The exploration of restaurants around my office continued with a visit to Bibab Express, a Korean place specializing in Bibimbap, Teriyaki, and Sushi.
It's a small space with seating for maybe around 10 diners so most of their business is takeout. Ordering and pickup is done at the counter and they have an open display fridge for premade sushi and other items. I went for a late lunch so this was mostly empty.
I ordered the Bibimbap and was offered a choice of Korean style or Canadian style. Huh? I was shown a premade Korean one, topped with a fried egg or the other choice (Canadian) was to have one custom made. I chose that option.
I started by choosing my rice (white, brown, or black), choosing my protein (chicken, beef, salmon, tofu), choosing my vegetables, and then the level of spiciness (via different sauces). I chose beef with black rice and all the veggies except cucumber (yuck), and medium spicy gochujang sauce, topped with half a hard boiled egg.
Putting the dish together was just an assembly job. All the cooked items were already cooked and the cold items were already chopped and set up like a salad bar. It's an efficient way that works well during busy periods.
Mixing all the ingredients together, the traditional way of eating bibimbap, yielded a nice blend of flavours. It wasn't bad but I would have preferred hot beef and a hot fried egg.
The proprietor (owner?) was friendly and the place was clean but nothing stood out to make me want to rush back for another visit. That doesn't mean I won't be back. read more