The Random Truths

If Marshall from #HIMYM is searching for "The Best Burger In Town", then I'm always searching for "The Best ....................... In Town" (fill in the blanks with any kind of food)

And this time, it's about my search for The Best Korean BBQ In Town

My first memory of having Korean BBQ is at Gang Gang Sulai (used to be only available at Cideng), and Arirang (used to be located in Mahakam). My family's definition of having dinner outside is almost always identical to having dinner at those two restaurants (and KFC Gelael, occasionally). Two dishes we always order are Bul Go Gi and Bul Galbi, hence everytime I go to a Korean BBQ resto, I never stay away from those two ^^;; As a kid, of course I didnt think much. All I can remember is that the dishes at those two restaurants were delicious!

After those two, the next memorable Korean BBQ Moment (KBM) for me was Arang 22 - Well actually before this, I remember eating at a Korean BBQ resto at Mahakam, near Caza Suki, but I forgot the name. all I can remember is how my family was the only Indonesian guests there, the rest were Koreans, anyway.. not important - for a buka puasa 2 years back. Good stuff, I tell you. What sticks the most is how juicy the meat was, esp the Bul Galbi. Delish!

Next KBM is Han Gang. It's also good, but personally, I like Arang 22 better. I think the meat at Arang 22 is juicier, and tastier. Perhaps they marinate the meat longer and with better recipe at Arang 22, I wouldnt know. I'm just good at eating food, not cooking them v(^^;;

On the side, although this is not comparable to both HG and A22, I also enjoy going to Gang Gang Sulai for some murmer (cheap & cheerful?) Korean BBQ. The G2S now is no longer the same with what I used to go to as a child, but it's still OK. They have this IDR25,000++ menu sets : a choice of beef/chicken + rice + salad. For that price, the meat is definitely not bad -I tell you. And the portion is also quite filling, for a person with a normal appetite, that is. But if it's not then you can just add another portion, problem solved! This is def not the best Korean BBQ in town, but it's def the murmerest one. LOL.

OK. Back to the search.

So a few days ago, when my friends and I were looking for a place to have dinner, Aliya suggested that we try Han'Yang Garden, and so we did. And I'm so glad we did because I think this is the BEST Korean BBQ I've ever had in Jakarta so far.

What I like most about this place is that they give out loads of complimentaries (That's right people, cheapskate alert!). The appetizers alone are dominating the table before we even order anything. There are like, almost 10 types of dishes! I can't remember the whole lot but for sure they served kimchi, salad, clams, morning glory, corn, and my fave.. the egg. I dont know how to define the dish, but it's good. It's like the korean version of Tamago, but it's softer, fluffier, and tastes better!

About the main course. The meat there was LEGEND - wait for it - DARY! We only ordered Bul Galbi (like, 3 portions of it) but there was no need to order anything else. It was superb! Juicy, and tasty to the bones I tell you! You can opt to have them cook your order in the kitchen, or cooked in front of you. Since I like meat cooked medium well, I prefer to have the server cook for me so I can grab the meat before it gets too well done. They have an exhaust sytem at every table, so no need to worry that you'll smell like barbecued ribs afterwards. The meat portion is quite generous, so if you think you have a normal appetite, ordering 1 portion is enough for 2 people.

We also ordered Ox Tongue (forgot the Korean name), but it's not recommended. Let's just say you'd need extra energy to chew those tongues ^^ Ox Tongue is better at Arang 22, so Aliya said. And we also ordered the soup : Sun Do Bu. Hot and spicy soup with eggs, veggies, and tofu. Originally it includes seafood as well, but we asked for no seafood, less veggies, and more tofu. And they're OK with the request. I love that place even more.

But wait, am not finished. The ultimate cheapskate heaven is coming, they also give you.. Wait for it.... free dessert. Honeydew for the whole table, and a choice of ice coffee or vanilla ice cream for each person. I got ice coffee and it's actually good. Not just some 3in1 instant coffee with ice cubes. It's a semi ice blended coffee kind of thing, and I like it!

On the price range, the meat dishes are generally over IDR145K (cant remember the exact price range). A bit expensive, Yes.. but like I said, with the generous portion, all the freebies, including free Ocha, so you dont actually need to order drinks, and finally.. that superb awesomely delicious juicy Bul Galbi, it's so worth it. Must try for Korean BBQ lovers!

Han'Yang Garden

Jl. Senopati no. 43C
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12190
Tel: (021) 521 2522
Fax: (021) 5737 319

Arang 22

Jl Tulodong Bawah no 1A, Kebayoran Baru

Gang Gang Sulai

Pasaraya Grande, Lower Ground Floor (near the food court)

# posted by @dessey : 8:45 AM  0 Comments