If you've been following my entries, you'd know that I'm well acquainted with Korean cuisine.  But, the Korean restaurants our family frequents are usually in the Malate area which is close to home.  Thus when my foodie friend Sumi invited me for a lunch date at Masil Korean Charcoal Grill Restaurant, I quickly freed my schedule for it. 

According to its fan page, this used to named Seoul Fusion but changed as it has expanded to cater to groups.  Thus, the name Masil is derived from "Masil Gada" which means "going out for a good time" seemed more appropriate.  I also saw a photo on their fan page that President Noynoy has dined there with Grace Lee.

We were unfamiliar with Ortigas Home Depot so we approached the guard to point us to Masil.   It was a very late lunch for us so we had the place almost to ourselves.

Aside from its spacious indoor dining area, it also has an picnic style tables equipped with charcoal grillers on the outside too.  For private functions and meeting, you can also reserve their second floor.

Food

Complimentary Sundubu Jjigae

Aside from their numerous varieties of Banchan or side dishes, we were also served a Complimentary Sundubu Jjigae which is spicy soft tofu stew with seafood.  

Charcoal Grilled Beef
As their name and set up indicates, their specialization is their charcoal grill so most of our orders are from this selection.  I'm glad they use charcoal because it really makes a substantial difference in terms of taste.

Masil Bulgogi (350 php)

We were served plates filled with our raw orders.  The staff are well-trained in assisting us with the cooking.  They seem like pros when it comes to changing the type of grillers. 

Masil Bulgogi (350 php)

The staff told us that the Masil Bulgogi is her personal favorite.  It is a popular choice for Filipinos and Koreans alike.   Upon trying it, I could easily picked up why.  It had a pleasant garlicky flavor with a light tone of sweetness.   The thin slices of meat was easy to chew and oozing with flavor from the adequate fatty portions in every bite. 

So Galbi (450 php)

The So Galbi is another suggested item.  Like the Masil Bulgogi, this was seasoned with their house special sweet sauce.  But, since this is US short ribs, its thicker and chunkier.  

Deji Galbi (280 php)

The Deji Galbi is seasoned pork rib in sweet sauce.  Compared to the other two, this was more flavorful.  It's an ideal viand to be paired with plain rice. 

Mak Chang (300 php)

Whenever I watch Korean dramas, the Mak Chang is one that is often enjoyed by the characters.  The Mak Chang is pork intestine.  This is usually paired with alcohol.  But, since it's too early to be drinking, we enjoyed this as an ordinary dish. 

Special Fermented Soy Bean Sauce

To enjoy the Mak Chang, we dipped it in their Special Fermented Soy Bean Sauce.

Complimentary Perilla Leaves, Lettuce, Chili, Garlic and Dipping Sauces

At Masil, the Complimentary Perilla Leaves, Lettuce, Chili, Garlic and Dipping Sauces which are essential in enjoying your Korean barbecue is refillable with no extra charge.  
 

So, this is how I enjoy my Korean barbecue.  For my base leaves, I alternate between the Perilla and Lettuce leaves.  Then, I mix and match by adding some items from the Banchan, sauces and condiments.  Whenever I add a piece of green chili, I always make sure that I add a fatty meat or the Mak Chang to let the fats counter the spiciness.  I then roll and eat this by hands.  Since that way of eating is expecting, they have a washing area for your convenience. 

Bap Special

Dolsot Bibimbap (280 php)

As the Dolsot Bibimbap is one of my favorite healthy dishes, I make it to a point to always order one.  This version is one of the best I've tried!  Just by its visual appeal, you can see how fresh the ingredients are.  I'm obviously happy with the generous serving of beef and mushrooms as well.


Original Soup Special

Bang Gye Tang (300 php)

The Bang Gye Tang which is half chicken ginseng soup served in hot pot.  Although I'm not a fan of the Filipino Arroz Caldo or the Chinese Congee, I come to love this dish ever since I tried it at Navi.  I guess I like that this is more on savory chicken soup rather than rice which I find too heavy to consume.  I also appreciate the mild taste of ginseng in addition to the ordinary spices. 

Complimentary Pineapple

We were also served Complimentary Pineapple which is customary for Japanese and Korean restaurants.  

After my visit, my family visited this twice and has been raving about their Galbi Jim (300 php).  You should give that a try too.  According to my family, this place is noticeably packed during lunch and dinner time unlike its neighboring restaurants.  It seems that it has gained a lot of clients by word of mouth.  

Tip!
For more savings, avail of their Lunch Special.  =)

Tsinoy Foodies Verdict
Masil Korean Charcoal Grill Restaurant is a must try craving for authentic Korean cuisine in the Ortigas area.  The price is quite reasonable.  It's best to come in groups since the serving size is good for sharing.  Aside from just dining, you can enjoy some night time fun over barbecue and drinks here too.  And for the record, my friend and I had a good time as we relaxed and chatted over barbecue. 

With Hyatt Hotel Manila being practically the hotel next door, Market Cafe's buffet has become quite a familiarity with me.  But, what's great about Market Cafe is that it has a variety of food festivals that presents authentic cuisines in addition to its usual spread which I've shared on my first visit.  I've tried Filipino dishes during their Kulinarya Kalayaan Food Festival and Vietnamese dishes during their Distinctly Danang event too.

This time my visit is for their Sedap Indonesia featuring Balinese Delights.  Although I try to venture into as much cuisines as I can.  This is only my second time to try Indonesian Cuisine and first time to try specifically Balinese dishes.  

Krupuk Selections

I've noticed that the Indonesian culture in terms of dishes and the Indonesian language has a close connection with ours.  The Krupuk Selections which we locally call as Kropek has Shrimp Crackers, Soya Bean Crackers, Emping Crackers and Potato Crackers. 

Rujak Buah

Tamarind Sauce for Rujak Buah

The Rujak Buah is an assortment of sweet and sour sliced fresh fruits (apple, pineapple, cucumber, papaya and pomelo) that is eaten with a tangy tamarind sauce.

♥ Ayam Bumbuh Metah

 The Ayam Bumbuh Metah is a salad of shredded chicken, shallots, cucumber, red chili, lemon grass, roasted shrimp paste and kafir lime.  This is delicious and tasty! 
 

Kol Sejuk

 The Kol Sejuk is a salad with shredded cabbage, green, yellow and red bell peppers, shallots and shrimps.  It had a spicy and zesty chili lime dressing.

Sari Segara Sambal Metah

The Sari Segara Sambal Metah is a seafood salad (prawn, cuttlefish and fish) with shallots, cucumber, red chili, lemon grass, roasted shrimp paste and kafir lime.  Compared to the Ayam Bumbuh Metah, I found this to be spicier as evident with the presence of all those red chili.
 

 

♥

Tambusan Be Pasih

The Tambusan Be Pasih is steamed mackarel wrapped in banana leaves.  This is wrapped in tubes similar to a suman.  The flavors are subtle which I liked but the it was a bit dry for me.

Grilled Sate Selections

• Sate Buntel Sapi - minced beef satay
• Sate Sapi - beef satay
• Sate Ikan - Seafood Satay
• Sate Ayam - Chicken Satay
• Sate Buntel Kambing - minced lamb satay
• Sate Kambing - lamb satay
• Sate Babi - pork satay

♥ Sate Babi

Peanut Sauce and Toppings

The key to the success of their sate is the yummy Peanut Sauce!

♥ Babi Guling

The Babi Guling is roasted suckling pig which is similar to our local Lechon.  It has tender and succulent pork meat and crispy pork skin.  Need I say more? 
 

♥ Bebek Menyatnyat

In the Filipino duck is Bibi.  See the clue?  The Bebek Menyatnyat is braised duck with coconut sauce.  This is rich in flavor and juicy too. 
 

♥

♥ Kambing Menyatnyat

There must have been a miscommunication somewhere in history.  While in Filipino, Kambing means goat, for Indonesians' Kambing means lamb.  Thus, the Kambing Menyatnyat is braised lamb with spicy coconut sauce.  Everyone was impressed with this! 

Kue Wajik

The Kue Wajik is a palm sugar glutinous rice cake topped with langka. Despite the difference in the name, this really tastes like our local Biko to me.

♥ Pandan Cake

The Pandan Cake is my favorite among the Balinese desserts.  It has a pandan cream as a middle layer and the upper part is light and moist.  I also appreciate the coconut shavings for added texture. 


Although unlabelled, this tastes like Pandan Taho.

Pisang Goreng

The Pisang Goreng is simply boiled bananas with pandan extract and covered with coconut gratings.

Desserts Station
Since I didn't pay much attention to their dessert station before, I'll add this too.

Chocolate Fountain

♥ Chocolate Truffle

The Chocolate Truffle is simply irresistible!  Love the delightful sensation in every bite as the rick dark chocolate melts in my mouth.

♥ White Forrest

The White Forrest is light and the sweetness is on the right note too.  I noticed they have more cakes now.  But, they say the Bread and Butter Pudding is still the guaranteed crowd pleaser. =D

What I had
I managed to try every item on the Balinese Delights.

Balinese Appetizers

Balinese Main Course

♥ Assorted Sate with Rice Cake

Tried the Rice Cake too which was tasteless. =p  I only tried the Sate Buntel Kambing among the minced selection and I preferred the chunkier version. 

Balinese Desserts

 The ♥ Dadar Gulung which is a pink crepe filled with langka and grated coconut is also a must try!

Balinese Beverage Selections Menu

Bali Breeze (280 php)

Tempted by the Balinese Beverage Selections Menu set on each table, I tried the Bali Breeze.  It had a stronger blend of pineapple and banana with a hint of coconut and lime.   It was quite refreshing. 
 

♥ My Sushi Plate

I just couldn't resist the freshness of the salmon and had some maki too frm their sushi bar.

Peach Cobbler

Ube and ♥ Cheese Ice Cream

Strawberry, ♥ Sugar-Free Mango and Dalandan Sorbet

I've always been a sucker for ice cream.  Of course, can't miss it.  Loved every flavor especially the Cheese with real cheese bits and Sugar-free Mango.  The Dalandan has been consistency bitterish which I'll skip next time. 

Promo Alert
In addition to offering the Sedap Indonesia Balinese Delights at regular price.  Hyatt's Market Cafe also has Three Plus One (3 + 1) Promo.  In every four diners, one will be entitled to eat for FREE.  Diners who will dine during the Balinese Delights from August 30 to September 8, 2013 will also get a chance to win a two night stay at Grand Hyatt Bali inclusive of airfare from Philippine Airlines.

Tip
You can also enroll for FREE for the Hyatt Gold Passport which allows you to earn points whenever you stay or dine at any Hyatt Hotel worldwide.