Chef's Noodle: Korean Cuisine That's Easy On The Budget (Branch Closed)
Chef's Noodlerecently opened in University Mall. Created by celebrity Chef Choi In Sun and endorsed by Grace Lee, this Korean restaurant is definitely aroused my foodie curiosity.
It has a large and spacious area with traditional wooden tables and chairs. I think its one of the biggest establishments at the University Mall. It adopts a fast food pay as you order style so it has a cashier counter that's visible upon entry. Food Sushi
Bulgogi Kimbap (95 php)
The
Bulgogi Kimbap is a nori-wrapped roll filled with bulgogi and leeks and dashed with some sesame seeds and mayonnaise.
I've tried many types of kimbap before but its my first time to try this. I liked that the rolls were wrapped tight so its easy to eat as a whole. This is a pleasurable and enjoyable to eat.
♥ Starking Fire Sushi (160 php)
The Starking Fire Sushi is another first for me. It's a sushi of thinly sliced Australian beef torched until cooked medium. The beef was so tender and succulent that I enjoy every piece of this.
The best part in ordering the Starking Fire Sushi is the presentation. Here's what I caught to share with you but its nothing compared to the actual experience of course. Noodles
Chef's Noodle (150 php)
The Chef's Noodle is their signature dish. It's a fulfilling meal with its chewy noodles, crunchy bean sprouts and leeks, tasty bulgogi and sweet tamago. However, I think the broth could be more flavorful and less peppery.
Jjampong (195 php)
Fellow Tsinoy Foodie Kurt bravely ordered the Jjampong. It was topped with vegetables, mussels, clams, prawns and squid. Kurt was able to finish this clean probably because it was not as spicy compared to other versions. The soup felt diluted and not thick and chili-filled. Perhaps, its because students prefer a milder version? Mains & Pancakes
Seafood Pajun (99 php)
The Seafood Pajun is filled with small shrimps, calamari, red bell peppers and leeks topped with sesame seeds. It looked so enticing being served in a large bamboo container that is used for dimsum. But, upon first bite, I found it too dry for my taste. It felt more like an omelette and lacked batter.
Leek Shrimp Twigim (99 php)
The Leek Shrimp Twigim is deep fried leeks and small shrimp fried in a special tempura batter. It's a good alternative to the usual tempura.
Wanja Steak Jun (175 php)
The Wanja Steak Jun is recommended by our server so we tried it. It is a steak made of ground beef and chicken and most probably flour. It was topped with a cheese square and egg. This had a weird aftertaste so I really failed to appreciate this.
Rice Meals
♥ Chicken Kas Single Order (130 php)
The Chicken Kas is breaded chicken tenders with potatoes, bell peppers and carrots in sauce. Like the rest, it was also drizzled with sesame seeds. The chicken was soft and the sauce is delicious. I enjoyed eating this and a meal is very satisfying too. Beverages
The Strawberry Iced Tea is to my liking. It had a fragrant strawberry flavor. On the other hand, the Lemon Iced Tea had a nice blend of sweetness too. Update (September 15, 2012): I am disappointed with the management of this restaurant. During my three visits, I noticed that they always ran out of rice even if its an hour before their closing time.
Update (January 2015): This branch is closed but they now have mall branches. Tsinoy Foodies Verdict Chef's Noodle offers Korean Cuisine that's easy on the budget so even students and employees will surely leave satisfied. With Chef's Noodle around, you can now satisfy your Korean craving without the need to save for it. I'll definitely stop by again there sometime to try their other kimbap variants.