Best in the West

Never noticed this stall at ABC Market before (also haven't been there in a few months). Since the queue was short, I decided to give it a try. The 𝗕𝗮𝗸 𝗞𝘂𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗵 ($3.50 small, $5.50 large, + $0.50 for rice) was surprisingly tasty. The peppery soup had a subtle sweetness, while the pork ribs were tender. It won't win many accolades, but will suitably satisfy any bkt cravings. My colleague tried the Kway Chap (not pictured) from the same stall, but remarked that it was sub-par.

The 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗲, featuring battered prawns and assorted vegetables, delighted us by being crispy and not overly greasy.

Expertly grilled and lovingly glazed in teriyaki sauce, the 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗸𝗶 and 𝗬𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶 were delicious.

Coming in a close second was the 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗶 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗵𝗶. Beautifully torched, the humongous slabs of salmon perched on soft sushi rice were stunningly scrumptious.

For only $48.90, indulge in a Japanese Ala Carte Buffet featuring a wide variety of dishes, from sashimi and tempura to yakitori and rice bowls. You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice.

The 𝗦𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗶 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗲 was my absolute favourite. The fresh, thick slices of salmon, tuna, yellowtail and swordfish were all mouth-wateringly magnificent. A sashimi lover’s dream come true!

Finally the 𝗦𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 ($16, 6 pcs) was an epic explosion of flavours. Fried to a delectable crisp, the chicken was still juicy and its sweet-savoury profile had us craving for more.

The 𝗗𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗽 ($17) impressed. The pork, egg, carrots, cucumbers and other vegetables formed a colourful and hearty rice bowl.

The 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗸𝗲 ($5, 1 kimchi + 1 seafood) was pretty good too.

The 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝘀 ($19) in a spicy broth were commendable.

Looking deceptively unappetising, the 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘁 ($21) turned out to be our favourite dish. Each slice of pork belly had a layer of translucent fats on top of succulent lean meat, and every bite of the peerless porcine sent me to gastronomy heaven.

You can’t go wrong with beef bulgogi, and the 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗴𝗶 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗼 𝗦𝗲𝘁 ($17) was sublime. The grilled beef (+ $1) served on a hot plate was marinated to perfection, while I couldn’t stop devouring the bowl of savoury-spicy kimchi soup.

Established in 2011, Wang Dae Bak is known for its authentic Korean BBQ and has been awarded “Best Korean Restaurant” in 2021 and 2022. Its Holland Village outlet also serves lunch sets that are superb value for money.