Because two friends independently emailed me about Young Bean on the same day, I couldn’t not try it out.
Young Bean is a mostly-Korean restaurant perched on a “highwalk” close to London Wall, but somehow, despite its isolation, the place was packed at lunch when I visited last week.
Theoretically, £12 may seem a bit pricey for a humble rice dish like dolsot bibimbap (meaning the bibimbap arrives at your table still cooking in an extremely hot clay pot), but Young Bean’s was such an attractive and delicious version that £12 seemed a steal.
Served with the egg yolk and marinated beef still raw, the bibimbop gave off a satisfying sizzle when I mixed the contents of the bowl with some sweet chili sauce. Of course, the best, most comforting part was digging up crispy layers of rice from the bottom of the pot.
The service was friendly and speedy – perfect for a weekday lunch. I can’t say anything about the other dishes on the menu, but the dolsot bibimbap alone makes Young Bean worth a visit, especially on a cold, rainy day.
Young Bean, 2-3 Bassishaw Highwalk, EC2V 5DS; 0207 638 4463; closest tube stations: Moorgate, Barbican, St. Paul’s.
Oh, it violates all the food rules for pregnant women – raw meat, uncooked egg yolk…but I can just imagine the flavour melting in to each other. Yum!
I just got back from a trip to the Philippines and I flew Korean Airlines. They had bibimpop as one of the meal choices. It was quite good, actually. For airplane food. They had this awesome green tea rice porridge also, which was yummy!
I’ve never eaten a bibimbap and I hadn’t even heard of it until fairly recently. This needs to change. I know I will love it and there will be no way back.
Jen – I can see how bibimbap could actually be served in decent form on a plane. I’m envious you were in the Philippines. I lived in Manila for a summer and can still remember eating lumpia on a daily basis. Ahh, the good old days.
Helen – “I know I will love it and there will be no way back.” I have a feeling you’re right. : )
Great photo! I have a feeling Young Bean will be a regular lunch spot for us this winter. yum!
I loe bibimbap and made my own at home recently; rather labour-intensive but delicious. Such a great dish.
Lizzie – I did see your delicious-looking bibimbap recipe and must confess that I’m too lazy to make my own. : ) It is indeed a great dish, and I’d be curious to hear what you think of Young Bean’s version.
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