Showing posts with label Korean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean. Show all posts

Monday, December 24, 2012

Sia Fusion Eatery -- Newark, CA

Sia is a small Korean fusion restaurant located across from NewPark Mall, sharing the same shopping plaza as Lion Market, numerous Asian eateries and boba shops. With the relative scarcity of late-night food options in the Union City/Fremont/Newark area, Sia is sure to be a welcome addition to the dining scene for all the suburban night owls out there (myself included =P).

In all honesty, I was somewhat skeptical of trying this restaurant, just as I am with any fusion place....however, Sia proved itself worthy with its tasty fare and affordable prices. It's no wonder that it's crowded with families and college kids eating and drinking the night away.

The most popular item on the menu here seems to be the Seoul burger. Reminiscent of the bulgogi burgers I've had in Korea, the Seoul burger consists of a beef patty marinated in Korean BBQ sauce, topped with slices of bulgogi beef, cheese, veggies and a fried egg. Served with some spicy gochujang sauce and french fries, it's definitely filling and flavorful.

Seoul burger ($7.99)

Messy but delicious....best tackled with a fork and knife!

Other notable fusion options are the bulgogi cheese steak sandwich and spam kimchi rolls (sounds a tad strange, but the flavors were surprisingly harmonious). In addition, Sia also offers traditional Korean fare such as bibimbap and spicy rice cake, which taste quite authentic and are suitable alternatives for those that prefer more traditional flavors. 

Bulgogi cheese steak sandwich ($7.99)


Left -- french fries (free with burgers, $2.49 separately), right -- spam kimchi roll ($3.99)


Spicy rice cake ($7.99, extra for ramyeon noodles)

As can be seen, the portions are quite generous taking into consideration the affordable prices. Although the venue size is not as generously spaced, I'd say it adds a bit to the cozy atmosphere. Sia also seems to be a good place for drinking get-togethers (it IS Korean-owned, after all)...they offer beer, as well as the usual Korean booze such as rice wine, soju and soju cocktails. Open until 2AM 7 days a week, it should most certainly be a viable choice when you've got those late night munchies and don't want to spend too much money.



Sia Fusion Eatery 
39263 Cedar Boulevard
Newark, CA 94560

510 794 8852

Mon-Thu 3:00PM-2:00AM
 Fri-Sun 11:00AM-2:00AM 

Monday, December 17, 2012

Friend's House Korean -- San Diego, CA

Friend's House (if my elementary-level knowledge of Hangul is correct, the Korean sign in front says "Chingunae") is a small place with a homey feeling....perhaps the feeling that you get when you visit.....a friend's house? Located in the heart of the Convoy Asian food heaven, this restaurant almost makes me feel like I've been transported to Seoul. In fact I'd say they rank rather high on the authenticity meter.

I discovered Friend's House one day while I was craving dolsot bibimbap....and boy, was I glad this was one of the main places that popped up in my search. Their dolsot bibimbap (rice with beef and vegetables in a hot stone pot) was perfectly executed...fresh and flavorful. They did not by any means skimp on any of the ingredients, including the beef, and that's enough to win my heart! It's no-nonsense sizzling deliciousness in a hot pot.

Dolsot bibimbap (lunch $6.99, dinner $8.99)

Of course, what Korean restaurant would be complete without its banchan (side dishes)? Standard fare here, and of course...refillable!

Banchan (free with meal)

Another dish that left a positive mark for me was the gamja-tang (pork-bone stew with meat and potatoes). Although maybe an acquired taste for some, this stew was well-seasoned and quite hearty, and together with hot rice was perfect for a chilly autumn night. Generous portions of tender pork-bone meat, potatoes and rice cake left me more than satisfied. My friend also mentioned how her udong (udon noodle soup) was tasty and satisfying as well. 

Gamja-tang (lunch $8.99, dinner $9.99)

Udong (lunch $6.99, dinner $7.99)

It's notable to mention that they're open until midnight, 6 days a week...major props to late night eateries! Aside from the aforementioned highlights, Friend's House also serves other familiar Korean staples such as bulgogi, galbi, soondubu and pajeon....although as I've yet to try these, I can't comment on them yet. I suppose that calls for another visit soon! 



Friend's House Korean 
4647 Convoy Street, Suite 101A
San Diego, CA 92111

858 292 0499

Mon-Sat 11:00AM-12:00AM
Closed Sun