Local foodie dreams - the best Galbijjim in Seoul and Shanghai

Short pork ribs simmered for hours in a fantastic brown sauce. That's galbijjim, a spicy Korean treat and that's what we are here for today.

Seoul

Talk of pork pancakes and of course the galbijjim, and you just have to mention Dongin-Dong (511-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 135-887 | Phone: 02/516-5765) all in one breath.

It is moderately priced and a popular haunt among tourists and locals alike. You might have to wait a while though as the place is generally crowded. Take exit 6 out of Sinsa station and then a right just before The Beans Bin Coffee. The place is just opposite to The Mool (Korea's most famous night club, so you should be able to find it easily enough). Photo: Galbijjim with sausage over the steamed rice by 2fields

An-ui Galbi (Balsan Station, Line 5): Popular wrestler-turned-comedian/emcee celebrity, Gang Ho-dong runs this chic place. The restaurant has its steady fan following and it would be unfair to attribute it completely to the celebrity factor. The place is renowned for its delicious food and specially what we are looking for, the galbijjim.

Shanghai

Pyongyang Okryu Restaurant (3F, Jianguo Hotel, No. 439, North Caoxi Road, Shanghai) prides itself by dishing out original Pyongyang style dishes. The waitresses are traditionally dressed and are *very* friendly. Galbijjim happens to be one of their specialties including other Korean delicacies.

The Born (No. 1339, Wuzhong Road, Minhang, Shanghai) is yet another great alternative, providing authentic Korean cuisine while staying reasonably priced. Apart from the galbijjim, its other specialties are sliced beef and grilled streaky pork.

Try the ban chan (blanched mustard greens with shredded carrots and onions, with a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce) or if you want to go outright Asian, you would not want to miss out on the jab chae - blanched spring onion leaves, carrot, onion, black mushroom, and lots of dang myeon ("glass" noodles made from sweet potato starch). Photo: by Korean Resource Center 민족학교

[PS: The restaurants have "Western friendly" versions of most of their dishes where they scale down on the spices. However, they turn out to be quite bland. I would go outright for the traditional alternatives.]

Local foodie dreams - the best Galbijjim in Seoul and Shanghai

Seoul

Shanghai

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