I’m definitely a person who loves eating out, and discovering new things to surprise my palate. For a few years now, I’ve been going to this Korean BBQ place, Makchang Restaurant (formerly Joe’s Grill) just across Robinson’s Ermita’s Department Store (Women’s Section) ever since my highschool barkada Meryl brought us there. It’s along Adriatico Street, if ever you want to try eating there, you should though, food’s great!
So what’s so great about this place? click the read more button and you’ll actually see more photos of us having a great time. :) Plus what dishes to try and how to eat the Korean way. LOL
Another thing, there’s a portion of the restaurant where you can actually sit on the ground, like in traditional Korean/Japanese houses. It’s a special corner of the restaurant which is not normally opened to everyone, but you can request to be seated there, and they’ll gladly oblige. The setup is typical of any shabu shabu place, except in place of a stove, you have a charcoal grill, and with a hood too, so the smoke is controlled while grilling.
Gogigui (Korean BBQ) is actually the Korean style of roasting or grilling, and this sort of establishment is very common in Korea. I’ve never been to Korea, but my mom, who’s been there twice, told me that it is indeed common, as common as street food. Typically, people eat here with beer or soju, as they say soju is best paired with grilled meat such as the ones you’ll be seeing below.
Places like this are slowly gaining popularity in our country. Although in the few years that I have frequented this place, more Korean nationals eat here than Pinoys, I still believe this type of cuisine will catch up with the Filipino palate. Well yeah, you won’t randomly enter these types of restaurants because a) the menu’s in Korean, b) there are more Koreans than Filipinos dining so it might be awkward, and c) no one has taught you the proper way of eating this type of Korean BBQ. But seriously, eating at one is worth all the apprehension. LOL (Read on for a mini tutorial on how to. HAHA)
With my blockmates, as a celebratory dinner for my win in the student council elections.
Read more for more photos, and more about the food. :)
