Melo Villareal
Bonsuwon: Famous Korean Beef BBQ in Suwon, South Korea
Apart from the modern structures and cultural and heritage wonders of South Korea, one thing that excited me about going there is its food. Of course, there are Korean Restaurants in Manila and in every part of the globe I have visited, but the food experience definitely feels different when you try it where it all came from. You can eat kimchi in Manila, but you can never capture its characteristic flair until you see how it is done in Korea.
Bonsuwon Galbi
After visiting Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, we all proceeded to Bonsuwon Restaurant to meet the tourism officials of Gyeonggi Province, our gracious hosts for dinner.
Dinner with the tourism officials of Gyeonggi Province and KTO
The restaurant is located in a quiet area atop a hill. From the outside, the restaurant doesn’t look busy, but upon entering, we were surprised by how crowded it was. It was bustling with dozens of customers who flocked to the area for its signature Galbi, a sizzling, juicy Korean barbecue.
We had about 20 members in our group, and we were given a long table by a huge open window. The barbeque smell normally lingers on clothes, which is the reason why our tour guide booked us in an al fresco area instead of an enclosed one.
So what makes Bonsuwon Galbi Popular?
Bonsuwon serves famous thin-sliced beef marinated for over 24 hours in a sauce made from various ingredients. Another popular dish at this restaurant is their specialty, Doenjang Jjigae, a soybean paste stew made with homemade soybean paste from homegrown beans.
Banchan
Our table was already filled with an impressive spread of Banchan when we arrived. Banchan refers to Korean small plates filled with mostly fermented vegetables, fresh vegetables, sauces, tofu, and other famous Korean side dishes.
Fresh Vegetable Salad
One of my favorite side dishes was the fresh lettuce filled with soybean paste. I swear, it was so addicting and delicious that I think I had too much lettuce that time.
How’s the Beef BBQ?
We had an unlimited supply of sliced marinated beef. We cooked the meat our own way over an open charcoal grill, which is good for me since I love my beef well done.
Authentic Korean Beef BBQ photo by VisitKorea.or.kr
Along with the beef, the grill was also filled with fresh garlic and mushrooms. We can’t count how many plates of beef we have had, and that is all it takes to explain how good it was. The meat was really well marinated, but it maintained its natural color and even literally melts in your mouth.
Charcol Grilled Korean Beef BBQ
After having the Galbi feast, they also served us a bowl of cold noodles. To be honest, I’m not used to eating cold noodles, and that was actually my first time trying them, and I find them really good. The taste isn’t overwhelming, and the flavor is nice, too.
Famous Korean Beef BBQ from Bonsuwon
Just when I thought I was already full, they finally served rice. I was really surprised and intrigued, since that was something truly unusual where I came from. We normally start with rice, but I guess that’s part of the unique way Koreans eat their meals, especially with their flavorful cuisine.
After the heavy meal, it’s finally time for dessert. But instead of fancy cakes and pastries, they served Sikhye, a sweet, refreshing rice drink typically served after a heavy meal. Sikhye is believed to aid digestion; it contains dietary fiber and antioxidants.
Galbi Restaurant in Suwon
Overall, it was a fantastic dinner. I usually prefer Pork over Beef BBQ, but I guess I’m now a convert. Korean Food really surprised me, and that was just on our second day.
More food stories coming your way soon…
AirAsia’s Manila-Incheon (Seoul) flights occur twice daily. It’s the shortest trip, but AirAsia also offers flights from Cebu to Seoul once a day, and two-way charteredflights to/from Kalibo (Boracay), Incheon (Seoul), and Busan. For flight booking andreservations, visit http://www.airasia.com/. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Bonsuwon Galbi
Add: 51-20, Uman-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Tel: +82 31211 8434
Operating hours: 11:30-22:30
Official Website: http://www.bonsuwon.co.kr/
Special thanks to Korea Tourism Organization and AirAsia for making this trip possible.
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