Bi Bim Bap

Soho is bursting at the seems with quality venues to eat; be it fast food, cheap and wholesome or fine dining, Soho has it all. I’ve easily eaten more in Soho than any other place in my life (except my home). In recent years there has been a swathe of Korean restaurants opening up in Soho and generally across London they are making their presence felt more than ever before.

Bi Bim Bap is one such restaurant, opening last year. Bi Bim Bap is named after a Korean speciality and translates as ‘mixed meal’. Bi bim baps are a conglomerate of rice, vegetables, meat and gochujang (Korean chilli paste) served in a hot bowl and topped with an egg that are all stirred together thoroughly before consumption.

Here at Bi Bim Bap this house speciality is exploited more extensively than at other Korean restaurants, with ten choices on offer. There are also noodle dishes, other rice dishes and salads on offer, as well as a range of Korean drinks. The best part is a main won’t set you back more than £9, with most under £7.

Inside

The bi bim baps arrive constructed in the bowl and you are required to stir them yourselves, adding the gochujang and doenjang (fermented soy bean paste) to your liking. My spicy pork Bi Bim Bap topped with a raw egg (that gets cooked as you stir it. You can get a fried egg if you so wish but I'd really recommend the raw one) was hearty and piping hot with the starchy rice and contrasting textures from the vegetables. The meat is tasty, if not the most tender and for some reason I didn't take a photo of it. My friend enjoyed her tofu bi bim bap topped with a fried egg (see picture below). However my Korean root tea was a bit too flavourless and I’d rather stick to the green tea next time.

Korean root tea

Tofu bi bim bap

Along with its bright block colour scheme and walls filled with Polaroids of customers, it’s a laid-back atmosphere with speedy service. Tasty, filling meals at cheap prices make this a great option when you’re out and about Soho. 

Price: Mains £6.45 - £9.45

Where to go before/after: The famous Ronnie Scotts is Soho's premier jazz venue and is located on the parallel Frith Street. Don't forget the hub of West End theatres all within walking distance.

Website: Click here

Location: 11 Greek Street, London, W1D 4DJ

Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road

Opening Times: Lunch 12.00 - 15.00 (Mon - Sat) Dinner 18.00 - 23.00 (Mon - Sat)