Quality Korean BBQ- KOBA, London

(Apologies for the wrong Korean spelling in advance!)

Korean barbecue is one of the signature cooking you will find in Korean cuisine. It is a delicious, yet healthy way of cooking, because the meat is cooked with its own natural oil, and evaporates on the grill as you cook it.

The trick is to find a good, authentic restaurant that serves the REAL Korean BBQ.

Koba remains one of the strongest players on the City Korean scene owing to its attention to quality of what many perceives as "casual Korean street food". No doubt I have yet to find a place that can compete with the price tag in New Malden- The popular "Korean Town" in South London, but I promise you will leave this place with satisfaction.

JAPCHAE
Stir fried vermicelli with beef & vegetables

EDITOR's FAVOURITE: This is a Korean classic that I order every time I have Korean. What makes this dish distinctive in Koba is the "oil-free" taste.  I have had many that is soaked in oil and consequently the texture of the glass noodles disappeared. Koba definitely did a good job on this one.


SAMSAEK MILSSAM
Wrapped pancakes with meat & vegetables stuffing - Korean style



EDITOR's FAVOURITE: This starter is served cold. The combination of the sweet crepe and the savoury marinated beef makes the perfect match. Chef uses three different powder (hence different flavour) to make the pastry. If you're a spring roll or pancake fan but wants to try something new, definitely give this a go!

ASSORTED PAJEON
Assorted Korean style pancakes and vegetable tempura



The Barbecue
Depending on your preference, you might or may not like this.
The meat is prepared in front of you on the grill, by the staff, not yourself. The excess oil on the grill are cleaned every time before a new batch of meat is cooked.

Some might want to have a bit of fun grilling the meat. Just tell the staff if this is your intention.



KALBI
Marinated beef spare ribs

EDITOR's FAVOURITE: My ALL TIME favourite BBQ meat. The rib is chosen giving the meat a packed flavour and texture (also soft and tender). Thinly sliced, and marinated in sweet soy sauce and a sesame oil. Oooo I was in heaven eating this!

BULGOGI
Marinated sliced beef rib-eye

SAMGYUPSAL
Thinly sliced pork belly with mild soy sauce dip

Overall Rating: 

(If you are looking for quality over quantity, definitely give this place a try. You can taste difference. Although a little pricey, it can be your occasional treat :) Make sure to tell the staff if you don't want them to grill your meat for you!)

Staff: 
(Staff are generally friendly but I do find that they stress a litle when the place gets very busy.They may also rush you to leave when it's peak time)

Food: 
(The stove/ grill that Koba uses definitely gives your food a kick. The quality of the meat is relatively high and fresh. Side dishes are made with best effort. Presentation is also appetising)

Hygiene: 

Value: 
(Apologies for not posting the prices up. Unfortunately, Koba does not have a website nor an online menu. I can tell you, however, that it is not cheap.
1)BBQ dishes range from £9 - £12 each, but quantities are relatively small.
2)Portions are not big, take japchae (glass noodles) for example. It was approximately £8 but just enough for 2 people to share as a starter)

NB: Review above is a mere personal opinion.