This is my lame attempt in reviewing a restaurant.
You might want to read this before deciding to dine at Kaya Korean Restaurant*.
If you frequent Korean Restaurants, then, it’s a familiar sight to see a grill placed right smack in the middle of the tables, as well as exhaust fans dangling at the ceiling to spare diners from smelling like walking grilled meat. There’s the customary set of appetizers, like kimchi, sweet peanuts etc., which usually are served for free. It wouldn’t be as appetizing if a restaurant charges you for every small platter of appetizers, right? Then there’s the plastic pitcher that contains water. To make it even more authentic, some restaurants also have tables wherein you can sit on the floor.
All these aren’t provided (or at least immediately) by Kaya Korean Restaurant*.
The branch I ate in was in SM Megamall, so I can forgive them for not having fixed grills on the tables. However, I still prefer seeing all those juicy slices of meat being grilled right in front of my eyes (not in some hidden kitchen where you can’t be sure if they’re being fried instead). Anyway, that’s why electric grills were made. I guess the open space can compensate for the non-existent exhaust fans there. Appetizers… Where do I even start? If my memory serves me right, there are only around five (5) appetizers that are available (spinach, micro shrimps etc.) AND each costs an arm and leg serving will be reflected on your bill. Out of all the Korean restaurants I’ve ate in before (probably around 7), Kaya is the only one that does not give free appetizers. Water isn’t readily available on your table. You still have to ask for it.
Having said those, in a scale of 10, I’d give Kaya* a 4.4. Here’s why:
I didn’t like how the dubus (tofus) looked like, more so their texture. They were not smooth and I had to exert effort in cutting them into smaller pieces with my spoon. Most of the lettuce leaves were small.
Not only were the leaves small, they were only a handful per serving. Around four (4) leaves for 90php!!! And to think, they should be served for free! Also, one (1) serving of samgyupsal (3 layered pork slices) only had around six (6) 1 x 1.5 inches of meat, almost half of which are fat.
If only the taste/quality of food was excellent, then I might not feel so ripped off/robbed of my money. But no, the food was average and the servings were so small.
90php for four (4) tiny lettuce leaves. 200+php for six (6) samgyupsal slices. So, yeah you can say that it’s OVERpricing.
There were times when I had to do follow ups, with water and the bill.
That ends my review for this restaurant. Now, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to try this restaurant. I know I won’t. So, unless you are craving for some Korean food while you’re at the mall, I can’t see any other reason why you should dine here. Try being adventurous for once, and look for other alternatives and it might save your taste buds and wallets!
* - Kaya Korean Restaurant in Megamall branch.
