This is the second branch of the popular Korean mixed rice restaurant in Soho. Since the first branch opened in 2011, Bi Bim Bap has become a regular favourite for a cheap and warming bowl of its namesake dish – bibimbap. Served here in hot stone bowls (dolsot), there are ten varieties of the spicy rice mix to choose from including beef fillet, spicy pork and five different veggie options, all topped with a range of shredded vegetables and ready for you to mix with all the chilli sauce (gochujang) and bean paste you fancy.
Even the simplest version topped with seasoned vegetables (cucumber, bean sprouts, spinach) and a fried egg was filled with flavour, and just the right amount of crisp rice. Our spicy hotpot with pork slices and hot and sour pickled kimchi cabbage also packed a flavoursome punch.
Housed in a much narrower space than the Soho original, what the Charlotte Street branch lacks in spaciousness it makes up for with lively dishes and charming staff.