Masil: Top-Tier Korean Cuisine in Manila
Admittedly, I’m still reeling in from my Dining Snippets series in South Korea, that I thought it’d be fitting to follow it up with my favorite Korean restaurant in Manila, Masil. If you can’t book a flight to Korea, booking a table in Masil is the next best thing for you to nurse that Korean food craving.
Fortunately, its newest location is conveniently located in SM Megamall’s Fashion Hall, a mere 10 to 15 minute ride away from where I work.
Personally, I’m not a fan of the unlimited Korean barbecue concept since quality is often compromised for affordability. These concepts often attract long queues and crowded tables that make your dining experience less than ideal; which is why I tend to gravitate towards Korean restaurants which have ala carte options (and they seem to be growing less in number as some good concepts - like Sibyullee - have turned over to the dark side of unlimited servings.
BULGOGI (180 g/P560)
An order of any of their main dishes entitles you to their extensive Banchan spread, which easily beats out most local Korean restaurants in terms of quantity and quality. A personal favorite of mine would be the marinated fishcakes, and the perilla leaves (for wrapping your grilled meats); while other items such as its steamed egg and soybean paste soup, which usually is ordered a la carte in other restaurants, also come for free.
SAMGYEUPSAL (180g / P370)
Masil boasts of a variety of meat cuts; but we’re more than happy to stick to the regular Samgyeupsal and Bulgogi. The Samgyeupsal features thick cuts of its juicy pork belly that’s oozing with natural umami flavor. Dip it in some sesame oil and salt or spice it up with some gochujang before wrapping it in a perilla leaf for that perfect bite. The Bulgogi is made up of sweetly marinated strips of beef brisket, with just enough marbling to offer a consistently juicy bite.
KIMCHI JJIGAE (P350)
Waitresses always make it a point to remind us that the banchan already serves complimentary soup whenever we order the Kimchi Jjigae (which is quite thoughtful of them, actually); but a Korean craving is never fully nursed without helping yourself to a serving of this beloved soup. The sourness from the pickled Kimchi is contrasted with enough saltiness and heat to make for a warm and hearty bowl.
HAEMUL PAJEON (P370)
I’m really not a big fan of Haemul Pajeon; but I do acknowledge its multi-functional role in the Korean banquet. It serves as a tastier filler than rice; it usually comes at a serving size meant for sharing which gives you more bang for your buck, and gives you that much needed break when things get a little bit spicy.
OSAM BULGOGI (P550)
Inspired by one of the dishes we enjoyed in Korea, we ordered the Osam Bulgogi, which has both squid and pork as its front-liners, fully clothed in an anchovy-based chili sauce. Of course, the heat level of Masil has been adjusted to the Filipino palate, so you can dig into this tasty dish without chasing each bite with a gulp of water; but it’s still a dish that desperately looks for rice as its companion.
If you're craving for Korean food, Masil is always a choice that never disappoints.
Masil
4F, SM Megamall Fashion Hall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Date of Visit: April 13, 2019 with Lily Chua and Jem Chua
