7. January 2012: Restaurant Asadal

I was a bit sceptical when I agreed to dine at the Restaurant Asadal which serves Korean food and is famous for its BBQ – but I was extremly positively surprised. To start with, the restaurant is not that easy to find. Although it is right next to the exit of Holborn station, it is only a small door and you have go to the lower floor which looks a bit suspicious but frankly, it is pretty nice once you enter it – but more about the atmosphere later.

We got a small greeting from the kitchen which was leaves of dried seaweed which were surprisingly tasty. Addtionally, we were served some kind of dumplings which were as good. But the leaves of seaweed were absolutely great (although my Chinese friend said that it is something completely normal as a snack for them).

To start with, I had the Yuk Gae Lang Soup (beef and vegetables in a spicy hot soup; GBP 3.80). It was quite good, there was not much beef in it (one big piece), quite some vegetables and it was indeed a spicy hot soup.

I tried the dishes of all and as we were four, there were quite some dishes – for example a mixture of raw beef with pears which was very tasty. All of them were very tasty – I was absolutely astonished as there was not a single dish where I would say I do not like it. To be fair, of course I cannot compare to any other Korean dishes as I never had them before, but it was all very tasty.

My main course was “Gal Bi” (Beef Short Ribs Marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, green onion, garlic, pepper and sesame oil; GBP 9.50) which was served on a grill on your table and is prepared there right in front of your eyes. The meat itself was very tender and tasty and when I tried it I must admit that I liked it very much – but what I was told then thereafter how to try it, blew my mind.

It makes sense to order the Gal Bi with “Sang Chu” (Fresh lettuce and seasoned Korean bean paste; GBP 2.50) as the usual way of eating Gal Bi is to wrap the fresh lettuce around the beef ribs and then put it in the bean paste. I expected it to be pretty boring but it was great – the only pity is that the waiter did not tell me (which I would expect) but my Chinese friend did.

In addition to that, I had “Pa Seng Che” (GBP 1.90) which is a mixture of fresh spring onions seasoned in sesame oil and chilli powder. It probably is thought to be mixed with some dish but it is also pretty tasty just like that. In any case, I liked it.

I consider the prices absolutely fair, also a bottle of Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo only costs GBP 24.50 which is definitely not over the top (in price). The wine was not outstanding to be fair but definitely drinkable.

Overall, the food is very good, has quite nice surprising elements, and is just very tasty. I never had Korean dishes before but I definitely like them. The waiters are very friendly and relatively attentive. There were some moments when we had to wait a bit (e.g. to order) but overall, the service is quite good. The atmosphere of the place is very nice. Although it is a bit dark, it is very warm and welcoming and has this mixture of an original place together with being somehow modern.

To sum it up, I had a great time and great dishes at the Restaurant Asadal – good food with surprising elements, nice service, great location, and all for pratically no money. Definitely worth going!

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Contact Details:

Restaurant Asadal

High Holborn 227

WC1V 7DA London (UK)

Tel.: +44 20 74 30 90 06

Tel. 2: +44 20 74 30 90 05

E-Mail: info@asadal.co.uk

Homepage: http://www.asadal.co.uk

About the Author: Sven

I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org. Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City.