A couple of weeks ago I headed to the Bulgogi Grill in Leeds and it was quite the experience. We arrived around ten or 15 minutes late, we all assumed each other knew exactly where it was, there was a light festival in the city, technology failed us - we had a lot of reasons but either way - we were late. I hate being late. Maybe it's the two years I worked in the catering industry but there is nothing worse than having a table waltz in late as if nothing has happened - so I expected a frosty response. Turns out we were greeted by smiles and our table all ready for us.
Instantly I was wowed by the stunning decor and actually how small and cosy the place is. It was also full of Asian people, which can only be a good sign.
They handed us menus, which seemed a little unnecessary as there was only one thing on offer - but that was exactly what we came for. For £22.95 per person you get this lovely starter of vegetable mandu dumplings and Korean sushi called kimbap. I'm not a big sushi lover but they were fine, and the dumplings were incredible. More and more I'm being opened up to the incredible things you can do without meat in cooking if you have the know-how.
Instantly I was wowed by the stunning decor and actually how small and cosy the place is. It was also full of Asian people, which can only be a good sign.
They handed us menus, which seemed a little unnecessary as there was only one thing on offer - but that was exactly what we came for. For £22.95 per person you get this lovely starter of vegetable mandu dumplings and Korean sushi called kimbap. I'm not a big sushi lover but they were fine, and the dumplings were incredible. More and more I'm being opened up to the incredible things you can do without meat in cooking if you have the know-how.
We were served so quickly for late people, and next up was the main event. We'd only really started pouring out our wine and talking about how lovely the starter was when our meat turned up. We got three plates full of a mix of pork beef, duck, squid and massive prawns and then lettuce, rice, four dips and eight side dishes. Having no idea what was in-store, we were happy after the first plate thinking 'oh it's a little steep for what you get but lovely' and then the food just kept coming and coming.
Being British, I expected that the staff would be hesitant to offer you more of the side orders, dips, rice and lettuce (which were unlimited) but they actually came to the table to ask us if we wanted anything else and - once they figured out we were 'the more the better' type of people - kept refilling any dishes that were close to empty. The beansprout mix was my personal favourite - could not get enough!
Being British, I expected that the staff would be hesitant to offer you more of the side orders, dips, rice and lettuce (which were unlimited) but they actually came to the table to ask us if we wanted anything else and - once they figured out we were 'the more the better' type of people - kept refilling any dishes that were close to empty. The beansprout mix was my personal favourite - could not get enough!
Everything was absolutely delicious, and on a selfish note, as something that is allergic to nuts it was nice to know that nothing was cooked or smeared in nut oil - they use soy or sesame. For under £23 each we had a lovely two course meal, I mean elsewhere you would easily pay that for one course - where you don't get endless amount of side orders and rice. We had a bottle of wine between the three of us, which was also pretty reasonable at around £17 I think.
Throughout our meal, we were made to feel incredibly welcome and there was just a lovely atmosphere about the place. I think as the kitchen staff and servers don't have to worry about cooking they have far more time to pay attention to their customers and it really shows. I have literally nothing but praise for this place, by the time we were leaving we had already discussed when we were going to come back.
Throughout our meal, we were made to feel incredibly welcome and there was just a lovely atmosphere about the place. I think as the kitchen staff and servers don't have to worry about cooking they have far more time to pay attention to their customers and it really shows. I have literally nothing but praise for this place, by the time we were leaving we had already discussed when we were going to come back.
When we had asked for the bill, they brought us each a glass of Ker Royale - who has complimentary bubbly? This place. It was the perfect end to an absolutely lovely evening. If you love Asian food I would highly recommend it and if - like me - you aren't really a big fan of Japanese/Thai food I urge you to go. This is completely different to everything else I've tasted and is such good value for money.
Cheers Bulgogi!