UtahDinersGuide.com

Review by Dan Purdon

While many Asian foods share common ingredients and cooking techniques, it’s a fact that every single country puts its own unique spin on cuisine.  Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese - every one has its own delicious personality.  Today I’m focusing on local purveyor of Korean food, Sam Hawk.  Korean food is known for its bold and spicy flavors paired with many flavorful sides, including the infamous Kimchi.  But don’t worry, even if you’re not a spice fiend, you’re sure to find something that you’ll enjoy.

I walked into the unassuming plaza storefront at about seven in the evening with my wife and a group of adventurous friends.  (The entire glass front of the restaurant is covered in white paper, so at first glance you may not even realize that it’s a restaurant).  We were seated immediately and began looking over the menu.

I decided to go with the Korean “classics” of Bibimbap (assorted veggies, meat, and a fried egg with a spicy sauce on the side… also very fun to say!) and Bulgogi (sauteed thin-sliced meat with a savory-spicy sauce and assorted vegetables).  My personal favorite is the Pork Bulgogi and the Stone Bowl Bibimbap, which is served in a rustic stone bowl that stays sizzling long after it reaches your table.  I also decided to try the Kimchi Jigae, which is a spicy Kimchi Soup.  And to top it all off, a nice mug of ginger tea.

The ginger tea came out first, and it was wonderfully spicy and full of sweet ginger flavor.  It had a nice kick to it, but this actually seemed to relieve spiciness from the meal itself.  It’s a very interesting property.

Our Stone Bowl Bibimbap came to the table next.  We mixed all the ingredients up, poured on some spicy sauce, and dug in.  Very carefully.  It was amazing how long the bowl kept the contents sizzling hot - even when I got to the bottom of the it, I still had to be careful not to burn my tongue!  The rice blends with the julienned veggies, fried egg, and meat to deliver a satisfying, hearty meal all in one bowl.  And the spicy sauce does a great job of bringing all the flavors together.

The Pork Bulgogi also came out sizzling, this time on a cast iron platter.  Bulgogi is served with romaine lettuce and extra spicy sauce on the size.  Just wrap the Bulgogi meat in the lettuce, throw on a little extra sauce if desired, and eat it like a taco… a healthy, refreshing, lettuce-shell taco.  This really is the only way to do it - the cool, crisp lettuce and the warm, savory meat combine in a way that’s almost magical.  I don’t think I’ve ever talked to one person who didn’t like Bulgogi - if you’re new to Korean food, try it!

Our Kimchi Jigae came out in a large metal tureen.  The soup was nice and Kimchi-red, with large chunks of tofu and green onion floating inside.  One taste was all I needed to tell that this was the spiciest dish of the night - it’s not for the weak of tongue!  The soup tasted just like Kimchi (except warm, of course), and there was a lot of it.  So if you’re a fan of the infamous fermented cabbage, you’ll love it.  I am a big fan of Kimchi, but I was already so full from the other two dishes that there was no way I could get to the bottom.  I had to throw in the towel and get a to-go container.

Another great bonus about the Korean dining experience is the side dishes - and I love some of Sam Hawk’s side dishes!  They come out automatically with entrees, so don’t panic when the server shows up at your table with six things you didn’t order.  They’re complimentary!  My personal favorites are the black beans (not what you’re thinking - they’re sweet, and not mushy at all), the delicious sweet-soy marinated potatoes, and of course the kimchi.  You also get a good-sized bowl of purple rice, which has a slightly different flavor than the plain white stuff most of us are used to.

Sam Hawk has become my default destination for local Korean food.  If you’re never been there, give them a try.  (And if you’re never tried Korean food at all, definitely give them a try!  They’re a great place to cultivate a taste for it.)

Pricing: Moderate - $10-$15 per person (with drinks)

Sam Hawk, 660 N Freedom Blvd, Provo