With the Korean cuisine trend on the rise, Bibigo follows last year’s Bab Mukjang in bringing a similar experience to Ateneo. From Bibimbap to Korean Fried Chicken, this JSEC stall serves customers a satisfying, customizable take on such classics. 

Taste

Bibigo’s Bibimbap comprises of rice, egg, carrots, cabbage, as well as the customer’s meat preference (either samgyupsal pork or chicken) and sauce of choice. To top it all off, the dish is sprinkled with sesame seeds that give a subtle hint of roasted flavor to the meal. Overall, the mix of the meat, sauce, and other ingredients produces a meal that perfectly complements itself.

Yet the main event of this mix is the carefully seasoned meat. The samgyupsal pork is served in thick slices that are grilled to juicy perfection though still tender to the bite. Its soy and sesame marinade strikes the right balance between sweet and salty while leaving room for the sauces to kick things up a notch. 

Each of the sauces caters to a different palate. First, the traditional Gochujang is a sweet and spicy fermented paste—the perfect partner to the meat’s saltier flavor. There are also two bulgogi sauces, both of which have a smoky yet somewhat nutty taste. However, the Bulgogi and Spicy Bulgogi differ not only in spice level but in the mellow sweetness of the former as well. The bestselling Bulgogi sauce gives it to you plain and simple, acting as the tamer option that blends well with the rest of the meal. Despite the distinct sauces’ flavors, no components of the dish were overpowered.

The second dish on the menu, Bibigo’s boneless Korean Fried Chicken has tender meat in a crunchy, flavored coating. The Honey-Garlic flavor has a light taste, with its candied, saccharine notes that are sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. The Sweet and Spicy option, though similar to the former with its dulcet approach, adds a mild spiciness that gives a slight kick of heat later on. Nonetheless, the standout variant is clearly Soy-Garlic, with its salty yet tangy savor cutting through the coating to elevate the chicken itself.

Concept

Bibigo’s stall owners observed that most JSEC food was fried, which is why they take pride in serving Bibimbap as a wholesome, healthy meal. Although Korean cuisine isn’t entirely new to the cafeteria, Bibigo stands out with the successful execution of its customizable bowls and its cutesy pastel aesthetic.

Value for Money

Bibigo’s Bibimbap appeals to customers with its generous amounts of meat and rice, as well as an ample serving of vegetables. At the prices of Php 110 for the solo and Php 150 for the combo, which includes a side and drink, these offerings sell for a little higher than your average JSEC meal. But compared to fast food chains of the same or higher price point, customers get more with what they’re paying for on campus with Bibigo.

Final Verdict 

Bibigo offers its customers an accessible take on Korean cuisine. The result is not only delectable because of its savory tastes or generous portions, but because of its reasonable prices as well. With its earnest take on Bibimbap and more, Bibigo sets itself apart by offering a delicious yet nutritious meal to gratify anyone’s appetite.

Rating: 5/5

Editors’ Note: In the interest of fairness, Vantage writers only reviewed food that was offered by the stalls during their respective taste tests.

Photos by Casey Mateo