Daorae

The Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant (다오래) is a popular place among employees in Bayan Lepas. Located at Bayan Point and clearly visible from the Bayan Lepas roundabout, it is the destination for dinner tonight.

The atmosphere in the dining area is nice. Using stone backdrops with futuristic elements, it gives diners a pleasant feeling upon stepping into the restaurant. As Daorae serves barbecue, each dining table is equipped with an air duct to remove residual smoke from the grill.

As we entered, we are served with Iced Korean Tea. The drink is made of roasted brown rice and has a distinctive aroma not found in usual Chinese or Japanese teas. Though served in a plastic bottle, the drink is free-flow as the server replaces a new bottle whenever the current one depletes.

If you want the privilege of witnessing the barbecue "showmanship" in front of your very eyes, the store policy requires you to order at least two barbecue items from the menu. In our case, we ordered the Yangnyum Dak Galbi (양념닭갈비, RM27.00) and Gochujang Samkyubsal (고추장삼겹살, RM27.00).

Yangnyum Dak Galbi is a small portion of boneless chicken meat, pre-marinated in soy sauce. The meat is barbecued over charcoal which was brought from the kitchen using a special apparatus. When the chicken is almost done, sliced garlic is added to give the meat a stronger flavor.

Once fully cooked, the chicken has a an attractive golden brown appearance. This dish is satisfying to the last bite, but it is a pity that it comes in such small serving.

Gochujang Samkyubsal is essentially three-layered fatty pork belly meat marinated with Gochujang paste. Gochujang is a traditional Korean condiment made primarily of fermented soybeans, rice and red chili. This gives it a savory, tangy and spicy taste. The word "Samkyubsal" literally means "three layered meat", referring to the layers of fat and lean meat underneath.

Like the previous dish, the pork ribs are slowly heated by hot, glowing charcoal under the grill. Occasionally, oil from the fatty meat drips down the grill and sizzles as it reaches the charcoal.

When the pork is almost done, it is cut into smaller pieces and served in a small plate. Like the chicken, we find the pork very tasty indeed. the dish slightly oily, but this is necessary to truly enjoy it.

Fresh Lettuce is provided to be consumed with the barbecued meat. Typically, one makes a small pocket using a lettuce leaf, adds a small amount of Korean Chili Paste, then sandwiches a small piece of meat in it. Besides keeping our fingers free from oil, the lettuce also adds freshness to the meat.

Pa Jeon (파전) is a type Korean pancake with spring onions as the prominent ingredient. It should be eaten when warm, otherwise it absorbs moisture when cooled, making it a bit soggy. The dish is nice to be eaten plain, or dipped in Korean Chili Paste.

Next, Soon Dubu Jjigae (순두부찌개, RM17.00) is a spicy bean curd stew with seafood (shrimps and clams), onions and minced meat. The dish is cooked and served in a thick porcelain pot. The taste is quite spicy, making it particularly appetizing when enjoyed with rice.

The Gyeran Jjim (계란찜) is a dish of steamed eggs served in a pot. We enjoyed this dish as the egg texture is soft and smooth. Although it is complimentary, I do not think that it can be replenished.

The Seaweed Soup keeps our throats moist while feasting on the main delicacies. I think the server should have given a bowl to each person instead of the entire table.

As usual, the many selections of banchan (반찬) or side dishes are available. The bread-and-butter is none other than Kimchi (김치), essentially pickled cabbage. Kimchi is one of those food that you either love or hate. Fortunately, we love it and asked for several extra servings.

Other types of side dishes are Kongnamul (콩나물) or bean sprouts, Gaji Namul (가지나물) or eggplant, Gamja Saelleodeu (감자샐러드) or potato salad, Sigeumchi Namul (시금치나물) or water spinach, Danmuji (단무지) or pickled radish, Cockles, Cabbage Salad, and Fish Cakes. In practice, side dishes are usually unlimited in Korean restaurants, but you have to request for it.

Two complimentary slices of Watermelon are served at the conclusion of the meal. For a bill which costs over RM100.00, the restaurant should have been more generous in this sense.

Overall, we love many dishes that Daorae has to offer. Compared to Korea Palace at Krystal Point, the pricing is similar but Daorae is the slight edge in terms of taste. Nevertheless, Korean food burns quickly in our wallets, so such visits are only reserved for special occasions.