We'd passed by Giwa several times during it's construction and couldn't wait for it to open, since there aren't too many Korean food spots to head to in Center City. Walking inside, Picky immediately felt a NYC vibe to it. There were large, colorful graphic prints to the right, glossy counter tops, and the general hustle and bustle of a very busy and popular lunch spot. Messy got more of a trendy fast food kind of vibe. We could have sat at the counter, but we waited a couple minutes until a table for two opened up. The whole space couldn't hold more than 25 sit-down patrons.
We grabbed two menus and were directed to the lunch section – the prices were about a dollar cheaper than the dinner menu for each dish. After looking through the lunch menu (eight choices of which two were marked specifically vegetarian), we both opted for a favorite standby: dol sot bibim bob. Mixed veggies served atop white rice with sesame oil and Korean hot paste all served in a sizzling hot stone bowl. Messy opted for the vegetarian option which, to her surprise, did not come with the usual egg on top. Upon a second look at the menu, she decided that the tofu option for $1 more would've been the better choice. The wording on the menu is slightly confusing. Although the tofu dishes are vegetarian, the "vegetarian" choice does not include tofu. Messy found this variation on bibim bob to have its pluses and minuses. She enjoyed the little beans that had been cooked into the rice, but she did not care for the large pieces shitake mushrooms which were prominent in the dish.
Picky opted for the beef version. There wasn't much beef. He second guessed his selection as well and thought he should've gone for the galbi or bulgogi both being meat-centric dishes. But the lure of the sizzling stone bowl is hard to pass up for Picky when it's an option on the menu.
Korean cuisine is known for the side dishes called panchan. When at a sit-down Korean restaurant they'll constantly refill your small side dishes. At Giwa, you only got three sides, which were yummy, but insubstantial. And the thing is, there are other yummy Korean restaurants with comparable prices where you get a whole lot more. All in all, Giwa was good, but if you're looking for more ambiance and more side dishes, you might want to head to Pastoral or Miran.
Messy ***
Picky **1/2
The Final Word: Good Korean food in a fast-foody atmosphere.
Giwa Korean Food
1608 Sansom Street
M-F 11 am -8 pm
Sat 12-9:30 pm
Closed Sundays
215-557-9830
