Chef's Noodle: Affordable Korean Fare + Giveaway

Saturday, August 25, 2012
After our trip to Sariwon, I can't help but grow a sudden fondness for Korean cuisine. Luckily, a new yet affordable Korean dining destination has opened in the Metro. Direct from South Korea, we can now enjoy the creations of celebrity Chef Choi In Sun at the newly-opened master franchise of Chef's Noodle in University Mall, Taft Avenue.
Chef's Noodle

Endorsed by the famed chef alongside Ms. Grace Lee, Chef's Noodle is a fast casual dining restaurant which specializes in noodles, sushi, and rice meals. With a promise of quality and affordability, this restaurant has gained popularity in its country of origin. And with its arrival in the Philippines, it aims to create a brand famous for giving customers an appealing set of food choices, while providing them value for their money.

Grace Lee and Chef Choi In Sun for Chef's Noodle Interior at Chef's Noodle University Mall

Just this Thursday, I went to the University Mall which is connected to the Vito Cruz LRT Station, to finally get a taste of this budget-friendly Korean resto. And since I've last been in the area about a year ago, I was surprised to see that Chef's Noodle assumed the spot of Frutti Froyo, a self-service frozen yogurt place I used to frequent. However, I'm quite liking the wide, sufficiently-lit and Wi-Fi-enabled space of the restaurant which makes it a perfect dining and hangout destination for students in Taft Avenue.

Starking Fire Sushi P160

Upon checking the menu, it was the Starking Fire Sushi (P160) which caught our attention. This Chef's Noodle signature dish has five pieces of raw beef sushi which the server will cook on the spot using a blowtorch. And while this item had a really entertaining presentation, it wasn't all eye-candy as the torching method helped make the beef tender and moist. I can clearly remember how savory every piece was, and surely, a trip to Chef's Noodle wouldn't be complete without ordering this.

Bulgogi Kimbap P95

We also tried the Bulgogi Kimbap (P95), ten big rolls of flavorful beef, leeks and rice wrapped in nori, and topped with mayo and sesame seeds. And although I find regular kimbap already satisfying, this bulgogi version is all the more pleasurable for the palate. The beef is tender, a little sweet and very savory, perfect with rice and some soy sauce.

Seafood Pajun P99

I've recently been into savory pancakes, so we also ordered the Seafood Pajun (P99) which is a big Korean pancake packed with shrimp and squid pieces, spring onions and bell pepper, and served in a bamboo steamer. Although this dish looked enticing, it was not what I was expecting. The pancake was a little too dry for my liking, and it seemed to be more of an omelette. However, it wasn't that bad especially with some soy sauce on.

Wanja Steak Jun P175

We also had the Wanja Steak Jun (P175), a big serving of the resto's take on a beef burger steak, topped with a square cheese and a fried egg, and served in a bamboo steamer. While this is said to be a bestseller, I didn't quite dig it. The burger steak's texture is indeed soft, but the beef had some unpleasant aftertaste. Good thing the fried egg, cheese and savory sauce somehow balanced out the flavor. And I think, this can also be a nice viand to plain rice than when eaten on its own.

Chef's Noodle P150

Since it bore the restaurant's name, we also got a bowl of Chef's Noodle (P150), a signature noodle dish in beef and anchovy broth, topped with bulgogi, fried tofu, beansprouts, leeks, spring onions, chili pepper and egg roll. Being a Korean noodle dish, I expected this bowl to be really spicy. Fortunately, it was only mildly so. The broth was instead very flavorful with flat noodles cooked into a firm yet chewy texture. The toppings were also very enjoyable especially the crunchy beansprouts and savory bulgogi.

Jjampong P195

One of my companions was brave enough to order a serving of Jjampong (P195), a spicy Korean seafood and vegetable ramen. While I was quite hesitant to try this noodle soup, I was surprised to find out that it wasn't as spicy as I thought. Alright, it's still hot especially for someone with a lower spiciness threshold. But for spicy food lovers, I think you can ask your server to even amp up the heat level. And although I honestly didn't get too much into the seafood toppings, I enjoyed slurping the noodles with the spicy broth.

Chicken Kas with Free Soup P130

Our last dish for the trip was the Chicken Kas (P130), a bowl of breaded chicken fillet with special sauce atop a serving of plain rice, which also comes with a free bowl of soup. Among the main dishes, this is no doubt my most favorite. While I generally prefer pork than chicken, the chicken fillet pieces in this rice bowl dish was very tender on the inside, yet quite crispy on the outside. The sweet and savory blend of its sauce also made the chicken dish all the more satisfying.

Lemon and Strawberry Iced Tea P35 each

For drinks, I ordered the Lemon Iced Tea (P35 Regular; P55 Refillable) which is a refreshing citrus concoction perfect to wash off the strong flavors of Korean food. Although I'm not certain if they made use of brewed tea, one thing's for sure, this is not the typical Nestea iced tea served in most restaurants. My friend on the other hand, opted for the Strawberry Iced Tea (P35 Regular; P55 Refillable), another refreshing blend of iced tea, but this time, with a berry twist.

THE VERDICT

This trip has proven that Chef's Noodle is definitely a good restaurant for budget-friendly Korean dishes. Aside from a nice resto space and prompt service, their serving portions are generous especially for the affordable prices. For about a hundred bucks per food item, you can already share your order with a friend. And although there were 2 dishes that didn't make a good impression on me, there are more items which I will definitely be coming back for. Oh, and I also have to try the Japchae and Bibimbap next time!

Taste - 3.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4.5/5
Overall Value - 4/5


Chef's Noodle, University Mall
2/F University Mall, Taft Ave.,
Malate, Manila
Philippines
(02) 405-0129
Official Website
Facebook Page


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Now that I got to try Chef's Noodle for myself, I'm giving you the chance to get a taste of affordable Korean dishes as I raffle off P1000-worth of gift cards to 1 lucky winner.

Chef's Noodle Giveaway

Prize: Two P500 or P1000-worth of Chef's Noodle gift cards valid for food and drinks at the University Mall branch until September 10, 2012.

To enter the giveaway raffle, you will need to do the following:
  1. Be a Metro Manila resident or someone (even not within Metro Manila) who can actually use the prize before its expiry, or have a person you'll give these prizes to in case you can't use them.

  2. Like The Purple Doll and Chef's Noodle Philippines on Facebook.

  3. Click THIS and post the following message on the text box:
    @The Purple Doll is giving away P1000-worth of GCs from @Chef's Noodle Philippines! http://bit.ly/QzIf1T Let's win some awesome prizes @Friend 1, @Friend 2, @Friend 3
    Make sure that you tag The Purple Doll and Chef's Noodle Philippines pages, 3 of your friends, and have set your wall post public.

  4. Follow this blog thru Google Friend Connect which can be found at the sidebar under the label Followers.

  5. Lastly, leave a comment to this post with the following info:
    Name:
    GFC Name:
    Email Address:
    FB Post Link:
    Note: To get the FB post link, click the timestamp. Example: 5 seconds ago

The giveaway raffle will run from today until August 31, 11:59PM. The winners will be chosen via Random Picker and will be announced on September 1. So join now and get a taste of affordable Korean fare from South Korea's own Chef's Noodle.

Disclaimer: Chef's Noodle GCs were provided by the good folks from Chef's Noodle Philippines.

75 comments:

  1. Name: Denise Rayala
    GFC Name: Nanay Bebeng
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  2. Name: Lovelin Tiongco
    GFC Name: All About Love
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  3. Name : Margaret S. Chan
    email : compromise88@yahoo.com
    GFC : Margaret Chan
    https://www.facebook.com/margaret.chan.771/posts/376602535741972

    ReplyDelete
  4. Name:Baby Yap
    GFC Name:victoria
    Email Address:fkodie@ymail.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/kodie.flores/posts/369776199759870

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  5. Name: Melissa Ong
    GFC Name: hampaslupa
    Email Address: melissa_ong08@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/hampaslupa88/posts/357090251037970

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maria Christina Gumatay
    GFC: Istin
    istin_21@yahoo.com
    http://www.facebook.com/istin/posts/517888238225096

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  7. Name: Kaycee Escober
    GFC Name: kaycee escober
    Email Address: kaycee.escober@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/pabkaycee/posts/450213598356067

    ReplyDelete
  8. Name: Kharl Angelo Vargas
    GFC Name: kharl16angelo
    Email Address: kharl.vargas_16@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/gelo.adu.vargas/posts/484118924931453

    hope to win! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Name: Abigail Sy
    GFC Name: gayle sy
    Email Address: abigail(dot)sy(at)chartisphiils(dot)com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/gayle.sy/posts/423022511068910

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  10. Name: Jalysa Reyes
    GFC Name: Jalysa Reyes
    Email Address: ekay525@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:

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  11. Name: Rhiyaisa Brillo
    GFC Name: Rhiyaisa Brillo
    Email Address: rai.brillo@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/rhiyaisa.brillo/posts/271038236345600

    ReplyDelete
  12. NAME: Maricris Roxas
    GFC NAME: Maricris Roxas
    EMAIL ADDRESS: rmacky_23@yahoo.com
    FB POST LINK: http://www.facebook.com/maricris.roxas.1/posts/291028254337565

    ReplyDelete
  13. Name: Gerlie Distor
    GFC Name: Gerlie Distor
    Email Address: gwerlie_1005@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/gwerlie1005/posts/446530238731871

    ReplyDelete
  14. Name: Cha Sy
    GFC Name: Travelonashoestring
    Email Address: chasy8@gmail.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/travelonshoestring/posts/199525406844379

    ReplyDelete
  15. Name:Carolyn Ong
    GFC Name:Carolyn Ong
    Email Address: rolter2002@gmail.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/carol.ong.12/posts/490309257665428

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  16. Name:Carina Taco
    GFC Name:@Athiena17
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    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/carinataco/posts/219327778193977

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  17. Name: Tricia Mae Punzalan
    GFC Name: trishchaos♥ / @Itchaaaa
    Email Address: trishapunzalan@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/Itchaaaa/posts/151086755029561

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  18. Name: Tricia Mae Punzalan
    GFC Name: trishchaos♥ / @Itchaaaa
    Email Address: trishapunzalan@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/Itchaaaa/posts/151086755029561

    ReplyDelete
  19. Huhuhuhu... I love to join the contest. But I am from Davao. :(
    Anyway thanks for sharing this delectable foods. I am hungry now.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Teresa Hundana
    teresahundana
    teresahundana@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/teresa.hundana/posts/520555011293741

    ReplyDelete
  21. Mary Cheyzerr Hundana
    cheyzerr hundana
    cheyzerr.hundana@yahoo.com
    http://www.facebook.com/mary.cheyzerr/posts/343916869029004

    ReplyDelete
  22. Mary Zeychelle Hundana
    zeychelle_hundana
    zeychelle_hundana@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/zeychelle/posts/261614853955961

    ReplyDelete
  23. John Michell Hundana
    tic_tac_toe16
    tic_tac_toe1616@yahoo.com

    https://www.facebook.com/john.michell.7/posts/429061180478617

    ReplyDelete
  24. wilfred hundana
    wilfred hundana
    maganda_kuno2006@yahoo.com

    http://www.facebook.com/willy.vh.1/posts/334298543326973

    ReplyDelete
  25. Name: Carizza Chua
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    Email Address: carizzachua@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/carizzachua/posts/273876729383043

    ReplyDelete
  26. Name: Cheska E. Pagsanjan
    GFC Name: Cheska Pagsanjan
    Email Address: cheska_1234@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/mvcep/posts/449366655108193

    ReplyDelete
  27. that fire sushi looks so yummy! i love korean foods and even japanese too~ xx

    ReplyDelete
  28. university mall always brings back good memories

    ReplyDelete
  29. i dont like korean dishes cause i find its taste weird but this is getting me so curious :D

    ReplyDelete
  30. good luck to the participants. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Name: Eileen Mae Chan
    GFC Name: Eileen Mae Chan
    Email Address: eileenmae_chan@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileenmaechan/posts/137319943078106

    ReplyDelete
  32. Bam Amor
    http://www.facebook.com/bam.amor/posts/356526904422187
    adobotech@gmail.com
    Adobotech

    ReplyDelete
  33. Name: Theodosia Musni
    GFC Name: Theo Lanuza Musni
    Email Address: theomusni@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/theo.musni/posts/311969698901036

    ReplyDelete
  34. Name: Dawn Catherine Llanera
    GFC Name: Peachy Pink Sisters
    Email Address: peachypinksisters@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.llanera/posts/433800389997006

    ReplyDelete
  35. buhay pa pala ang UM. I used to eat lunch there everyday when I was still going to dlsu. I'd love to try this place, but it's so far from where I live now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UM was renovated over a year ago, and maaliwalas na dun ngayon, with lots of restos pa to choose from.. :D

      Delete
  36. name: leo rances garcia
    gfc name: leogarcia
    email add:leyo_garcia@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/leo.r.garcia.73/posts/198853230245538

    ReplyDelete
  37. Name: MERRY JANE OCOL
    GFC Name:merryjane ocol
    Email Address:merryjaneocol@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/merryjane.c.ocol/posts/136364256508509

    ReplyDelete
  38. Goodluck to everyone! I want to join kaso hindi ako pupunta sa Manila eh haha sa Cebu sana meron din ganyan! XD

    ReplyDelete
  39. Name: marie mangaliman
    GFC Name: marie mangaliman
    Email Address: tinkiewinkie25@gmail.com
    FB Post Link:
    https://www.facebook.com/evamarie.mangaliman/posts/439396029432051

    ReplyDelete
  40. Name:Cotz yuson
    GFC Name: Cotz Yuson
    Email Address: qtcotz@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/qtcotz/posts/179733312151971

    ReplyDelete
  41. Name:maryleen purugganan
    GFC Name:lheen SANTOR
    Email Address:relheen@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/msantor/posts/429542647097028

    ReplyDelete
  42. Teresa Hundana
    teresahundana
    teresahundana@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/teresa.hundana/posts/266348410148771

    ReplyDelete
  43. in rainy days like this, that noodle soup would be a perfect companion.
    seemed like you hit one very affordable resto, i particularly liked that the kimbap is only 95 pesos.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Awww I wasn't able to go to this event! :( I would love to try this out soon! Would also help since I'd be able to see DLSU again <3 Haha!

    ReplyDelete
  45. my family will never say no to noodles :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Name: agnes espino
    GFC Name: agnes mabel espino
    Email Address: agnesneriaespino@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/agnes.neriaespino?ref=tn_tnmn#!/agnes.neriaespino/posts/173788826090154

    ReplyDelete
  47. The place is a great and cheaper alternative Korean treat compared to the more popular but pricey ones.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Name: Sella Goden
    GFC Name: ellatok
    Email Address: sellagoden(at)yahoo(dot)com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/sella.goden/posts/484946721517508

    ReplyDelete
  49. Food overload once again. I love this post and the whole blog itself.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Everything looks so nice! The seafood Pajun, the steak and the soup! And not too expensive too huh :)

    ReplyDelete
  51. Seriously would want to eat there now! Very yummy looking dishes especially the burger steak!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Very delish ... as I have told Ive gone awol but I'm back. :) I missed all your foodie post. Despite the fact that it makes me starve like a cow. :P

    ReplyDelete
  53. Gina Rogelio
    gina_rogeFacebook share URL: http://www.facebook.com/gina.rogelio.7/posts/428704110501348.
    lio@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Name: Camile Flores
    GFC Name: Mimi
    Email Address: camile_flores@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/camileflores/posts/342759299151417

    ReplyDelete
  55. Name: Elca Javier
    GFC Name: Elca Javier
    Email Address: elcajavier@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: http://www.facebook.com/elca.javier/posts/219371324858056

    ReplyDelete
  56. I got to taste the seafod pajun when my korean boss treated us for lunch way back my corporate days. It was good.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Name:Lorraine Palines
    GFC Name:Raine Palines
    Email Address:palines_lorraine07@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:http://www.facebook.com/asawinijayjayhelterbrand13/posts/109325029217323

    ReplyDelete
  58. Good luck to all who'll be joining. Heto din ba yung event nung Aug 23?

    ReplyDelete
  59. Looks good! Kind of far from where I am though... :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Teresa Hundana
    teresahundana
    teresahundana@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/teresa.hundana/posts/430686790316938

    ReplyDelete
  61. The dishes all look so yummy. I love Korean cuisine as well so this shall be bookmarked. Thanks for sharing. And good luck with the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  62. nice photography, like it! the foods looks great, i love korean dishes! ganda ng new layout ng blog mo, sis!

    Anyway, I'm inviting you to my Pink Fashion Grand Launch
    Hope to see you there on September 20!

    It’s a GIRL Thing

    ReplyDelete
  63. My kind of place! I've been on protein diet so I guess I'm good in this restaurant, except for the rice of course, the wanju steak had me at hello!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Name: Marizza Domingo
    GFC Name: BLUJAYfromMars
    Email Address: modomingo@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/marizdomingo/posts/488026007875509

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GFC Name: Jay's BFF(8/16/2012) / BLUJAYfromMars (i dunno which is which, i mean which of these two is my GFC name..sorry)

      Delete
  65. Rachelle Therese F. Gonzales
    Rachelle Therese F. Gonzales
    dimplesgon@yahoo.com
    https://www.facebook.com/dimplesgon/posts/312591818838204

    ReplyDelete
  66. I love to try the CHEF's NOODLE... actually, i want to try it ASAP... this weekend maybe. The dishes you posted are soooooo, deliciously inviting my taste buds

    ReplyDelete
  67. Name: Jennie Lyn Cuyco
    GFC Name: Jennie Lyn Cuyco
    Email Address: jlacuyco@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/cuycojennieLyn/posts/337318403023994

    ReplyDelete
  68. Name: Gizette Cao
    GFC Name: Gizette Cao
    Email Address: gizettecao@gmail.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/zette.zi/posts/255659721220957

    ReplyDelete
  69. I wanna try this that noodles looks like appealing to my tongue!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Name:Ayrond Aquino
    GFC Name:Ron Aquino
    Email Address:aayrond@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link:https://www.facebook.com/Roooooonnn/posts/10201812950664689

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Ayrond, sorry but the giveaway for this has long ended. August 2012 >.<

      Delete
  71. Name: Zestian R. Revilleza
    GFC Name: Naitsez Azelliver
    Email Address: zrevilleza@yahoo.com
    FB Post Link: https://www.facebook.com/zez.azelliver/posts/545592148823689

    OH NO! trying my best out of this! didn't notice that the giveaway was already year ago (T^T)

    ReplyDelete

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