Why the need to build up courage? I find it intimidating to walk in alone for a BBQ. I mean people usually go for BBQ in a group or at least with one companion.
I was early (the place was still empty) and there was a couple looking at the menu that was placed right outside the entrance. So I walked in and informed the staff that there is only one of me.
Let's look at the menu.
Before I was seated, I was informed that I have to make two orders of meat. Eh? Why? Well, that's their management policy. Since I was already there, I agreed.
Maybe just one portion would not be worthwhile for them to layan you. I feel that it is bad practice to impose such a condition on customers.
At the very least put a notice at the entrance to warn lone diners. In fact I checked Google review and found out that they also impose this condition on diners who come in pairs. Some people are small eaters and to make them order more than what they can consume is very unfair.
With benefit of hindsight, the house rule of single diner having to make two orders of meat was actually a blessing in disguise (for me). One portion would not have been enough.
These were what I ordered - Pork Belly (180g) and Jowl Meat (150g), a total of 330g of meat. I can eat 400g-500g of meat in one sitting, so 330g is no big deal.
These were the accompaniments - lettuce, marinated garlic leaves, raw garlic + ssamjang, mustard + salt and kimchi.
I was also served a complimentary bottle of mineral water. Pretty soon the meat was brought to the table. I didn't get a chance to see the two plates which were briefly placed on the other side of the grill.
Next time, if I ever come back, I will ensure that the kimchi is not cooked. I mean, seriously, I want the microbes alive.
Oh my poor kimchi >.< There was a paper cup placed at the edge of the grill to collect the fats/scraps.
The server used a paper towel lined scraper to scrape off all the oil and residue into the paper cup. Quite a neat technique.
A bit later, a server came by to ask if I wanted to top up the lettuce but I declined. Instead I requested to top up kimchi. I found the kimchi very tasty. In fact the tartness of the kimchi opens up your appetite and you can eat more meat. Hah!
So that was my lunch at Hanam BBQ. I was satiated and yes, that was a very pricey meal but worth it.
It's ok to force 2 meats on 2 ppl but not one...I'd be the one who can't handle more than 300g of meat by myself. I guess they have to do that coz they assign someone to serve and grill for you. I've since learned if they offer to grill for you...take it (it tastes better)...lol. The pork belly here is cut very thickly (I'm assuming it was already cut when it was still raw) unlike those thin slabs where we'd grill the slab whole and then cut into slices with scissors (scissors won't be able to cut the ones here). Aiyah, the condiments so little, where got enough for you. P/S: You're already so used to dining alone, so why should it be any different if it's BBQ?...lol! :D
ReplyDeleteYes, the pork belly came to the table already cut. But the meat had grill marks on the outer surface, I reckon they did a quick charring before serving. LOL on the condiments, but can request top up. Well, I just felt awkward having BBQ alone, that's all.
DeleteAh, at least you get to top up the kimchi with probiotics not heated up 👍😊
ReplyDeleteIn Taiwan they impose a minimum price per table so even if one diner didn't order so much, the lone diner will still get charged that higher price. What do you think? Is that better? 🤔
No, I don't think that is better. It's so discriminatory against lone diners but I respect the eateries' policy.
DeleteIn Taiwan it is not only for lone diner.
DeleteFor example, they set one person must spend MYR 100 so if one diner only orders MYR 70 worth of food, still must pay MYR 100.
5 diners in one group must spend MYR 500 so if they all ordered only MYR 450 worth of food, must pay MYR 500.
So it is not discrimination against lone diner.
What do you think? better or worse? 🤔
Still bad in my opinion because diners are forced to pay more than what they actually consumed.
DeleteI think the price is a reasonable one pax full meal price. As they are popular establishments, I believe they want to discourage people who go there just to have a cup of coffee and chit chat for long long hours.
DeleteAll right, I understand.
DeleteI find the condiments too little too! Luckily we are big eaters so 2 portions of meat for one person should not be a problem lol! Nowadays unlike the good old days, it is very normal and common to see lone diners, so why worry hee hee.
ReplyDeleteI just felt awkward going for a BBQ alone. But now that I have done it, I feel more comfortable. Yes, big eaters like us have no problem if required to order more.
DeleteAt least 2 orders for BBQ in a Korean restaurant seem like a unwritten rule because I've experienced several times. Some of the restaurants state clearly in the menu but there are also restaurants don't do that. Hanam's first outlet is at Kepong, which is a very popular Korean restaurant that always with long queue (used to have long waiting list for hours). But I never have chance to try out because I don't like to queue. >_<
ReplyDeleteOh I see! I was not familiar with such rules. Since the Kepong branch is super busy, you could try the one at The Starling. Usually lunch time is not that crowded (weekdays lah).
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