#SamgyeopsalParty: What's so fun about paying to cook your own food?

If you live in a city and you haven't been to an unli-samgyeopsal restaurant, you're probably in the minority.

Korean culture is experiencing a boom and many have fallen in love with the cuisine, including vlogger Kimpoy Feliciano. "Sa lugar namin sa Melbourne, surrounded talaga ng Korean restaurants. Favorite ko 'yong Korean chicken, 'yong manamis-namis," he said. 

The "extreme" super sweet and super spicy flavors appeal to Kimpoy, adding that he finds the preparation and flavoring of Korean cuisine "adventurous."

But aside from the flavor, he there's also a sense of accomplishment in mastering the grilling techniques in eating such dishes as chadolbagi and samgyeopsal. "Masarap 'yong pinaghirapan," he quipped. 

Manny Martinez, owner of a Korean restaurant, shares the same sentiment as Kimpoy. "'Yong samgyeopsal, mayroong feeling of accomplishment. It's a different experience," he said. 

Asian Studies expert Gilbert Que pointed to the banchan or the side dishes to highlight another aspect of eating Korean style that makes it fun: Sharing or, in Tagalog, salu-salo. 

"Part of communal cuisine of Korea — the side diseases are meant to be shared. 'Yong side dishes can come in 3s, 5s, 9s, minsan 12s 'pag mas malaking okasyon siya."

A #SamgyeopsalParty is also a great test of friendship. "Malalaman mo kung sino 'yong kaibigan niyong puro kain lang at sino 'yong kaibigan na taga-luto," Kimpoy declared. — AT, GMA News