Despite its unfortunate name that I assume does not make one think of a biblical town when said in Korean, Sodam was okay. It doesn't look like much from the outside, and the inside feels like a clean indoor hawker center or tiny canteen. One thing it's got going for it are the prices: the lunch menu is 14€, with a starter, a main bowl, the requisite sides, and tea.
We all ordered gyoza to start (naturally), and it was crispy but otherwise unremarkable. Following my friend's lead, I ordered the beef bulgogi. The waitresses rapidly brought a tiny stove to the table, then a side of rice, then the sides (a miniscule amount of kimchi, syrupy peanuts, green beans, and bean sprouts). Last to arrive was the wok with raw marinated beef and spring onions. According to my friend, the beef is marinated for ages (did she say days? I suddenly can't remember).
We tucked into the sides while the beef cooked, then suddenly the waitresses appeared at our sides to turn off the gas, proclaiming the meat cooked enough. And indeed, it was cooked enough--tangy and chewy, the beef morsels were just the right texture. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal, even though the marinade was sweet and I'm not usually drawn to sweet. The real disappointment was the tray of sides (there was a meager euro-sized amount of kimchi per person!). Bibimbap, also an option on the 14€ menu, is usually my benchmark, so I'll have to test that out next time.
Did I mention we were here on a Saturday? The lunch formula isn't just for weekdays! read more