Pop Talk: Korean restaurants in Manila that live up to the hype
The past few years have welcomed a wave of everything Korean -- people, music, skincare, and of course, food.
With the growing number of Korean restaurants in Metro Manila, Pop Talk resident host, Tonipet Gaba, aimed to find out which ones are worth the visit and your money's worth.
1. Kko Kko
Address: G/F UP Town Center, 216 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
One of the most influential things K-dramas have made us crave for is Korean chicken and beer, a.k.a. “Chimaek,” served during evenings at many South Korean restaurants. Thankfully, you don't have to travel far to taste this combo because TV personality Grace Lee has opened her very own Korean restaurant that serves their version of the combo.
Kko Kko is the brainchild of Grace Lee and her mother Song Soon Il who wanted to share their versions of a traditional home-cooked Korean meal.
Aside from the chicken and beer, Kko Kko boasts of other signature dishes like their tteokbokki with twigim, tuna kimbap, beef bulgogi dosirak, volcano rice, chicken cheese fondue, and their signature bingsu.
2. Tom N' Toms Coffee
Address: Ortigas Technopoint, Dona Julia Vargas Ave., Pasig City
Originally based in Seoul, South Korea, Tom N' Toms Coffee opened its first franchise in the Philippines in Bacolod City in 2016. Today, they have 10 branches all over the Philippines spanning from Iloilo to Zamboanga del Sur.
Considered as one of the Top 3 coffee brands in South Korea, Tom N' Toms Coffee is known for its wide variety of drinks from their signature Americano and Latte to Black, Herb, and Brewed tea.
In terms of food, Pop Talk recommends getting their signature Deli Pretzel, Honey Butter Bread, and Garlic Bread.
3. Sariwon Korean Barbecue
Address: C2, Bonifacio High Street Central, 7th Avenue cor. 29th St., Taguig City
Did you know that Sariwon is a town in North Korea? According to its origin, in 1938 a "halmeoni" (grandma) named Koo Bun-im concocted the broth recipe for the legendary Korean barbeque or “bulgogi.” After creating the recipe, she opened her small restaurant to cater to friends and family.
Currently, Sariwon has 10 branches in South Korea with its main branch having over 500 square meters and 350 seats. It was then awarded “Best Korean Restaurant” by the Seoul Metropolitan Government making it one of the most sought-after restaurants in Asia.
Fortunately for Filipinos, Sariwon has opened its branch in the Philippines at BGC and they included their signature beef bulgogi made of 12 kinds of fruits and vegetables without the use of any sugar.
Got your mouth watering for some Korean dishes? Check out the other pop na pop Korean-restaurants in the video below: