaper). 

Fermented Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang jjigae) 된장 찌개

Towards the end of the meal, we were given a complimentary small pot of Fermented Soybean Paste Stew (Doenjang jjigae) 된장 찌개. We place it on top of the charcoal stove and heat it up further. This was tasty and delicious. We really enjoyed the soup. 

It was worth our time travelling down specially to Mapo to try the Grilled Pork Ribs (Galbi) 돼지갈비 from Jobakjip 조박집. This is worth a visit if you are in Seoul. Do not miss this!

Namecard

This is the name card of the eatery.

Jobakjip 조박집 (South Korea, Seoul)
Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 마포구 용강동 40-1번지
Tel: +82 2 712 7462

View FoodieFC's South Korea Food Map in a larger map

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 (South Korea, Seoul)

A instavideo of the food at Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수.

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 is a restaurant chain that specialises in Shabu Shabu and Kalguksu. We visited Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu at Anam for around five times since we first got to know of the restaurant eight years ago when we enrolled in Korea University's Student Exchange Programme (SEP). #yesiamoldandiknowit

I had previously heard from friends that the restaurant had closed down. But thanks to a instagram user by the name of "Nicolettelovesyou", I manage to find out that it was still open and pin point its exact location! Thanks Nicolettelovesyou! 

The restaurant is less than 3 minutes walk from exit 2 of Anam 안암 (subway line 6) station. This is also the same station and same route where one can get to Korea University's hostel and CJ international house!

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu is located at level 2 of this building which is opposite Coffee Bean.

You can either take the lift or climb the stairs to the second level.

Once you enter the restaurant, you would need to take off your shoes..

The restaurant only offers floor seating. Hence, wear something comfortable.

"Menu"

You will not receive any menu. Instead, the food items and prices are in Korean and listed on the walls.

 I highlighted two of the food items in blue and red. The one in blue is a set which cost 7,000 KRW (per pax) and essentially includes vegetables & mushrooms (in hotpot) + noodles/udon + rice with spring onions and egg.

The one in red (i.e. Beoseot Shabu Kalguksu) cost 9,500 KRW (per pax) and food wise it is the same as the blue one except it also includes shabu shabu; shabu shabu + spicy vegetables & mushrooms (in hotpot) + Kalguksu + rice with spring onions and egg.

We always order the set which I highlighted in red! Can't do without meat =) 

Free flow of side dish; kimchi and radish.

Soon after ordering the dishes are served.

Shabu Shaub (beef slices)

Kalguksu

The pot contains the signature spicy vegetable and mushroom hotpot.

Cover the pot up and let it boil away.

After 5 minutes you are ready to enjoy the hotpot with the Shabu Shabu beef slices and Kalguksu! Totally love this! The taste of this hotpot together with all the ingredients is a match made in heaven. The Kalguksu was smooth and soft while the beef slices tasted so fresh.

If you thought this was the best part, you are going to be blown away next!

After finishing the ingredients in the pot, and the beef slices and kalguku, there would still be some soup (essence of all the ingredients left). The staff would then proceed to fry the rice (with egg and spring onions) (remember the first photo in this post?) together with the soup that is left.

Tada!! The end result is this; special fried rice!  Amazingly delicious, this is a MUST TRY! #dontsaybojio

Taste wise, the food here still taste the same after eight years! Service was equally good too! This is a must visit if you are in Seoul (Korea).

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 (South Korea, Seoul)
Address 서울 성북구 안암동5가 101-17
Tel: +82-2-929-5538
Directions: From Anam Station (subway line 6) Exit 2, turn back and walk down the street. Go straight about 60m, the restaurant is at the second level on your left(opposite Coffee Bean).
Website

View FoodieFC's South Korea Food Map in a larger map

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub (Bras Basah)

Irish Butter Baked Salmon

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub was first established in 2010 to provide quality Irish Pubs in Singapore for dining and entertainment. The pub's first outlet is at the heart of Singapore; at Bras Basah. In fact, this outlet is just opposite Singapore Management University (SMU) and is in front of Exit D of Bras Basah MRT station. Today, Molly Roffey's Irish Pub has a total of three outlets, the other two locations are at Esplanade and Dorsett. 

Its outlet in Bras Basah serves an extensive variety of draft and bottled beers, house pour and premium wines and spirits, Western food and traditional Irish cuisine. 

The pub with its wooden interiors and Arsenal banners and flags on the walls, shows live telecasts of sports matches. If you are wondering why the Arsenal banners and flags are there, it is because Molly Roffey's Irish Pub at Bras Basah is the Arsenal Supporters Headquaters in Singapore. 

For the record, I am not an Arsenal fan.  

Dinner Specials

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub at Bras Basah offers Dinner Specials (Dinner Set Meal) daily from 5pm to 10pm, including weekends. The Dinner Specials consist of Soup, Main Course (choice of Molley Roffey's Ribeye Steak, Fish & Chips, Chicken & Mushroom Pomodoro, Golden Roast Half Chicken or Irish Butter Baked Salmon), Dessert of the Day and Soft Drink (choice of Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Soda or Tonic) for $18.80++. 

We both ordered the Dinner Specials. I ordered the Molley Roffey's Ribeye Steak which is their bestsellers while my partner ordered the Irish Butter Baked Salmon. 

Mushroom Soup and Ginger Ale

For our choice of drinks, we both ordered the Ginger Ale.

Mushroom Soup

The Soup of the Day was the Mushroom Soup. It was decent, fully of mushroom flavour with lots of grind mushrooms bits in it.   

Molly Roffey's Ribeye Steak

The signature Molly Roffey's Ribeye Steak is served with potato wedges, salad and madeira sauce. 

Molly Roffey's Ribeye Steak

My Molly Roffey's Ribeye Steak was overcooked, arriving well done instead of medium. During my previous visit, I ordered this same dish which was cooked perfectly; medium. Nevertheless, the steak was still delicious despite being tough (due to overcooking during this visit), it paired off well with the madeira sauce.

Being fans of potato (wedges), we polished this off although most people would find the wedges normal - nothing to shout about. 

Irish Butter Baked Salmon

The partner orderd the Irish Butter Baked Salmon in homemade egg-yolk sauce served with wedges and mixed salad. Found the salmon average only.  

Marble Butter Cake

The Dessert of the Day was Marble Butter Cake which was CMI (cannot make it). It was cold, hard, dense and dry. It was so bad that we both just tried one bite only. 

Hazelnut Cake

Their Dessert of the Day on a previous visit was the Hazelnut Cake. The Hazelnut Cake was fantastic... way better than that marble cake. They should just stop serving the marble cake.

During my visits at Molly Roffey's Irish Pub (Bras Basah), there were hits and misses. I will certainly come back if I am looking for their Ribeye Steak despite the screw up during the last visit (overcooked steak). After all, with the set dinner its quite value for money and has a great atmosphere.

ps: Molly Roffey's Irish Pub at Bras Basah offers daily Lunch Specials from 12pm to 3pm too. The prices range from $12.80++ to $15.80++. 

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub (Bras Basah)
51 Bras Basah Road
#01-02A Manulife Centre
Singapore 189554
Tel: +65 6238 0989
Opening Hours: Daily 12pm to 12am
Website

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub (Esplanade)
8 Raffles Avenue
#01-13E Esplanade Mall 
Singapore 039802 
Tel: +65 6238 1875
Opens Hours: Sun to Thur 3pm - 1am
                       Fri to Sat 3pm - 2am

Molly Roffey's Irish Pub (Dorsett)
313 New Bridge Road
Dorsett Residences #01-04 
Singapore 088764
Te: +65 64445313 
Open Hours: Daily 12pm to 12am

View FoodieFC's Singapore Food Map in a larger map

K.Cook Korean BBQ Buffet 고뷔페 (Orchard Central)

K.Cook Korean BBQ Buffet 고기 뷔페 is a Korean BBQ buffet restaurant in Orchard Central (Somerset MRT station) which started operation in August 2014.

I visited on a weekday for lunch. Being Kiasu (as usual), I made called the restaurant beforehand and was told that they no longer accept reservations. Hence, we went 10 minutes early, at 11.20 am before the restaurant opened. Everyone seemed to have thought like-wise. There was a queue of more than 10 persons when we arrived.

When the restaurant opened, the queue stretched to more than 20 persons long. I was wondering how come everyone was not working and if they were like me (who applied for leave). 

K.Cook Korean BBQ Buffet offers both air conditioned and alfresco (outdoor) areas. The seating capacity at the air condition area was way smaller compared to the alfresco area. We chose to sit outdoors as there was a Big Ass Fan (High volume slow speed fan) which made the area so well ventilated. Even though it was noon, it did not felt hot. In addition, you get a clear view of the city.

Prices

The prices for the buffet are show above. The price for weekday (Mon to Fri) lunch at $14.90++ was so value for money!

Corn

Korean rice cake with fish cake

The buffet consist of a wide variety of cooked and raw food. In the cooked food section, there was Corn, Korean rice cake with fish cake, japchae (glass noodles), Korean pancake, fried chicken wings and spicy tofu stew.

We went for more than 1 servings of Korean rice cake with fish cake and japchae (glass noodles) as these were delicious. We did not manage to try the fried chicken wings, as these were taken as soon as they were replenished.

At the raw food section there were Marinated Beef Short Rib, Beef Bulgogi, Pork Belly, Pork Collar, Marinated Pork Collar, Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Chicken Sausages, squids and prawns.

As with all korean buffet, there was a section with vegetables (lettuce), mushrooms, onions, radish and kimchi.

Besides these, there was also fruits and salad section and a counter for drinks.

Chicken, Pork Collar, Prawns, Squids

Look at how thickly sliced the Pork Collars are. This is by far the thickest sliced Pork Collar I had for a buffet. Most other buffets would slice their meat thinly.

Beef  Bulgogi and Pork Belly

The Pork Belly was also of decent thickness which the Beef Bulgogi was well marianted.

With the large pan, it was easy cooking the food. We started off with the Pork Belly so that fats would grease the pan.

Food wise, it was impressive. The Pork Collar and Pork Belly of good thickness allowed the juices and flavours to be retained in the meat. Basically for the raw food, we spammed the Pork Belly, Pork Collar, Beef Bulgogi and mushrooms.

For a Korean buffet, the cooked food and the raw food were quite good. One of the better Korean buffet I have tried. Worth going back for more considering the price and quality. 

K.Cook Korean BBQ Buffet 고기 뷔페 (Orchard Central)

 #07-01 Orchard Central

181 Orchard Central Road 

Singapore 238896 

Tel: 6884 7282

Opening Hours: Daily 1130am to 10pm

Facebook

View FoodieFC's Singapore Food Map in a larger map