By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
``Bibimbap'' is one of the easiest and most simple Korean recipes you can find in local restaurants. Cafe Sobahn run by CJ Food has moved a step forward to recreate the famous dish by adding style and special ingredients.
Located among the tall office buildings in Jongno, Cafe Sobahn has been a favorite among busy office workers and female customers.
Compared to the busy, crowded and hot atmosphere of regular bibimbap places, Cafe Sobahn features modern tables, chairs and sofas, stylish interior and hip music.
Along with the original, Cafe Sobahn has invented various bibimbap recipes to satisfy both first-timers and aficionados of the dish.
Bibimbap is usually mixed with a spicy red pepper paste, but at Cafe Sobahn, you can find various styles that do not include the spicy sauce, but are mixed with others such as soy sauce and ``doenjang,'' or soybean paste.
One of the most popular dishes is the teriyaki chicken bibimbap (7,800 won). A small helping of rice is topped with colorful ingredients, including shredded vegetables such as bean sprouts, lettuce and carrots, and small chunks of chicken mixed with a special sweet teriyaki sauce.
Order the tofu (6,500 won), the crabmeat (8,300 won) or the grilled sirloin bimbaps (9,500 won) for something completely different, while visitors can also stick to the original (6,500 won).
The new Andong style bibimbap (8,900 won) is also a favorite, as it is served by following the traditional recipe from Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, where family members, after annual ritual services, would mix side dishes and to create the dish.
All dishes come with soup and water kimchi.
For more information, visit www.sobahn.co.kr or call (02) 730-7423.