Hanam BBQ, The Starling

It was Friday when I finally plucked up the courage to eat at Hanam BBQ, The Starling.

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.

Obviously my order would come from the page on the left.

Stews and noodles are also featured on the menu.

As well as side dishes and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

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.

Not to worry about the cooking because the server will cook at the table for you.

These were the accompaniments - lettuce, marinated garlic leaves, raw garlic + ssamjang, mustard + salt and kimchi.

This lettuce salad was served shortly after.

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.

The server immediately proceeded to cook the meat.

I was observing the other tables and each table was attended to by one staff.

To my dismay, the kimchi was also cooked on the grill. Oh no! There goes the microbes! hah..hah...

Next time, if I ever come back, I will ensure that the kimchi is not cooked. I mean, seriously, I want the microbes alive.

Once the meat is cooked, the server transfers the meat to a stainless steel container placed on the grill.

Oh my poor kimchi >.< There was a paper cup placed at the edge of the grill to collect the fats/scraps. 

In spite of my misgivings, the grilled kimchi tasted very good.

At the end of the cooking, this is how the meat is served. And see how clean the grill is? 

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.