I've never been one to enjoy Korean food - not after all the bad experiences with the food court version. So, when Mum suggested we try the food there, you can imagine my initial resistance!

It wasn't too difficult looking for the place. Located on the 3rd floor, half of the restaurant's sitting area overlooked Square2's atrium, giving the place a nice 'open-air' feel.

"Skeptical me" ordered a stone pot rice with chilli marinated chicken ($16) from the menu and Mum ordered the "Ginseng Chicken" daily lunch set ($15++) which included half a chicken, rice, many appetisers, dessert and coffee. I must say that the Ginseng chicken lunch set was really worth every penny.

So our food came and I SO REGRETTED not ordering the ginseng chicken set as the taste of the soup was EXCELLENT bordering on EXQUISITE. It had a earthy homey taste that erased any doubts that THIS WAS A QUALITY SOUP!

My chilli chicken with stone pot rice was quite an experience too! Who knew that Koreans ate such spicy food? Despite my running sinus, I continued eating the spicy meat as the taste of the meat was so well-rounded and never offensively sharp.

Oh...and don't get me started on the rice. The steamed rice that was served just reeked of QUALITY! Each short grain was so plump and tasty that I reckon I could have just eaten that without the accompliment of the spicy chicken.

According to Mrs Son (restaurant owner), the menu reflects the commonly eaten "home food" cooked with the same loving, caring attitude as a mother would prepare for her children.

------------------------

So, after that experience, I returned the next day to order MY OWN ginseng chicken soup set. Like the previous day, every spoonful of the soup was thick with ginseng chicken goodness. Just thinking about it makes me salivate.

This time, Mum ordered a SSAM Bab where one is served with individually portioned vegetable, rice and choice of meat, and then required to use one's hands to stuff that nicely packed rice/veg/meat packet into one's mouth - daintily, if possible.

What can I say??? I'm definitely going back...and looking for Korean friends to take me around in Korea to make up for all the time I ignored this wonderful cuisine.