SOT BAB - Korean Restaurant — Restaurant in Subang Jaya

Dropped in on SOT BAB after the Madam who runs (and owns?) the nearby Korean supermarket SHIN SUN MI where I always buy my Korean groceries told me that she/they have newly opened it. 😊 We ate at SOT BAB even though we had earlier had Beef Bone Broth (설렁탕) (Seolleongtang) and Beef Short Rib Broth (갈비탕) (Galbitang) at SHIN SUN MI’s own eatery… 😂. Such pigs we are!

We had the RM 100 Ssambapjeonshik (삼압전식) at SOT BAB, which I believe is similar to Hanjeongshik (한정식), the huge spread of various Korean traditional food normally served to Korean emperors.

Our Korean meal at SOT BAB was above average. The standard and quality of each food item on our table was high, and we thoroughly enjoyed every single bite. Because Madam SHIN SUN MI saw us eating there, she remembered me asking her about Myeongnan-jeot (명란젓) (Salted Preserved Pollock Fish Roe), and gave me a small complimentary one. Thank you! ❤️ I guess, this is the “service” that Koreans are known for.

After scooping out the rice (cooked with pumpkin and gingko nuts from the hot metal pot, hot water is poured into it, enveloping the slightly scorched rice that’s stuck to the pot. The metal pot is then covered. About 20 - 30mins later, the burnt rice has loosened, which is enjoyed either as a rice porridge or a rice beverage, known as Sungnyung (숭늉). I downed my scorched nutty flavoured Sungnyung as a rice porridge, downed with the delectable spread of Banchan (반찬) (Side Dishes) of my Ssambapjeonshik. Yummy!

Only regret is that SOT BAB ran out of Ganjang-gejang (양념게장) (Preserved/Fermented Raw Crabs in Soy Sauce), one of my favourite Korean foods.

Whether I know Madam SHIN SUN MI or not, the service at SOT BAB was also great. Courteous and personable.

I can’t wait to return to try all the other wonderful offerings on the...

The Sot Bab with Godeungeo Grui(mackerel) was simple but unforgettable — perfectly cooked rice, deeply flavorful fish, and that signature scorched layer at the bottom that added just the right kind of crunch. It was comforting, balanced, and completely satisfying.

The Luncheon Meet kimchi fried rice hit with just enough tang and spice, and the Budae jjigae Rich, hearty, and unapologetically bold. Each dish stood on its own, but together, it was one of the most satisfying meals I’ve had in a long time.

And then came dessert — which honestly could’ve been a standalone reason to visit. The red bean bingsu and yuzu bingsu were both refreshing in their own way: the red bean had that classic, while the yuzu was light, citrusy, and perfect for Malaysia hot weather.

But the real surprise? The red bean & custard-filled bungeoppang. Crispy outside, warm and sweet inside — like a little handheld comfort. Each bite made it clear they put the same level of care into dessert as they did into the mains.

What made the experience even better was the warm and genuine hospitality. The owner and staff were incredibly kind — attentive without being overbearing, and it felt like they truly cared that we enjoyed our meal. It added a personal touch that made the food feel even more special.

Just really well-made food (and dessert!) served by people who care. This place doesn’t need hype. The food and the people speak for...

The specialties here are the 9.9/10 Ganjanggejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab) and 10/10 Yangnyeomgejang. (Spicy Marinated Crab). They are so rare among Korean restaurants in Malaysia and equally unique within the Korean cuisine. The preparation of the crabs requires the freshest and best quality crabs - Sot Bab serves them perfectly! And didn’t disappoint at all!

Both set versions come with a piping hot rice casserole, no less than five sides of kimchi/veges, a soup and salad. The whole crab is disassembled into smaller pieces and marinated with their respective dressings. The Soy Sauce version is sweet and salty like the sea, while the Spicy version is mildly spicy, very umami and slightly smoky. Both are incredibly appetising and are such a rare treat. When asked, one of the Ajumma 아줌마 proprietor/chef said she used her own mother’s recipe - certainly homey comfort food at its best. The kimchi sides are very well done too especially the pickled chives.

Other notables not to be missed are the vegetable pancake with squid and the tteokbokki. Desserts do not feature much in Sot Bab’s menu but the two Bingsus they offer are less fancy but still quite agreeable.

This small humble Korean eatery comes super highly recommended because it tastes like home and...