FOOD THOUGHTS: Prime Samgyupsal Along Sct. Castor in QC.

With all the Korean restaurants in the metro, people now has the power to choose which is the best in terms of flavor, serving, price, amount of meat and sidings.  Value of money spent so to speak.  To add another selection, here comes Prime Samgyupsal Unlimited by TCR.

Located just after the Little Sandbox, facing the Green Restaurant along Sct. Castor St. in Quezon City, this slight hole-in-the-wall type of restaurant is about 1 year old come November (I may be wrong with the year but the month I am definitely sure).  Serving well thought out Korean flavors in terms of meat and sidings, this food spot is one to go for when in the area of Tomas Morato.  The meat cuts are consistent and mixed well with seasonings that make a samgyupsal experience worthwhile and the pricing is just right.

What makes them different from other samgyupsal establishments? 

It all boils down with the meat and the flavors.  In Prime Samgyupsal, they serve 4 meat flavors in every table (2 flavors of meat per plate serve, 2 plates per order), along with 9 side dishes and 3 seasoning.  Like any other, the meat serving is refillable; as long as you finish everything.  There is a Php 200 leftover fee if meat served is not eaten.  So be aware.  Two hours eating time per table is enough to have your samgyupsal cravings sated and your tummy filled to its delight.  Eat to your delight but know when to stop asking for more. Wag takaw mata in other words.

My Thoughts on the Prime Samgyupsal Experience

This restaurant is quite comfy and relaxing; a no-fuss type of eating place in terms of décor and set-up.  They know that people will come because of the food and not because of any picture perfect decoration.  The only drawback is the steps that you have to use when going in.  Each step is so elevated that it is a wonder that someone like me, I am part of the PWD community – orthopedic disability, was able to take it.  Thank God for railings!

The food was good!  What took me in are the sidings that they have offered.  All the side dishes were well thought off and made in terms of flavors and contrast to the meat.  It truly made a difference in the now present samgyupsal offering in the metro.  The only concern I have is the tofu served for it was a little rubbery in texture.  Yes it was marinated then fried but the crunch was absent, what I had was an eatable, a little chewy for my liking tofu.  To think I love tofu so much.  Despite the fall of the tofu, the pickled radish, lightly pickled onions and seasoned peanuts were quite a pleasant surprise to my palate.  The contrast in flavor with the meat was truly a delightful experience.  The texture contrast was also worth noting for it gives you something to ponder on in every chew that you make.  Sure there were your standard coleslaw type siding, baby potatoes, bean sprouts and kimchi, which make things familiar to all Asian eater but the radish, peanut and onions took the hat in this dining experience.

I am having thoughts about the cheese served.  True, melted cheese is quite a delight when paired off with grilled meat but the constant stirring to ensure that it is melted all throughout and to avoid cheese burn at the bottom is a task you will not be found of doing when you simply wish to enjoy a good meal.  For Php 30 per person ordering, it is not bad plus it is part of the refillable package.  Everything served is refillable, meat and sidings, as long as you finish everything. J

What makes this experience a delight is the consistent meat cuts served.  It makes grilling easier!  Since the meat is all of the same thickness, it gets to be cooked all at the same time, thus making sure that everybody gets to eat their fill.  A very big plus point for this Samgyupsal place!  Since we are not talking about steak cuts and preference, nobody cares about the status of the beef cuts.  When it is cooked, it is cooked.  No fuss whether you like it rare, medium rare, or well-done.  This is simply old style cooking enjoyment.  Plus, we are talking of grilled meat slices, what is important is the grill charring marks which give meat a turn in turns of flavor and texture.

How are the staff, you may ask.

They are knowledgeable enough on what they are serving for those who are truly inquisitive.  They make sure that everything that is part of the set that you ordered and requested is on your table.  (There are four sets to choose from by the way.)  They are also quick enough to serve your requested refill and attentive enough when you have a “kitchen” need such as more oil and another thong.

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As a whole, the Prime Samgyupsal Unlimited, is one delightful place to have your Korean food fix.  As of this writing, they now offer bento boxes for to-go orders and a bibimbop for those who simply wants to have a simple yet filling meal.