The best Korean BBQ in California

lisadang (61)in #food • 6 years ago (edited)

There are literally hundreds of Korean BBQ restaurants in California, so it can get a little overwhelming when you´ve got that bulgogi craving and you´re trying to decide where to go. Luckily I had a friend in California, who showed me around and introduced me to several delicious restaurants. Korean BBQ is best enjoyed with a big group of friends. You can share huge amounts of meat and a variety of side dishes.

The very first Korean BBQ restaurant I visited was GEN in the City San Jose, the largest city in Northern California. The character for GEN simply means, „The beginning“. GEN is looking to transcend the norm of Korean BBQ by fusing different flavors that they have discovered using ingredients from different parts of the world.

I felt very relaxed and cosy while dining at GEN. The whole place was lit in cool low blue lighting, with the exception of cold red light installed on the walls; giving off a smooth, city-like modern vibe. I honestly lost track of time when I dined there and could spend so many more, if I had more time.

The menu offers a wide variety of choices: From boundless menu options consisting of freshly prepared meats, seafood and vegetables, to traditional Korean side-dishes. What I really love about GEN is the friendly staff who present the dishes directly to your table, where you can enjoy watching them prepare the food for you.

So what did we order?

Of course I had to start with Kimchi! Kimchi is a traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes, with a variety of seasonings including chili powder, garlic, ginger etc. I could literally eat a whole bowl of it!

Bulgogi - It is Korean-style- grilled or roasted dish made of thin, marinated slices of beef or pork and probably one of the best known Korean `fire-meat´ BBQ dish other than Kimchi.

Pork Belly - called Samgyeopsal. Those are fatty grilled slices of pork belly. The meat is usually neither marinated nor seasoned. If you are a big lover of pig, samgyeopsal is something you can´t miss eating!

Go ahead, order up some meat, maybe a beer or soju, and get ready for a Korean BBQ fest with family and friends.

BTW, I hope you had a good start into the new year 2018! A lot of things will change this year in regards to old and new projects. I hope you will stay motivated and that you will never loose sight of your goals.