Shinmapo Korean BBQ (The Gardens Mall)

The kimchi pancake here is quite worth trying, slightly thicker pancake but filled with squid, shrimps and loads of kimchi. I like it when the pancake edge is slightly crispy. RM36 per serving.

Friday evening dilemma, when every restaurants here are packed during dinner time. Remember to call ahead whenever you wish to dine here. We gave up waiting on the first time as we were requested to wait for an hour. This time round we manage to sit in but they nearly missed our bookings.

The server here recommended us to try the beef rib fingers with garlic marinate. The beef “fingers” are from a special dicing technique, where each piece comes with decent amount of marbling on the meat. Carefully selected by the chef and well marinated beef ribs. I’m surprise that it was of a local source beef. They tasted similar to some USDA beef, juicy and fatty. RM55 per 150g.

At this Gardens Mall outlet, large tables come with cosy seats while the space is ventilated well for a comfortable environment. Huddle over the grill with a group — either for family dinners or celebrations with your colleagues! Shinmapo is known for being the first to bring in Galmaegisal or Pork Skirt (from RM27), a sparsely available cut found between the belly and ribs. The premium Galmaegisal is juicy, turning out denser flavours than most parts. Order The Shimapo Ultimate Set D (RM128 for two to four pax), which includes this coveted pork skirt in addition to more pork, mixed grill and a warming pot of military stew. The trendy dining experience also comes with plenty of cheese-pull moments, courtesy of a kimchi egg crust with melting cheese. End the meal on an explosive note — the Volcano Fried Rice (RM33) mimics its namesake with a lava-like centre of oozy egg.
Avg price per person: RM40
Photo by Burpple Tastemaker Ben Gee

They claimed themselves as Korea's No. 1 BBQ restaurant which having more than 500 BBQ restaurant worldwide with more than 430 outlets in Korea. The first outlet was at ground floor, SS15 Courtyard, and their second outlet is located at level three in The Gardens Mall. To be specific, their shop is just located next to Sushi Zanmai and in front of Moo Cow. Food in frame: Ultimate Set D (RM128) BBQ set that meant for 2-4 pax, which included 200g of Pork Skirt Meat (Spicy), 200g of Pork Belly, 200g of Marinated Pork Collar, a piece of Marinated Pork Skin, Mixed Grilled Platter, Army Stew, Side Dishes and Signature Kimchi Egg Crust. The portion of food is quite generous. Love the taste of pork skirt meat. Although it labeled with the spicy sign on the menu, however the spicy level is still able to handle. Not a fans of army stew due to the common korean restaurant in kl usually served with much spicier as I thought but this one is acceptable. On the side note, do remember to finish the cheese to avoid over cooked and become texture like eggs. Other than that, we also ordered Volcano Fried Rice (add ons RM25) which is really tasty, especially the eggs that surrounds around the fried rice. And also, they are serving delicious makgeolli (rice wine), soju (contain alcohol) and various of drinks. Visited on Sunday and its full house from 1pm-2pm. If you prefer less crowded dining experience, weekdays might be a wise choice.

Premium pork skirt meat with cheesy ring for double enjoyment

Juicy tender pork skirt dipping in hot creamy cheese. So cheesy, me likey
(Shinmapo Ultimate Set with Cheese RM128)

Shinmapo Ultimate Set with Cheese included:
• Various of pork meat (pork skirt, pork belly and etc)
• Seafood (prawn and scallop)