Sizzling Korean at Daorae Korean BBQ, Desa Sri Hartamas

There's something particularly comforting about the prospect of sizzling meat on a rainy Friday night after the working week. It was this anticipation that drove us to seek out Daorae Korean BBQ at Desa Sri Hartamas.

Upon entry to the dining area of the restaurant on the first floor, I was struck by how busy the place seemed. Obviously, the comfort factor of Korean BBQ at the end of the working week applied to many others. The place was also hosting a big group of extremely gregarious Korean students, fuelled steadily by bottles and bottles of soju. There was an inordinate number of staff on the floor, who moved in uniform swift proficiency. Service was obviously taken seriously around here.

We ordered two servings of meat, which granted us unlimited flow of panchan dishes. I believe we had 9 dishes that night, a few of which we topped up.

Assortment of kimchi and bean sprouts...

... more fibrous vegies...
... freaky pink salad dressing which I avoided, long beans and my very favourite, Korean hot pickled green chillies! I could pop this in my mouth all day, perfect for working through weekend movie marathons!

Ssamjang (mix of gochujang and soybean paste) - customary Korean BBQ accompaniment and indicator of the rest of the fare.

One order of Hanbang Dweji Wang Galbi - hand-filetted pork ribs in Korean ginseng, sweet soy sauce and herb extract (RM35). The marinade really worked wonders; this was tender and flavour-packed, and quite quite splendid.

One order of Dak Gal Bi - chicken in hot chilli sauce (RM27). Definitely one of the best ways to consume poultry!

We also ordered Dolsot Bibim Bab (RM18) - this was taken after the efficient wait staff had mixed everything in, including a handsome amount of gochujang. While I'm completely bowled over by the energy of the place and the BBQ dishes, the Bibimbab was definitely veering to the mediocre. I suppose this is a BBQ joint after all, so it would be silly to come here and just fill up on carbs!

After we struggled to finish all that meat, rice and beer, we got some help to pull us out of our stupor, in the form of complimentary fruit. Those weren't just any old grapes, they were bona fide fresh blackcurrants! We really enjoyed these, although I hadn't expected the flesh to turn out so... glutinous.

The restaurant is well-ventilated, and they are unstinting in mid-meal grill plate changes - two key must-haves at Korean BBQ joints. I'd definitely tag this as the go-to place if I'm after a good, wholesome, meaty affair. The restaurant is located in Plaza Crystalville, on the same row as Maybank. They also have other outlets around the Klang Valley as well.