Today two of my coworkers and I went to Seoul Garden for some Korean food. This place is a true hidden treasure, kind of tucked away off State St. across from the Damons in a little business park. But it was so tasty! I love food that is priced very decent (by Ann Arbor standards) that also tastes good, is different, and most important…satisfying!

The overall ambiance of the place is very warm and cultural. When you walk in, you instantly smell a sweet soy sauce that makes your entire stomach growl a million times more. It’s a pretty big place and some of their tables have built-in hot plates so your food can keep warm – genius! The staff was the best part. They are the sweetest, most helpful and polite people ever, which always makes for a more enjoyable experience.

I knew instantly I wanted the bibimbap (or bibimbab as they spell it on their menu). If you don’t know what that is, it’s basically a bowl with carrots, mushrooms, bean sprouts, thin noodles, and a fried egg on top. Of course, you have your choice of meat and it’s traditionally served with beef or pork. I got the vegetarian, which came with fried tofu. Oh my goodness! It was so tasty. In addition to your meal, your server will bring out a plethora of sides to complement your meal as well as miso soup and rice. The sides are put in the middle of your table to be enjoyed family style – and boy did we!

If you’ve never had Korean food, it’s really good! I think the bibimbap is a simple, delicious and traditional dish to order if it’s your first time having Korean food. But if you’re really not up for it, they also have a full sushi and sashimi menu. And speaking of food, here’s what we had:

The sides we were served first (with miso soup and also a side or rice for each diner). Clockwise from the top left: Kim chi (fermented cabbage – believe me, it’s good though), a mashed potato that was savory and sweet (delicious), seaweed, swet and sour pork, and some kind of root vegetable with bell peppers. It was all good mix of sweet and sour and salty.

Vegetarian bibimbap! As you can see, it’s a pretty decent-sized portion

Wreckage. All this food and we each paid between $9-10. Not bad at all!