I’m KIM Korean BBQ (Sota (sch Of The Arts))

Attracted by the Korean looking chef cartoon on the sign board and not forgetting the long queue outside the restaurant. It seemed like this newly commissioned restaurant is drawing such a good crowd from the neighbouring art schools. I approached and watched the busy patrons going to and fro to the food counters, the sound of laughter and the smell of grilled meat made me realised its indeed a happening and popular Korean Barbeque joint...

Located along the walkway of SOTA, heavily used by commuters from the MRT to the Selegie area and the much loved Princep street hip joints, this restaurant literally popped out of nowhere and yet the crowd is amazing. So we made a booking and came back during dinner time and it was still crowded. We were quickly shown our table and yes the seating was a little tight but the atmosphere was somewhat comforting and at home. The sound of laughter and the sizzle of cooked chunks of well seasoned meat combined with the wonderful aroma of a mix of charred grills made me wanna start my food hunt immediately at the raw food bar...

So we went on our hunt... First the condiments and veg sector. A good choice of fresh green vegetables, some simple salad and loads of watermelon sliced carefully to fit into one bite. We got ourselves loads of sesame oil and specially concocted Korean BBQ sauce, while our friends load up on mushrooms, fresh Lettuce, some root vegetables, corns and many vegan stuffs. Then we made our way towards the fresh meat section and boy are we amazed by the selection that was there... While the crowd queued and lifted chunks of various flavoured, chicken, beef and pork out of their tanks, they were quickly replenished with nice cold ones from the kitchen. Service i must say was pretty fast and serving well... generous....

We dished our the loins, ribs and all sorts of cuts, seasoned and fresh and started the table bbq by laying them on the nonstick surfaces. Its a smart electric system that allowed us to control the strength of the heat with extreme precision, as such there weren't many burnt marks or oil splatters. The grill equipment was state of the art and one thing that made us extremely happy was cold water being served in a huge carafe with cups on our table and replenished without us having to ask for it. Though candied drinks are available and free flow, however its nice to have a swish of cold water to clear whatever it is in your mouth.

There is also a cooked food section where you can find 4 types of well broiled soups and my first love, the Ginseng soup which is well laced with load of herbs and chicken i didn't find any. There was steamed rice, fried chicken, spring rolls and many other finger food however one that really caught our favor was the Korean Rice Cake. I admit i weren't quite a fan of this traditional dish and I've tried many even Korean chef made ones which I didn't really like. This however made me wanna have more... Why u think? Such a normal and simple dish could be so different at the hands of different chefs? I cannot comment much coz i'm no chef yet at I'm Kim's Korean BBQ, the rice cake was soft and chewy, not mushy and does not stick to my teeth, the texture was good and the sauce was a well balanced of sour, saltiness and sweetness... The texture of the sauce was also of just the right thickness and the entire combination was outstanding...

Though the restaurant was about 100% packed with eager korean students fighting so hard to get a table, service was quick, friendly and happily good... It was a very good experience and I'm sure to bring more friends to visit them.

Well, we couldn't forget the price... Its much more affordable then the regular joints we go to, a good dinner will set you back about $24 plus plus and the spread and quality of food served was of a good $35 and above, so I must say its a good eat.... Keep up the good work and we will be back for more :)

Some prices for your easy reference:

Regular adult price, Mon - Fri Lunch = S$14 plus plus , Mon-Thur Dinner = S$22 plus plus , Fri Dinner/Sat/Sun/PH/PH Eve = S$24 plus plus

This has officially become one of my favourite joints.... *Yum!*