The Korean craze is here to stay, and this JSEC stall is making it known. From samgyupsal to ramyun, Bab Mukjang serves delightfully spicy Korean favorites for all kinds of taste buds.

Taste

If you’re craving for a quick fix of K-barbeque, the marinated pork samgyupsal (grilled pork belly) is the best item to order. The pork is tender and has the tiniest amount of fat that melts in your mouth. Proceed with caution on your first bite, though—the meat’s sauce packs a hot punch with its rich mix of herbs and spices. With its authentic taste, there’s no need to venture out of school to hit up your favorite unli samgyupsal place.

The Korean chicken pops and dak galbi (stir-fried chicken) are on the sweeter side of the menu. Although the meat for both dishes is juicy, both of them could favor with a bit more spice in their sauces. The spicy ramyun (or ramyum as they call it on the menu) is your classic Korean instant ramen noodles with a twist: A soft boiled egg is added and the soup is seasoned with chopped spring onions to balance the peppery taste.

Their side dishes are all excellent items in their own right. You can’t have Korean food without kimchi after all, and the stall does it justice with its crisp and tart version of the traditional side dish. The secret star of the menu is definitely the soft and chewy eomuk bokkeum or stir-fried fish cake for its sweet sauce and thin slices of carrots. Although advertised as a side, its delicious flavor and texture could make it stand on its own as a main dish. Their gyeran mari (egg roll) deserves an honorable mention as well for its fluffy texture and mellow flavors.

Concept

Bab mukjang translates to “let’s eat” in Korean. The owners, who all enjoy Korean-themed restaurants noticed the absence of this particular cuisine in JSEC. This inspired them to come up with a stall that offers Ateneans a quick fix for their Korean food cravings. Fans of the cuisine are sure to be satisfied with Bab Mukjang’s authentic tasting meals and well-curated menu.

Value for Money

The marinated pork samgyupsal is the priciest item on the menu, costing Php 100 for a solo meal and Php 130 for a combo meal. It’s best to order this dish as a combo meal because you’ll surely need the rice and iced tea to combat the spiciness. The other two main dishes—Korean chicken pops and dak galbi—are reasonably priced at Php 90 for a solo meal and at Php 120 for a combo meal, while a bowl of ramyun is served on its own for Php 90. If you’re on a tight budget but still craving for quality food, Bab Mukjang’s delectable side dishes can be ordered for Php 70 each with rice.

Final Verdict

The next time your friend says “Let’s eat!”, look no further than Bab Mukjang. A few of their mains could use a bit more kick to them but their samgyupsal, ramyun, and kimchi live up to the zesty taste they are known for. True to the meaning of its name, everyone should eat at this stall for its authentic Korean dishes that will spice up your mealtime.

Rating: 4/5