We were two hungry vegans wandering around P. Noval Street and quite disappointed with the dining options around--mostly joints specializing in BBQ, bagnet, and other dead animals (cry). Luckily we saw Santorini, which initially upon seeing the signage in all its Curlz MT glory made us think "Ooh, there's something Greek and Mediterranean, we're saved" but then we were definitely surprised to know that it's... Korean!?!?! Huh.
And pretty, pretty good Korean in fact. I would say it tastes quite "authentic" but I have no right to say that because I've never actually been to Korea to sample local cuisine. Lots of vegan options such as veggie dumplings, and.. actually I really cannot recall what the other vegetable things are, but they have a good selection on their menu.
I got this cold noodle dish with spicy sauce (that may be gojuchang?!?!), chopped fresh veggies and kimchi. The noodles are really chewy and the spicy sauce really gives the dish a kick (Note: If you're vegan, you have to ask them to omit the hard boiled egg). My closest comparison would be a bibimbap with noodles instead of rice...buuuut if you're Korean that probably sounded grossly inaccurate (Sorry!).
Their bibimbap though is really good and miles away from that bibimbap I am used to having at mall food courts. If you're vegan, request for the meat and egg to be removed.
I still have no clue why this place is called Santorini, as the inside just screams KOREA everywhere--walls with K-Pop star posters and overflowing with notes and doodles from their customers (we are in a school district after all) and not to forget a TV that ~of course~ plays hypnotizing K-Pop concerts on loop. read more