Stone Pot Star: Bibimbap at Bibigo

Nothing satisfies quite like the sound of rice crackling against a stone pot. And Bibigo’s bibimbap doesn’t just sizzle – it hisses and sputters, leaving no vegetable unscathed.

Everything about this Korean restaurant chain demonstrates a self-assured modernity – from the simplicity of its decor to the bilingual menus. Bibigo has already expanded all over its native country as well as to Los Angeles, Singapore and London. But is Beijing ready for fast-casual dining that places so much emphasis on health?

Seeing as how this is Bibigo’s second branch and counting, I’d say so. The clear stars of the menu fall under the bibimbap category, from bibigo rice (RMB 55) – a hybrid salad and rice dish – to hot stone bibim bansang (RMB 58). We opted for the latter and found the rice crisped to perfection and the broccoli, mushrooms and sprouts blissfully fresh. Did we mention you can customize your own meal? Health freaks will rejoice over the choice of rice (white, black, brown or barley), while picky eaters may be more pleased by the variety of toppings (from char-grilled beef to shrimp and tofu) and sauces, which arrive in a ketchup-style packet that you can dribble at your leisure.

While not cheap, the mains do come with substantial sides. The soybean soup with mini cubes of potatoes and melon soothed the soul, without the lingering effects of too much sodium. Given the quality of their broths here, I’m looking forward to trying their soondubu, a spicy tofu stew (RMB 55). Of course, no Korean restaurant can be said to be fully vetted before one tastes the kimchi; Bibigo’s is crisp, sour and thankfully not too sweet.

Also try: Ssam, Saveurs de Coree, Iki

Bibigo 必品阁
Daily 10am-9pm. Unit 153, 1/F, Indigo, 20 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8426 0759) 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐提港商业1层53号单元

Subway: 3.8km northeast of Sanyuanqiao station (Line 10)

Photo: Judy Zhou