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2014-09-14
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Operating under the reowned Korean conglomerate CJ Group, Bibigo is a global Korean casual eatery, known for its fresh, healthy and authentic Korean food. A portmanteau of the Korean-English words "To Mix (Bi Bi Da)" and "To Go", Bibigo first opened its doors in Singapore in 2010.Ambience at Bibigo reflects its concept, with clean, straight lines, and colours themes of white, leaf green, and wood, representing freshness. The interior really does seem fresh, and inviting. Floor space is maximised
Ambience at Bibigo reflects its concept, with clean, straight lines, and colours themes of white, leaf green, and wood, representing freshness. The interior really does seem fresh, and inviting. Floor space is maximised, creating a bustling sort of atmosphere during peak periods, but non peak periods at Bibigo are almost serene in nature.
Service at Bibigo is good, with staff being knowledgable on the menu. More senior staff are able to give more precise information and recommendations, though junior staff sometimes have to check if questioned. Orders are taken and fulfilled rather quickly, typically within 10 minutes. Staff are friendly and welcoming, and I notice they do their best to offer greetings in Korean!
Food at Bibigo revolves around the concept of fresh and healthy. Expect several options of Korean soups, salads, and appetizers. Mainstays on the menu include popular traditional Korean dishes such as Bibimbap, and portion sizes are usually suitable for sharing between 2 - 3 people. Prices at Bibigo are wallet friendly even for students, typically around SGD $25 ++ per person, about the same as a mid-range cafe elsewhere.
The Beer Hite Ice Point (SGD $10 For 2 Bottles) is a light, refreshing, pale golden beer, with a thin body, and a light taste of grains and malt. Great for beginners or young people, but serious drinkers may need something stronger or more flavourful.
I love the sweet glaze on the Ddukbokki / Tteokbokki / Sweet & Spicy Rice Cakes (SGD $6), which isn't too spicy at all. These strips of rice cakes and yam are pan fried and garnished with ginko nuts. Whilst the kohot (hot) sauce isn't hot at all, the texture of the soft, chewy rice cakes, and crisp outside, soft inside yam strips, is excellent.
I think the Japchae / Stir Fried Silver Noodle With Char-Grilled Bulgogi (SGD $8) is extermely tasty! Sweet potato cellophane noodles are pan fried with a mixture of vegetables, including onions, bell peppers / capsicum, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic chives. You also get a choice of 1 meat topping. The dish is fragrant and aromatic, and the noodles are soft, smooth, and easy to slurp. Highly recommended!
The authentic Kimchi Jjigae / Spicy Kimchi Stew (SGD $10) has a winning savoury combination of spicy heat, warming soup / broth, and sour tangy taste. While the recipe is a secret, I picked out various ingredients including firm tofu, kimchi baechu / kimchi pickled cabbage, onions, garlic, ginger, pork belly, gochujang / red pepper paste, doengjang / soybean paste, and spring onions. Very good!
Perfect for sharing, the Bulgogi / Char-Grilled Marinated Beef (SGD $22) is served in a large portion on a hot skillet, along with mushrooms and sweet peas in a pod. Part of the satisfaction is hearing the meat and vegetables sizzle away in front of you! Unfortunately, the heat tends to dry out the thin strips of meat easily. Still, it's tasty because of the excellent bulgogi marinade, which makes each bite a flavourful, savoury affair, albeit somewhat dry.
The Goguma Mattang / Caramelised Sweet Potato (SGD $6) is a unique Korean dessert. Strips of sweet potato are glazed in a warm, sweet rice syrup, then topped with crispy rice cakes and candied walnuts. The result is a sweet and savoury combination, with varying textures of soft, crisp, crunchy, and firm. Highly recommended!
Chi Maek (SGD $20), which is a combination of the Korean-English words "Chicken" and "Beer (Maek Ju)", is a popular Korean snack. Here, the Gangnam Chicken, which is a Korean style fried chicken, consisting of deboned chicken chunks with a savoury flour and vegetable batter, is served with Pickled Daikon Radish, and a trio of dipping sauces including Seasoned Salt, Sweet & Spicy Sauce, Soybean Sauce. A single serving costs SGD $10, and is large enough for 2 people to share.
Full Bibigo review here: http://ivanteh-runningman.blogspot.sg/2014/09/bibigo-tasting-session.htmlPost
