Yoogane Brings Korean Taste to Manila

One of Korea's most visited restaurants, Yoogane has been franchised by a group of owners to bring the Korean (spicy) taste here in Manila, specifically at Il Terrazzo in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. 

Yoogane is known for its Dak Galbi, a delicious South Korean dish generally made by stir-frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang (chili pepper paste) based sauce, and sliced cabbage, sweet potato, scallions, onions and tteok (rice cake) together on a hot plate.

The first thing I noticed upon entering the restaurant were the colorful and fun-looking paintings on the walls and the cooking tubes above the tables. There was also one area with two tables, surrounded by a wooden barrier, great for small groups of about 12pax.

Yoogane's Grilled Pork Belly Strips (Php180) isn't bad at all. It was cooked just right without the over toast taste, and came out tenderly enough to enjoy it piece by piece. What made me like it even better is that it wasn't too greasy as normal pork belly strips would be.

The Chap Chae (Php200) is the usual Korean noodles stir fried in sesame oil with various vegetables. This dish was flavored with soy sauce and sweetened a bit with sugar. Sesame seeds served as garnish. 

They also have Beef Bulgogi (Php220), which consists of marinated thinly sliced beef. I would say it tasted normal, but at least it wasn't cooked in a bad taste.

The Korean Style Seafood Pancake (Php165) is a surprise awaiting to be eaten. It's filled with small pieces of squid and shrimp, and chopped veggies. It has a side of sweet sauce, which makes the pancake flavorful.

Now on to the main dish - dak galbi. There are three ways on how we can enjoy it:

1. Choose from the chef specialties or main dishes from the menu. This includes Marinated Chicken Galbi, Char-grilled Chicken Galbi, Sliced Pork Belly, Assorted Seafood, etc. Prices range from Php190 to Php240.
2. Choose your add ons. This includes mozzarella cheese, golden mushrooms, sweet potato slice, ramen noodle, white rice, and more, with prices ranging from Php40 to Php90 each.
3. Wait for it as the staff cooks it for you.

Pictured above are the Mozzarella Stuffed Dok Boki (Php70). These are Korean rice cakes with mozzarella cheese in it, which tastes really good when mixed with the main dishes.

This is the Marinated Seafood Fried Rice (Php190). Instead of rice, we asked to replace it with ramen noodles. Depending on the level of spiciness you can take in, you'd either like it or not. As for me, I absolutely love it! The pieces of shrimp, squid, and fish mixed with ramen and Korean spices were definitely a good combination.

Another spicy dish that we got is the Char-Grilled Chicken Galbi (Php220). We had it with sweet potato and mozzarella stuffed dok boki. The chicken was not cooked nicely, without being dry. When partnered with plain rice, it's perfect!

I don't usually eat Korean food, since I'm more into Japanese cuisine. However, Yoogane gave me a great reason to come back and taste the other Korean dishes out there. I must say that eating spicy food may not be for everyone, but I recommend that you try it out once in a while for variation and experience. You could request for a mild spice if you wish.

To get more updates and information, follow them on Twitter @yooganephil and like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/YooganePhilippines/.

Yoogane Dak Galbi Philippines
G/F Il Terrazzo Mall,
Tomas Morato Ave. Cor. Scout Madrinan St.,
Brgy. South Triangle, Quezon City
Open Monday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm
Tel. No: (02)966 2348 / (63917) 515 7960