I studied the menu in anticipation. While the range was limited, we were looking for quality, not quantity. Basically, there were 4 categories of food - Bibimbabs, soups, barbecues and specials.
As we waited for the dishes to arrive, several plates of sides were served. I love sampling the Korean side dishes. No two restaurants prepare them the same way or even serve the same dishes. The kimchi here was zesty and spicy, a great way to begin the meal. The other favouful surprise was the green spinach. I took a small bite, expecting the usual boiled tasting greens. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by the light sesame dressing that was drizzled over the vegetable.
The pork rib or Daeji Galbi ($22) came in a long rolled slice which unfurled into a plump slab of pork attached to a single rib. The friendly waitress placed it on hot plate and the sizzling fragrance instantly whetted my appetite.
The meat was cooked within minutes. The friendly waitress came again and sliced the meat to bite-sized pieces. Each piece was charred to perfection on the outside and sweet and succulent on the inside. The garlic and sesame marinate permeated every inch of the meat. A plate of vegetables for wrapping and a delectable bean paste dip accompanied the pork.
The Beosut Bulgolgi Jungol (mushroom beef hotpot) arrived, piping hot in a cast iron wok. A wonderful dish to warm up cold hungry stomachs. The stew a ladened with assorted mushrooms, tang hoon and slices of well-marinated beef. Sweet and tasty, the soup was an instant hit with JT and FT. At $30, it was large enough to feed a party of 4.
By now, the gang was on a role and wanted more meat. PT ordered a plate of Jumullluck (Sirloin) ($36) at it was easily the highlight of the evening. The meat was well-marbled, tender and lightly seasoned. Just a few seconds on the grill was sufficient to draw out the juices. Each bite was a melt-in-your mouth ecstacy. This is a dish that could give Aburiya a run for its money.
Finally, the last dish to arrive was Mool Naengmyun or cold noodles (about $15). I was quite curious to try it after having heard that Gaia prepares this dish even better than the ones in Korea. I was half expecting something similar to the zaru soba of Japanese restaurants. Was I mistaken. The two noodles couldn't be more different. I found that enjoyng the noodles was an acquired taste. The soup and hard boiled egg were icy cold. The thin buckwheat noodles were frozen. As for the soup, the only word to describe it is 'pickled'. Yes, the soup tasted pickled and I couldn't take more than 4 to 5 spoonfuls before the slightly sour aftertaste grew too overwhelming.
The grey lumps are the frozen noodles and the egg is ultra cold. The little specks you see in the soup are ice. But many fans are raving about this dish. Glad thave tried it, though not my cup of tea.
Gaia Korean Restaurant
Suntec City
Tower 1, 3rd storey
No comments:
Post a Comment