Korean food isn't just Korean BBQ

Korean BBQ is so iconic and popular. While critics say its just meat on a grill (which is true), most people enjoy fresh beef and pork with a woody and smoky aroma. Unfortunately, while the popularity around Korean BBQ illuminates the presence of Korean cuisine at the international level, it overshadows many of the other culinary delights that Korean cuisine boasts. At Belloco, they introduce Korean cuisine in its full array with an extra elegant touch.

The dimly lit restaurant almost makes you feel like you're in someone's living room, lit up by reading lights. A painting serves as the centerpiece of the restaurant's interior design, adding a burst of color and creativity.

Starting as clay containers for storage and evolving into beautiful ceramics of the Goryeo dynasty in 918 CE, pottery was common throughout Korean history. Interestingly, the pottery shown in the picture above is the only Korean artifact in the restaurant. Belloco, unlike Klay and Eli Falafel, puts a focus on presenting a completely modern image that fits the rapidly-developing modern area of Qiantan in which the restaurant is situated.

Dishes

Savory Pork and Kimchi Pancakes - 38 rmb

Having tried a countless number of savory Korean pancakes (at home, at food stalls in Korea, etc...), I was expecting something completely different. While Belloco's version is not completely authentic, it might be better (don't tell my Korean ancestors). Its crisped up edges with a delicious golden brown and protruding shards of uneven batter was perfect. The batter inside was gooey and stretchy unlike the batter of traditional savory pancakes. It was like biting into French fries with a pork and kimchi flavored dip inside it.

Beef, Shrimp, and Vinaigrette Salad - est. 78 rmb

While salads are not something I would typically order at a restaurant, Belloco's salads were unique. It's a mix and match of different Korean sides, tossed together in a western dressing. Pressed beef slices are a traditional dish often served with leafy greens. The salad was almost a deconstruction of the original dish with an additional tang and zing-iness.

Crispy Tofu Salad - 68rmb

I didn't know I was a salad person. The crispy tofu salad at Belloco is their 2nd most popular dish. Tofu, battered in panko breadcrumbs, acts as the creamy and rich component of the salad. The bitter greens offset the sweet, decadent nature of the sauce and tofu.

Seafood Broth and Tomato "Spaghetti" - est. 58 rmb

This dish has to be a crime to both Koreans and Italians. Its a strange concept that sort of works. Its basically an under-reduced pasta with a spicier kick than usual. The defining Korean feature about the dish is the scalding hot stone pot that they use to store the "spaghetti." A stone stove is usually used to serve Korean stews and soups. I'd rate the dish a solid 8/10.

Korean Sticky Rice Sausage - est. 38 rmb

While the initial taste might be a little strong, resembling traditional Korean blood sausage made out of cow or pig intestines, the sticky rice smooths out the flavor and makes the dish very enjoyable. The spicy sauce can also mask some of the harsher flavors. If you're feeling adventurous, definitely try it out!

Overall Summary

Belloco reinvents Korean cuisine. Its not the taste of your hometown, its not the taste of grandma's cooking, and its definitely not 100% authentic. Yet, Belloco derives its niche from that. Belloco is probably the only Korean restaurant that I've been to that can contemporize Korean cuisine, which honestly doesn't usually put a heavy emphasis on "presentation" or "refined flavors." The hints of Korean flavors and serving methods are still there and the main ingredients are the same, but all of the dishes feel playful and innovative. The Qiantan spot in which it is located was also great to visit, with newly constructed tall buildings and luxurious malls. If you haven't been to that part of Shanghai yet, you should check it out.

Address:

850 Xinzha Lu, near Shimen Er Lu, Jingan District

(Note that they have three spots across Shanghai. The Jingan branch reportedly has the best atmosphere and is the restaurant that was reviewed by this blog post)