So I randomly passed by this Korean BBQ Restaurant MapoGalmaegi or in short also called MaGal Resto at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) when we were having no clue of where to eat for dinner. I saw a big note on the window with white paper says that this restaurant has been open since 01 October 2014, and they’re still giving a 10 % discount until now. Wohoo! I was with my family that night, and they were curious about this Magal Resto, so we go in to see what’s inside. Mapogalmaegi is a Korean BBQ Restaurant originated from Korea, and they already have 450 stores in Korea, 25 stores in China, 1 store in Thailand, 3 stores in USA and this is the first outlet in Indonesia. You can easily find this restaurant because the location is quite strategic, after the Shirokuma Cafe and before Gomawo Restaurant at PIK.
The place is simple, not too big, and they arrange some round tables, which only fit for two persons to the wall side, gives a clear pathway for people to passing by around. Here in Magal Resto, everyone can choose whether they want the meat to be grilled on their own table or not. Of course, I opted the meat to be grilled on our table, so we can see the grill process too.
What I like about eating in a Korean Restaurant is when they serve us with Banchan (Korean appetizers) or often called as Korean side dishes. Since our table is pretty small, I couldn’t capture a picture of each side dish. But I’ll share with you some side dishes that I found unique, interesting, and delicious, that I rarely find in other Korean Restaurant. Pssst, you can always ask for more Banchan if you want to and no additional charge at all.
Fresh Salad with Black Sesame Dressing
This was absolutely a unique Banchan I’ve ever found in a Korean Restaurant. The vegetables were so fresh, served with black dragon fruits, cherry tomatoes, almonds, and black sesame dressing. Beautiful combinations! They served a lot of it in a big bowl and can share up to 3-4 persons. So fresh and tasted good!
Kimchi, Gochujang Sauce and Korean Pickle Garlic
Kimchi Omelette
In addition to fresh salads, this Kimchi Omelette also becomes our favorite Banchan. Outer ring of the grill works to cook the egg mixture slowly while they grilled the meat on the middle part. I see them sprinkled chopped kimchi before pouring the egg mixture. No wonder the egg has a complex flavor, so tasty and irresistible!!
Our meal wouldn’t complete if we didn’t order their signature Korean BBQ dish. We tried the Marinated Prime Short Ribs and Pork Skirtmeat too.
Mapo Marinated Prime Short Rib (Mapo Daejigalbi), IDR 95.8K
We are tempted to try the pork ribs because it’s our favorite. This dish is usually known as Galbi or ribs in many Korean Restaurant. One of the waiters helped us to grilled the prime short ribs over charcoal, which has been marinated overnight in Korean soy sauce. The prime ribs were also cut in thin slices across the bones, to make it easier to eat with chopsticks. The rib meat was very tender and well marinated with sweet flavor. Not to forget, the dipping sauce with onions on the table added a sweet and savory flavor to the meat. It was so delicious and enjoyable to eat!
Mapo Pork Skirtmeat (Mapo Galmaegi), IDR 95.8K
Pork Skirtmeat is a rarely used cut of meat found in between the diaphragm and liver of a pig. Pork Skirtmeat is healthier than any other parts, because this cut is low in fat and contains a sufficient amount of vitamin D, etc. As expected, the galmaaegisal (pork skirtmeat) that already pre-cut into convenient bite-sized pieces, infused with intensely smoky flavor. The meat was so juicy and tender. We all loved it!
Dolsot Bibimbap (Hot Stone Pot Bibimbap), IDR 89.8K
I usually order Bibimbap too, when in Korean Restaurant. A delicious mix of rice served in a hot stone bowl, and beautifully arranged with Namul (sauteed and seasoned vegetables), fried egg, and sliced meat. As usual, we should mix everything together before we eat this dish because all the ingredients supposed to be cooked from the heat of the bowl. It was delicious, but I was feeling a bit disappointed because Dolsot Bibimbap should (and usually) come with a raw egg. However, they let us added the gochujang (Korean chili paste) sauce freely based on our needs.
Haemul Sundubu Jjigae, IDR 69.8K
Sundubu Jjigae is also my favorite soup when in Korean Restaurant. It’s a Korean Kimchi stew made with tofu, some vegetables, clams, and egg with spicy broth infused from the Kimchi that gave a complex and tasty flavor. It was a hearty soup, hot-sour and flavorful, but we did not get to finish the soup because it was too spicy for us.
Overall experience, Magal Resto (MapoGalmaegi Korean BBQ Restaurant) is a nice place to enjoy Korean BBQ with quite affordable prices and a different variety of Banchan. A friendly service, good quality of meat, and affordable prices made us leave the restaurant stuffed and happy. So for all the carnivores out there, you might want to try MaGal Resto when you’re craving for a Korean BBQ Cuisine at Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK).
SUBSCRIBE NOW on Myfunfoodiary’s YouTube to see our Travel Tips Videos!
Click Here —> Bandung Culinary for your reference
Japan TIPS <— Click Here
August 10, 2015
Hi Mullie,
I heard from my friend that now Mapogalmaegi has been closed, dunno if permanent or not.
August 15, 2015
Oh yaa? Thank you Michael for the info, will check it out too! 🙂
August 18, 2015
Hi Michael, bbrp hari lalu aku lewat restoran ini ternyata masih buka mereka.. Aman! 🙂