Inspired by K-Town communities in the US, Soban K-Town Grill serves unique Korean-Mexican dishes such as the Korilog, K-taco and more. Soban, which means small tray or table in Korean, reflects its culinary vision of providing quality yet affordable food by using traditional Korean ingredients and techniques with American comfort food and a dash of Mexican street food culture.
Soban which started grilling last May 6 is the brainchild of restaurateur Mr. Sung Rah and Happyfoods Group which is the group behind Sariwon Philippines. While Sariwon is known for serving traditional and authentic Korean dishes, one of the owners tells us that Soban is its hipper counterpart which combines flavors all over the globe to create dishes for the modern palate.
Start your gastronomical adventure with some Kimchi Fries (P199) which are crisp french fries smothered with cheese, roasted pork bits and kimchi. You will never look at plain fries the same way again after you munch on theirs! On to their take on almost everyone's favorite comfort food, the K-Taco (P75/1pc; P145/2pcs; P220/3pcs) has fresh lettuce, kimchi, sour cream for extra creaminess and your choice of K-BBQ meat wrapped in a fresh tortilla wrap.
A superb 6-flavor Samgyupsal Set (P1,420) is what sets apart Soban from other Korean barbecue grill restaurant. This particular set has a total of 540 grams of grilled pork belly goodness which serves three to four persons. All of the flavors are developed in Korea; this house specialty comes in classic original, fruity and chili bean flavors while the soy garlic, doenjang (Korean miso) and wine flavors' availability are subject to change depending on the season. They suggest you start with the original flavor to the chili bean flavor so you can taste the difference of each.
They have a cutting technique so the meats will remain tender. The griller has to be preheated for two minutes before you can use it. We learned you should position the strips of samgyupsal in a triangle so the flavors wouldn't mix. Each side is cooked for 30 seconds and flipped 7 times while you wait for the glorious glaze it gets from grilling. Ask assistance from any of the crew members and they'll make sure your meats will be cooked to perfection.
If you like sweet and savory bulgogi flavor but you want to stray from red meat, Dak Bulgogi (P320) which is made with chicken is perfect for you. While the usual dish is grilled, their version is fried until crunchy. Imagine sinking your teeth into the crunchy coating and finding tender white meat! The Dak Galbi Set (P310/90; P325/120g; P360/180g) which is a traditional spicy grilled chicken is also available for solo eats and in three flavors — fruity, spicy and doenjang.
Each set is served with unlimited salad, bone marrow soup, egg roll and rice which you can upgrade to Kimchi Fried Rice for only P15. You can choose from Mild or Hot for the Kimchi Fried Rice's level of spice.
If the 6-flavor Samgsyupsal Set is a little too much for your cravings, they have a Samgyupsal Set (P315/90g; P355/120g; P405/180g) which is a grilled pork belly set you can have all to yourself.
They also have an a la carte rice collection like the Chicken Teriyaki Bap and Beef Bulgogi Bap which are mixed rice with assorted vegetables and fried egg served in a sizzling bowl. For something closer to home, try the beef and chicken Korilog rice bowls which are the counterpart of the Filipino favorites — tapsilog and chixsilog — resting on kimchi fried rice topped with fried egg.
As the only K-Town Grill in the metro with value-for-money prices and a hip ambiance to enjoy the number of flavorful dishes they offer, this new joint definitely exudes great potential in becoming a go-to neighborhood spot.
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Soban K-Town Grill is located on the 2nd floor of Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Quezon City. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram for more details.
