I have mentioned Seoul Garden Seoul Garden before but that was before we had pictures so I thought I’d give you another run through, since I had lunch there yesterday. Since my last visit, they have replaced their tabletops and printed new menus. It’s nice to see that the content has remained the same and the prices too. I believe they have the best prices in K-town, possibly because they are a second floor restaurant and rent is lower.
Usually, their panchan is pretty good but yesterday, I felt like it was a bit skimpy and below normal quality. I usually go for dinner so perhaps lunch is not the way to go. Kimchee is a standard part of panchan and it was good. The bean sprouts, another commonly served panchan, was average. The celery was nothing interesting. I always love the dried and fried tiny fishes but I was so disappointed that the garlic stems that I usually enjoy, were so over-salted. Panchan is really fun because I feel like every time I go to a Korean restaurant, there’s always at least one dish, I have never seen or tasted before. This time it was some jello-like stuff that was marinated and tossed with some marinated romaine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t very good but I still like the surprise.
The reason I go to Seoul Garden though, is for their Soon Dubu. They are known for this traditional Korean tofu stew, bubbling hot (see video below), so you can drop a raw egg in. I always order the Combination Soon Dubu which has tofu, squid, mussels, shrimp, beef, and sometimes clam, and the optional egg. You can order it at non-spicy, mild, spicy, or very spicy. Spicy is perfect for me and the rich flavor is always wonderful.
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Although the panchan wasn’t that good this time, I’m not deterred. It was only $8.95 and I loved my Combination Soon Dubu. From now on though, I will go to Seoul Garden during dinner time when the Soon Dubu is $10.95 but you get better panchan and a lot more of it.
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Next time we have a chance, I’ll ask Scott to take us to Bayside for Korean food. There was this place he took me and Sara to last time that was really really good. I have the business card, but the English name on it is Korean Restaurant which I’m not sure is the actual name. The panchan was amazing. They give you so much stuff. Sara and I were pleasantly surprised by the quantity and quality. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. I didn’t have soon dobu though so I can’t comment on that, but the bbq was really good. The portions are much bigger than most places too. I totally thought they heard Scott wrong and gave us more than we had ordered. The only issue I had was with the service. I thought it was ok, but Scott said it wasn’t that good and blamed it on the waitress who he said was being a little racist because Sara and I are Chinese. Unfortunately, I have noticed that the service is not as good at Korean restaurants that usually have a Korean clientle when I go without someone who speaks English, but with this place because of the awesome panchan and the reasonable prices I would totally go back. I just suggest going back with someone who speaks Korean.
Oh crap. I meant when I go without someone who speaks Korean. Sorry!
I’ve eaten here several times and I just went this past Friday. The panchan was just okay. I don’t think Seoul Garden is particularly known for their panchan and it definitely varies on the day and time that you go. If you go for an early dinner on Friday they usually have more variety as opposed to on a Monday or Tuesday in the evening. Their Soon Doo Boo is the best on the block. I’ve had some of their other Bokeum dishes, like squid and octopus and it has been a bit overcooked, so if you’re in the mood for that dish, I’d try somewhere else.
I agree with Angie that they serve their Korean patrons better. On Friday, I asked for more of a certain panchan dish twice and it was not brought to me. Then Eddie asked them in Korean it was brought almost immediately. However, other times they were okay. Maybe it was just that waiter.