Yoogane: Revisiting Korea's Famous Dak Galbi

It's been about three months since my last visit to Yoogane, the famous dak galbi (diced chicken marinated in a gochujang-based sauce) haven from South Korea. And while I didn't expect to pay Yoogane at IL Terrazzo in Tomas Morato a trip this soon, I'm glad I did as I'm already craving for their savory, spicy and highly-appetizing Korean treats.

Unlike my first visit though, this time, I dined in during the day. But whatever time you choose to pay it a trip, you'll always be greeted by a bright and trendy atmosphere with colorful graffiti and framed photos. This is something unique to Yoogane in my opinion. While most Korean restaurants have chosen to exude either a simple and dark ambiance or a posh and sophisticated one, I'm glad there's Yoogane which puts hip, happy and youthful on the table. Something light and bright to lift up the guest's mood.

And unlike on my previous trip, they now serve not just three, but six kinds of free banchan which are Korean appetizers or sidings. We had some Kongnamul (boiled bean sprouts in sesame oil), Myeolchi Bokkeum (stir-fried dried anchovies), Gamja Jorim (sweet-glazed potatoes), pickled white radish, Baek Kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage) and cabbage salad. These are refillable, by the way, so no need to hold back.

Click the menu photo to enlarge.

Another significant difference on my visit this time is the addition of new items on Yoogane's menu. When I visited last October, there were only a few selection of Korean dishes and the restaurant seemed to have focused too much on serving their famous dak galbi. However, this time around, there are more choices for guests who aren't big spicy dishes fans. Yoogane now offers Korean BBQ too for one's wrapping pleasure.

Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice

Before we started our late lunch, we ordered some drinks since we can already foresee the mouth-burning session we'll be getting into. We had Peach Iced Tea (P100/Liter) which was really refreshing and tasted of nicely-brewed peach-flavored tea. Yoogane also provides unlimited cold water in a Korean resto-signature blue-capped pitcher bottle.

Then, it was time for the main event. We had two orders of Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice (P245) with an add-on of Mozzarella Cheese (P80). I already got to try this spicy and savory rice dish before, just without the goodness of cheese.

And while this brought a moment of deja vu, I still loved watching the staff cook our order. Our server first sautéed the dak galbi or marinated chicken, as well as the green onions they came with. She then added the rice into the mix and sautéed everything together.

When the dak galbi, green onions and rice were well-combined, the last step was putting in the mozzarella which melted into a gooey cheesy goodness. Similar to my first trip to Yoogane, our server finished cooking the dak galbi fried rice by forming it into a heart.

Our Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice with Mozzarella was definitely oozing with tons of savor and spice. Just like my first spoonful of this treat, I was again reminded of how I loved gorging down a mouthful after another despite feeling a burn around my lips. With the mozzarella cheese in the mix though, this serving was less spicy than what we got before which didn't have the mozzarella add-on. And while most of my dining companions were complaining of how spicy this dish was for them, we all agreed that this is one meaty and flavorful platter of fried rice worth burning the mouth for.

Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi

I know the fried rice counterpart is almost the same with Yoogane's famous dak galbi just minus the rice. But since we've already made our way to IL Terrazzo to get a taste of what Yoogane can offer, why not go all out?

We had two orders of Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi (P285) with Mozzarella Cheese (P80) and Ramen Noodles (P70) as add-ons following our server's recommendation. I guess it was quite a wrong move since we already have our dose of carbs from the dak galbi fried rice. However, we were told that dak galbi with noodles is a common order here at Yoogane, plus it's new for me, so it was worth a shot.

Unlike the first time I was at Yoogane, this time our un-sautéed Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi was served smiling. It was such a quirky feat and I think it ties really well with the restaurant's bright and happy ambiance. Oh, and I noticed that the vegetable serving was generous. I'm not sure if they were just extra friendly that day, but I have a feeling everything is now bigger at Yoogane compared to my last trip months ago.

Similar to the fried rice dish, our server started sautéing the dak galbi and vegetables before adding in the noodles and then the mozzarella. I didn't pay much attention to the sautéing process this time since we had a lot of good food to finish. However, I can't deny that I kept myself near the pan 'cause the food just smelled so good!

In just a few minutes, our Yoogane's Marinated Chicken Galbi with Mozzarella Cheese and Ramen Noodles was ready. I have to admit, it didn't look as good as the dak galbi fried rice. However, this platter tasted great! The chicken pieces were soft and the greens and noodles blended well with the gochujang sauce. The mozzarella added a creamy and slightly salty cheesy goodness, but it wasn't enough to counter the heat, so compared to the fried rice, this was indeed spicier. However, I loved this even better!

Other Non-Dak Galbi Dishes at Yoogane

While Yoogane specializes on dak galbi, they have a few items on the menu which aren't dak galbi-infused. I say this is the selection for people who have low tolerance for spicy food as Yoogane's dak galbi dishes are marinated in a pre-made gochujang sauce. Meaning, you can't tell the server to lower down the heat for your order.

For dumpling lovers, you can try the Mul Mandu (P160) -- the Korean version of steamed pork and vegetable dumpling served with sesame-soy sauce. This can be a good meal starter as it's very delicate on the palate. Or, you can opt to have this while enjoying the dak galbi dishes to counteract and balance off the heat.

They also have the famous Bulgogi (P260) which are thinly-sliced marinated beef served on a cast iron plate. While I'm not so keen on sweet and non-spicy marinades for meat, this is one beef item a non-spicy food lover can enjoy at Yoogane. Too bad though it's served cooked, so you won't get the novelty factor of using your table-top griller.

This bowl of Galbi Jjim (P380) is perfect for those looking for a sweet and comforting beef dish without sacrificing savor. Served as something similar to a stew, this braised premium beef short ribs which come with carrots, radish and spring onions would taste divine on top of hot, steamed white rice. (Too bad we can't have more carbs anymore.)

Yoogane also carries the addicting Haemul Pajeon (mixed seafood pancake) on their menu, as well as Chap Chae (stir-fried glass noodles) which I always forget to order at the restaurant. There are also other stews and hearty soups perfect for a chilly day.

New Korean BBQ Items on the Menu

While the three non-dak galbi items are also new on Yoogane's menu, it was these Korean BBQ items that really got my attention. As a big Korean BBQ eater, I was excited to try and get my wrapping fix from two of the restaurant's new offerings.

First on our table was the Galbi Gui (P370) -- grilled premium beef short ribs served with greens and three kinds of sauces for one's wrapping and dipping pleasure. While this tasted really savory, flavorful and simply oh-so-good especially when wrapped with kimchi and sprouts, I have to admit that I was quite disappointed these came in already grilled. Maybe the table-top sautéing pan can be changed to a griller in the future?

We also had the Samgyeopsal (P270) which are grilled pork belly slices. Compared to other Korean BBQ places where I had my samgyeopsal fix, Yoogane's was a little disappointing. No, it's not just the fact that these already came in grilled. The pork belly pieces were a little dry and sad on their own. Good thing a good amount of gireumjang (salt and black pepper in sesame oil) or ssamjang (seasoned soybean-chili paste) together with kimchi, radish or sprouts can already bring some life to this item.

THE VERDICT

After three months, I got to revisit Yoogane again and I'm glad to say that I got my wish -- more variety on their menu. While it's still not as extensive as that of other Korean restaurants, it's already enough for now as it gives non-spicy food lovers a few items to try out while Yoogane can still stay focus on their specialty -- dak galbi. Like my previous trip to the restaurant, the service we received for our late lunch was impeccable. Our water bottles were quickly refilled, and the servers were courteous and all-smiles. Oh, I forgot to take a photo but we were given complimentary Yakult after our meal. It doesn't only help with digestion but also relieves the mouth from the hot, burning sensation.

Check out my blog post during our first trip to Yoogane last October 2012.

Taste - 4/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Yoogane, IL Terrazzo Mall
G/F IL Terrazzo, 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Sct. Madriñan St.,
South Triangle, Quezon City,
Metro Manila Philippines
(02) 966-2348
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