On August 15 last year, it was an unforgettable Friday school day for me because I was scolded and humiliated in class by my professor for forgetting to bring my book to class. According to him, it meant giving a false pretense that I was too confident. Naturally, I was a bit down during class. To my surprise, the family kept calling and texting me to meet them in
678 Manila at San Miguel by the Bay at SM Mall of Asia.
Naturally, I told them I'm still in class but they insisted that I check out this newly discovered Korean BBQ restaurant even if they have to wait for me. So after class, I hurriedly rushed off to the San Miguel By the Bay Area to search for 678 Manila which they told me was beside Razon's.
It was easy to spot since it had Kang Ho-dong's Standee upfront. It didn't look big from the outside so I was surprised upon stepping in that it was HUGE! The wooden interiors, shiny cemented floors, dividers and posts with lively Korean songs playing on the background gave it a unique comfortable but luxurious vibe that sets it apart from other Korean restaurants in Manila we've been too. The
place was surprisely cool for a barbecue place. I guess it is because of the ventilation shafts that efficiently vacuums all the smoke
away from the grillers. It had a large dining space affording privacy and comfort to every table. The kitchen is just as spacious and you could see what's going on inside too. It had a large number of staff wearing black caps, black shirts and black pants. They equipped with wrist watch that alerts they when you hit the buzzer on your table making all of them turn their heads to you. They also have earpieces and mics (like the bodyguards in Korean telenovelas) so they can quickly receive their orders and before you can even remove you finger from the buzzer, a server is already approaching you're table to make sure you're instantly attended to.
The next table was a cheery Korean crowd. Some of them looked really familiar. My siblings pointed out that it was Park Sang-Myung (He played in my favorite Korean movies like the tear-jerking Miracle in Cell No. 7 and She's on Duty and several Korean telenovelas like Mary Stayed All Night, King of Baking and Green Rose) and Owner Kang Ho-dong (Korean MC and Comedian) among the group. We wanted to ask for a photograph since we're huge fans but we were too shy. The female server told us that Lee Min Ho even promised to drop by the night before but didn't so perhaps he would drop by that night. We hoped and waited even until the company of Park Sang-Myun and Owner Kang Ho-dong left but he didn't show up. =(
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| 678 Korean BBQ Menu Manila Philippines |
I was really amazed by the fact the quality of the food, atmosphere and the appearance of Korean celebrities so I researched the about 678 as soon as we went home. Although it is hidden and still unpopular in Manila, it appears to be a famous global franchise. It has branches in New York, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Sydney, China and Tokyo where renowned foodies and chefs such as Anthony Bourdain, Rich Torrisi and David Chang have dined at. There's even an article stating it turned an 8-year vegetarian back to eating meat.
Food
As soon as we ordered, we were served their complimentary brown rice tea. Then, our server sets our charcoal griller and fills up the sides with red bell peppers, onions, sweet corn with mozzarella cheese and raw egg. It's the first time we've encountered a griller designed like that. Later on, as the meats are grilled, the oil will spill on the sides adding flavor to them.
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| 678 Lettuce Salad and 678 Veggie Salad |
We were expecting the typical banchan to be served instead we were served the 678 Lettuce Salad and 678 Veggie Salad...
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| Complimentary Soup, Raw Onions, Gochujang Sauce and 678 Secret House Sauce with Wasabi |
Complimentary Soup, Raw Onions, Gochujang Sauce and 678 Secret House Sauce with Wasabi. The Complimtary Soup with Daikon in Vinegar base was something odd and new for me.
Pork
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| Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php) |
We had no idea on what to order so we just ordered everything suggested by our server starting with the Fresh Cut of Pork Belly served with a daikon. Our server took charge of the entire grilling process and even thought as how to enjoy every dish. As you can see, the thick pork belly was initially placed on a flat slate.
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| Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php) |
Then, our server got a grid where our 150 gram of Fresh Cut of Pork Belly was grilled further.
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| Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php) |
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| Fresh Cut of Pork Belly (350 php) |
Soon, it was all sliced and ready to be eaten. The egg on the side is cooked as well taking a custard form.
Eating it is different from other samgyupsals according to the instructions given to us by our server. First, we mixed the wasabi with the 678 secret sauce. We dipped the cooked pork belly there applied some 678 veggie salad and 678 lettuce salad.
This is how mine looked like. All the components are refillable for free by the way. Wow! Their quality meat combined with their sauce and salads are so delicious! I couldn't stop myself from having more and more of it. Surely, this is one of the best samgyupsal I've ever had.
Special
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| Beef Bulgogi (500 php) |
The Beef Bulgogi is served with three kinds of mushroom and lots of shallots.
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| Beef Bulgogi (500 php) |
Since it has sauce, it is cooked in a wok atop the charcoal. We really loved its tenderness and flavor. It's not overly sweet but a pleasantly flavorful making it great viand with rice.
Side Menu
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| Egg Wrap (Cheese) (200 php) |
The
Egg Wrap is filled with Cheese and laid on a bed of ketchup. At first glance, it looks similar to the Japanese
Dashimaki Tamago.
But, it's different because it's not flavored with soy and it's closer to the American omelette because it's filled with cheese, rougher in texture and more dense. We loved this!
Meal Menu
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| Lunch Box (200 php) |
The Lunch Box is served in this tin with a comical picture.
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| Lunch Box (200 php) |
The Lunch Box comprises of rice, fried egg, kimchi, achovies, tofu, seaweeds and black beans.
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| Lunch Box (200 php) |
The server then shakes it vigorously giving it a loud clunk before finally opening it and revealing this glorious delicious mess. We enjoyed this new experience and if you love seaweed like us, you'd really appreciate this.
Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
I'm really glad that the family happened to walk by 678 Korean BBQ Manila. This is one of our best Korean dining discoveries. I highly suggest that you try this or you're certainly missing a lot! We're really eager for a revisit too. Crossing my fingers that we spot more Korean celebrities there. =)) The service is excellent! I'm really impressed at how much they have invested in their gears and training. The price is very reasonable as most items are good for sharing so bring some company with you in every visit.
| 678 Korean BBQ Manila |
| Business Address |
Seaside Blvd, San Miguel by the Bay,
SM Mall of Asia Complex,
Pasay City, Metro Manila
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| Business Hours |
3pm-3am |
| Payment Options |
 Cash |
| Service Charge |
10% |
| Budget/Person |
250-1,500 |
| Free WiFi |
No |
| Unlocked Foursquare Perks |
None |
| Contact |
(02) 877-0678 |
| Other |
Website | Facebook Fan Page |
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It's the first time for them to release a mix-in and shake at the same time. These will be available for a limited period this summer so try them while you can.
Being a Reese's fan, I was really excited to try Reese's Mix-Ins. I was also eager to try c as I was curious to check if they used my favorite brand.
Everyone applaud as they served the products for us to try. 
