Definitely worth it to come here as the food is great, and pricing is very reasonable while still upholding their food quality/standards. The atmosphere is slightly lacking though. It is an older building, and used to be a karaoke bar/late night place. The place is also quite large, and is probably a bit understaffed due to the pandemic, so it’s probably difficult to keep the cleanliness in tip top shape (eg. washroom floors are quite sticky and overall is quite dark and dusty). I definitely still felt safe from a social distancing point of view though, as there is a lot of space between tables, and is situated in a sort of closed off cubicle style dining where there are dense fake grass/foliage/plants/bamboo blocking your view from the other customers. Staff are friendly enough, and quick service but don’t expect them to check on you throughout the meal, so you’ll have to venture out of your cubicle and wave someone down if you need something. I tried their lunch set for 2, which is about $45 (only valid for dine in between 11:30am – 3pm). Very good portions, it’s probably enough to serve 3 people, or even 4 if you aren’t planning it as a full meal. Lots of variety, and honestly every dish is quite good by itself.
Grilled Beef Short Ribs (LA Galbi) – they grill this in the kitchen and serve it to you fully cooked, marinated super well, tender, and good about of fattiness. One of highlights in the lunch set. Dae Bak’s Vegetable Torch Sushi – sooo tasty! Basically aburi, it is well seared on top and you can definitely taste it. There’s no meat at all, hence the “vegetable” sushi. It has a delicious sauce too, and something mayo/creamy on top. Sweet Garlic Soy Marinated Deep Fried Boneless Chicken - Pretty standard sweet and a little spicy Pan-Fried Spicy Pork Bulgogi – cooked in the kitchen as well. Not too spicy Stew (Pork Bone) – great personalized sized, rich flavour and lots of stuff/meat inside. It’s actually quite filling and the pork bone was massive Sweet Potato Noodle (Japchae): love the texture of these glass noodles. Very authentic flavour, with a strong black pepper and mushroom flavour too. Seafood Pancake: pretty standard, and you get a few slices Bibimbap: classic, nothing special but still good Deep Fried Shrimp - I’ll pass on this one, as it wasn’t very crunchy and it’s pretty greasy Seasoned Cold Noodles – pretty good appi or palate cleanser, it has a light vinegar taste Side Dishes: bean sprouts, kimchi (not to dry, not too spicy, I really liked it), and the potatoes are amazingly. Well marinated, full of flavour and fresh. Comes with a drink too (store bought soft drink)
It’s a lot of food for the lunch combo, and I’d highly recommend it as it’s really worth it. The flavours are authentic and portions/selection...
Read moreFirst off, this is an honest review and not doing a 5* review just for the 10% off. That is just an added perk.
My review is for: Ayce Dinner - Menu D
Customer service: 4 1/2* We were late for our resos and I called in to apologize and they were not upset. When we got in, they were still super welcoming and attentive. I thought the service was fairly quick despite it being busy. They were attentive to help clear the plates regularly as well and responded very quickly to all requests. They didn't go above and beyond, thus why I didn't give them a full 5, but it's tough to get a full 5 from me.
Food: 4 1/2* Everything from the BBQ meats to side dishes were all pretty tasty. This is a self serve Korean BBQ, so you can cook your own food to your liking and add decent provided sauces (wasabi, Tonkatsu, spicy and this other one in Korean that I am unable to translate to English). The only thing I did not like was the black bean noodle - and I'm not sure if it's an acquired taste thing or not. I've always wanted to try it after watching so many Korean dramas. It was... Interesting... But I'll pass and just enjoy it on screen instead. Tip: Don't overcook your pork belly as it becomes chewy and tough to eat and doesn't melt in your mouth. The spicy was not bad. Some of the spicy items have more kick than others. Kimchi and bean sprouts had just the right amount of spice. The spicy pork seemed very mild, but that was perfect for me. The tofu stew was above mild in spice level.
Other notes: ~They only provide one pair of tongs and one full cutting scissor, so use teamwork to cook faster. ~We had read some other reviews regarding ordering in moderation as they would charge $10/100g for wasted food. Then saw that they might be sneaky in giving you bigger portions in the latter orders that force you to be unable to finish. It is an interesting theory that my partner seemed to think was true. I think this was half true, so plan your tummy ahead in case your meat portions seem to double in size. ~ Their washrooms include mouthwash and mini cups for them. Cute touch. ~ 15% gratuity is automatically added even for...
Read moreAs a lover of authentic Korean cuisine, I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dae Bak Bon Ga. Known for its commitment to delivering traditional flavors, my experience at this Korean restaurant was a delightful journey of flavors and textures.
One of the standout dishes at Dae Bak Bon Ga was the pork belly. Cooked to perfection, the pork belly was tender and succulent, with a delightful balance of flavors. The meat was beautifully marinated, resulting in a rich and savory taste that left me craving more. It was a definite highlight of the meal and showcased the restaurant's dedication to authentic Korean cooking.
Another dish that impressed me was the fried vermicelli. The noodles were perfectly cooked, boasting a delightful crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. The dish was well-seasoned, with a harmonious blend of spices and vegetables that added depth to each bite. It was a satisfying and delicious choice that I would highly recommend.
However, one aspect that could be improved upon at Dae Bak Bon Ga is the service. During my visit, I noticed that there were too few waiters, which resulted in longer waiting times and occasional delays in receiving orders. The staff appeared to be overwhelmed and busy, making it challenging to get their attention at times. Despite this, it is important to note that the staff remained friendly and attentive whenever possible, despite the demanding circumstances.
Overall, Dae Bak Bon Ga is a fantastic choice for those seeking an authentic Korean dining experience. The pork belly and fried vermicelli were exceptional, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and traditional flavors. While the service could be improved with additional staff members, the friendly atmosphere and the delicious food make it a worthwhile visit for Korean food...
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