Tradition meets innovation in this new Korean bbq hangout with its lofty ceilings, sleek wood edges, and bright modern lighting. Bibigo, which is known worldwide for its Korean dumplings, sauces, and other prepared foods, operates several casual restaurants throughout California, including one on the infamous Sawtelle Street in LA and here in San Diego at UTC. This latest rendition features reinvention at its best: Bibigo Kitchen’s new look stays true to its original concept in offering customizable counter-style ordering for ease and efficiency, but combined with sleek style, perfect for a date night out or celebratory family gathering. The food is beautifully plated, and the restaurant is vibrantly lighted so you can see Korean meat morsels in all their bbq glory. But it’s not just about the look, the food is… phenomenal.
Let’s take you on a little tour through our favorite dishes:
Platters of colorful pickles stay true to form in their traditional mouth-watering spiciness, but add a little twist with a fried dumpling combo. Yes, please.
Perfectly fermented kimchi (the pillar of Korean cuisine) pair superbly with sweet and spicy marinated cucumbers – a nice palate cleanser between the sizzling platters of meat! Pair it with a side of chap chae (glass noodles with veggies!)
Allow me introduce you to my favorite fried chicken of all time. This is the dish de résistance. Their honey fried chicken is literally the best chicken I have ever tasted. Something about the Korean style double frying that seals in the tenderness of the meat with perfectly crispy skin. May I have seconds please?
Don’t forget to leave space for their lush Korean dumplings (“mandu”). They are filled with the Korean bbq meat themselves. This blew my mind, because as a kid, I grew up on dumplings, so I consider myself something of a dumpling connoisseur. Never before had I eaten dumplings that fused the smoky taste of bbq with the juiciness of a dumpling so artfully and scrumptiously. Ding Tai Fong, you’ve found your rival. These dumplings (pictured below) are literally the tastiest dumplings I have ever eaten. In my life. Go get some… now.
Take it to go, stay for the Korean beer or order delivery. Either way, Bibigo Kitchen’s food will have you swatting your dinner partner’s fork away because you’ll want it all to yourself.
Cant wait to try this! Thank you Ingrid for the great article! Great Pictures!