Saturday, May 2, 2015

Uncle Jang Dak Galbi @ Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Competition amongst the Korean Restaurants is getting stiffer with the opening of a renowned brand- Uncle Jang at Vantage Desiran Tanjung. The brand is popular for its Dak Galbi, Korean stir fry marinated Chicken with Go Chu Jang sauce. Uncle Jang is not the first Dak Galbi in that area, Chun Cheon Dak Galbi had the first mover advantage and inevitably, both will be compared as to which one fares better. As far as price is concerned, Uncle Jang seems to be more affordable but they need to improve on the restaurant's air ventilation. Be prepared for a warm, stuffy and sweat-inducing dining experience if you were to visit the place during day time. The heat was unbearable that we actually wished that we could finish the meal quicker. Business was brisk on our visit but the service was attentive, though communicating with the staff was a rough experience (no one seems to understand English well- Korean Bosses with foreign labors).



We had the Original Dak Galbi (Rm 21/ pax, minimum order of 2 pax) with additional order of Udon (Rm 8), Rice Cakes (Rm 6) and Cheese (Rm 6). Portion was good enough for three person. The Go Chu Jang-marinated Chicken seems to possess well-balanced flavors; neither was it too sweet, spicy nor salty. Spicy food lovers should definitely go for their Spicy version (Rm 22/ pax, minimum order of 2 pax) instead of Original. We enjoyed the addition of Cheese, which introduced a cheesy, saltier flavor to the sweet Go Chu Jang sauce. Korean Rice Cake was nicely cooked the right texture, chewy but perfectly cooked through. Just in case you are wondering, the server will cook the Chicken for you, unless you wish to dirty your hands. Udon was lovely, al-dente in texture and worked well with the overall concoction. 

The one million dollar question: Do I prefer Chun Cheon Dak Galbi or Uncle Jang? I actually prefer Uncle Jang's Dak Galbi but I would prefer to dine in a place similar to Chun Cheon (air-conditioned with better ventilation), I would not want myself to smell funny after the meal. 


Assuage the guilt by having some heart-warming Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup stuffed with Glutinous Rice/ Samgyea Tang (Rm 19). The Samgyea Tang was not seasoned, a small plate of Salt was given to us just in case we would prefer to have a sleek of salinity. The Glutinous Rice was said to possess the magical property of transforming the bitterness of Ginseng into a sweet-scented invigorating Herb. Fair enough on the bitterness but the unique and distinctive aroma of Ginseng was too soft to be discerned as well. Chicken on the other hand, was nicely cooked/ braised till tender, meat was easily fall part the nudge of fork. A comforting dish to complement the spicy, saliva-stimulating Dak Galbi. 


Complimentary Ban Chan- Kimchi and Soy sauce pickled Onions


Ratings:
Taste: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Service: 7.5/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Ambiance: 6/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)
Price: 7/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)
Pork-Free
Service Charge: Yes 6%

Additional Information:
Address: No. C-01-10, Vantage Desiran Tanjung, Jalan Desiran Tanjung, 10470, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.
Business Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm on Weekdays; 12 pm to 10 pm on Weekends. Opens Daily.
Contact Number: 6010- 256 7210

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