Bulgogi VS Bibimbap

At this very moment, Korean food in Jakarta is not such a rarity. With the emerging popularity of Korean dramas, K-Pop, and other Korean related things in Indonesia, more and more people are indulging in the Korean culture. Bulgogi vs Bibimbap are a couple of classic Korean staple dishes that are a must-have for every Korean restaurant everywhere. These meat and vegetables oriented dishes are very much of necessity for everyone and anyone who not only want to experience a bit of Korean delicacy, but also want to experience good food with your nearest and dearest.

Bulgogi, is a traditional Korean BBQ dish, that usually consists of grilled marinated beef. The word Bulgogi itself that is derived from the Pyongan dialect, literally means ‘fire meat’ in Korean; refers to grilling meat that has been marinated, using traditional grilling techniques such as gridirons. Traditionally, Bulgogi is made from thin slices of sirloin or other various prime cuts of meat, which then are marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, and other flavor enhancing ingredients such as scallions, ginger, and onions. Leafy vegetables, grilled garlic, and steamed rice are also the regular pairings for eating Bulgogi.

Bibimbap, on the other hand, is another one of Korean authentic signature dishes that literally means mixed rice in Korean. Traditionally served in a bowl made of hot stone, Bibimbap consists of steamed rice, an assortment of sautéed and seasoned vegetables, raw egg, and slices of protein (usually beef, although it is not uncommon to substitute beef with chicken or seafood). Topped with gochujang sauce, which is a Korean chili paste, that will enhance the flavors of the all the ingredients. Everything in the bowl then be mixed together to be eaten in union.

When comparing Bulgogi and Bibimbap, the two cannot really stand as competition with each other, as each one has special qualities that food lovers would enjoy. For example, Bulgogi is more fitting for a nighttime feast with your loved ones, as eating Bulgogi is an experience in itself. While Bibimbap is a perfect fit for a lunchtime splurge to fill your tummy with healthy and delicious culinary delicacy.

So, here are the best places in Jakarta to enjoy Bulgogi and Bibimbap:

Bulgogi Brothers

Located at the Lotte Shopping Avenue, Bulgogi Brothers puts forward the best Korean BBQ experience diners could ask for. Staying true to its title, Bulgogi Brothers serves authentic high quality Bulgogi that originates from different parts of Korea, to be eaten with your loved ones. Decorated with mainly wood elements, Bulgogi Brothers gives a warm and homey feel that would round up the Bulgogi eating experience. The heroes of this Korean BBQ joint are the Unyang-style Bulgogi, Gangyang-style Bulgogi, and the Seoul-style Bulgogi; the Korean hot-pot with beef that has been marinated with apple and pear juice.

Chung Gi Wa

With its several branches tucked in different parts of Jakarta (Kelapa Gading, Darmawangsa, and Gandaria City), there is no doubt that Chung Gi Wa is one of the best Korean restaurants in town. Serving both Bulgogi and Bibimbap, the quality of the ingredients that Chung Gi Wa provides is assured to be the best, as they have their own farm located in Sukabumi, West Java.

Photos by: Koreanbapsang

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