Saturday, October 18, 2008

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.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a lover of Korean BBQ and all those outlets that I have been to never serve grapes and not to mention fresh blackcurrants! This is great...hope other outlets will follow :)

ck lam
http://www.what2seeonline.com

Christina Kim said...

This is so fabulous, I've never heard of fresh blackcurrants being served for desserts!!
I am noting this place...I LOVE berries....and blackcurrants:)

Mellie said...

Price range ler darlink?
Am waiting for yr post on the crap restaurant-wanna-be that we went last nite...
If I'm in the mood, I'll post abt another just-get-out-of-business miserable jap restaurant at Sentul Park-Kl Pac.
Chk out my blog for updates in a day or two...

Anonymous said...

i also went for the korean food with my cousin the other day. i am not sure when i will post it. just stay tune. Hehehe.

the most memorable korean food i have was in US. my sister brought me there. they have a lot of appetizer that you can refill!!! how nice!

choi yen said...

Love the refillable banchan everytime I dine in at Korean restaurant :)

minchow said...

CK Lam, those fresh blackcurrants were a real surprise!

Christy, hope you get to run in with them berries soon!

Mellie, the meal came up to about RM78 for 2 pax - decent, considering the amount of food & beer consumed.

Allenooi, now that you mentioned it, my first (and best) encounter with Korean food was abroad as well, in NZ. I guess the healthy Korean population had something to do with it!

Mimid3vils, I know! Who can resist free flows?! ;-)

Ciki said...

i love korean.. gimme some TONGUE anytime.. ( i mean ox.. hahaha)

email2me said...

Daorae Korean BBQ is a top hit in my blog. The one I patronize the most is their Kota Damansara branch. It all started when RAIN came.

http://www.foodpoi.com/2007/11/daore-korean-bbq-restaurant/

Andrew said...

I think KL has quite a good range of Korean restaurants. The prices you mentioned seems very reasonable compare to eating in Korea itself. Hmm. I wonder if this restaurant seems the ice cold noodles with mustard? My favourite dish during summer.

Anonymous said...

I have been in a dilemma whether to try Korean BBQ or not.. there's a branch nearby where I stay currently in Puchong. I had a bad history with Korean food and I don't think I will like the side dishes as well, LOL. But I think everything gotta have a first time right..

Anyway, I noticed you misspelled Hartamas? Check it out ok