Coex Mall, Seoul, South Korea
We popped by for a meal here while shopping at Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping destination in Asia. There's a cineplex, kimchi museum and even an aquarium housed in the sprawling mall. It does feel a little claustrophobic at times, because the ceiling's a bit low and the entire place is lacking in windows. But hey, at least this place is gonna be standing if a nuke hits. This particular restaurant, which I have no idea what the name is because it's in Korean, is slightly off the food court, hidden amongst a row of Korean restaurants.
I decided to get the Beef with Mushroom Stew (8,000 Won), something different from the usual spicy kimchi based soups. This was really quite yummy, perfect for heating your insides in the cool autumn weather. The beef was sliced so thinly it remained tender despite being thoroughly cooked. An assortment of enoki, shimeiji and some other kind of exotic mushrooms grounded the dish with their distinctive earthiness. Clear glass noodles and a sprinkling of green veggies topped off the fragrant and filling dish. This was good but a little too sweet, as a matter of preference. I've realised that Koreans love their beef sweet. Like their barbecued beef, the bulgogi marinade is sweet as opposed to the more savoury flavours of Japanese barbecue.
The Kimchi was fresh, spicy and crunchy.
The Poached Beansprouts were just so-so, mild and crunchy.
The Pickled Radish had its requisite piquant and sourish tang.
The Cold Soup, with its refreshing and clear flavours, was a good counterfoil to the robust flavours of the beef soup.
The Flattened Egg was very plain, and served chilled, for a refreshing element.
The Sprouts, lightly seasoned with salt, was a tad oily, but rather standard fare.
The Shop Facade
Coex Mall
World Trade Centre
Samseong-Dong
Gangnam-Gu
Seoul
South Korea
I decided to get the Beef with Mushroom Stew (8,000 Won), something different from the usual spicy kimchi based soups. This was really quite yummy, perfect for heating your insides in the cool autumn weather. The beef was sliced so thinly it remained tender despite being thoroughly cooked. An assortment of enoki, shimeiji and some other kind of exotic mushrooms grounded the dish with their distinctive earthiness. Clear glass noodles and a sprinkling of green veggies topped off the fragrant and filling dish. This was good but a little too sweet, as a matter of preference. I've realised that Koreans love their beef sweet. Like their barbecued beef, the bulgogi marinade is sweet as opposed to the more savoury flavours of Japanese barbecue.
The Kimchi was fresh, spicy and crunchy.
The Poached Beansprouts were just so-so, mild and crunchy.
The Pickled Radish had its requisite piquant and sourish tang.
The Cold Soup, with its refreshing and clear flavours, was a good counterfoil to the robust flavours of the beef soup.
The Flattened Egg was very plain, and served chilled, for a refreshing element.
The Sprouts, lightly seasoned with salt, was a tad oily, but rather standard fare.
The Shop Facade
Coex Mall
World Trade Centre
Samseong-Dong
Gangnam-Gu
Seoul
South Korea
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