Saturday 6 August 2011

Rice and kimchi at Bibimbap

Bibimbap - what a name!! It was almost worth going there just for that. It was actually our second choice on this Thursday evening, but the wait for Polpetto was just too long and we were too hungry. This place had been recommended just that week by a foodie friend, so I was keen to try it anyway!



As the name suggests, the food is of Korean origin. Korean food seems to be getting more and more popular now adays. Suprising really as it is all quite spicy and very flavourful - possibly unappealing to those with a more delicate pallette.  But I guess it's just like Thai and Vietnamese food, which have both grown significantly in popularity over the years.


We began with a shared starter of vegetarian dumplings and kimchi, which were both totally delicious. We then followed that up with a bi bim bap.  Bi bim bap refers to a dish of rice with various toppings served in a hot, heavy stone bowl. There are quite a few vegetarian choices on the menu - from a selection of mushrooms, healthy vegetables, tofu or kimchi - a spicy pickled cabbage. Meat eaters can choose from chicken, spicy pork, seafood or beef - cooked or raw, which cooks in the hot bowl. You also have the option of having it exta meaty and/or with a fried or raw egg on top. I went for the spicy pork while my companion tried the tofu. Hot sauce and miso paste arrive on the side and are a great addition.


I was impressed, the meal was really good - filling and tasty without being overwhelming and the hot bowl is great as it keeps you food warm for the duration of the meal. Perfect for eating and chatting!  Overall this is a nice quick place for a decent and inexpensive meal - for two courses and a glass of wine, you can expect to pay just over £15 per head.