WITH Cebu’s ever-evolving culinary scene, it’s no wonder that the Queen City of the South has learned to embrace dishes from the island’s neighboring countries. Often flocked to by tourists, especially by Koreans, Cebu interestingly adapted its sense of taste and choice of food. Today, the city is surrounded by Korean-inspired retail stores, coffee shops, dessert houses and the most popular among them all, restaurants serving popular Korean dishes in a Korean-like setting.
Indeed, Cebu’s current food scene is surrounded by these types of dining places, and Korean restaurants have become the go-to place for when one wants to eat a pack of meat but with little bits of green on the side paired with a steaming bowl of soup. It’s also safe to say that Korean dishes are now considered comfort food for many with its delightful flavors that instantly fill one’s stomach. Now, there are a lot of choices for every Korean food lover out there when cravings suddenly strike. But adding a refreshing touch to restaurants like these is Somac Korean Restaurant.
Somac is actually a traditional Korean drink that is a mix of soju which is Korean liquor and macju which is beer. It’s a popular drink among Koreans who want to have a good time with friends over booze and is best enjoyed with grilled pork belly which is known as samgyeopsal. Samgyeopsal is one of the dishes that is popular in Somac for its specialty dipping sauces are personally prepared by Korean owner and chef, Jin Jook.
Somac serves 200 grams of samgyeopsal per set which includes kimchi, cucumber, kimchi raddish and beans. The set also comes with dipping sauces, lettuce and beef soup. Other than the famous samgyeopsal, its beef chadol, ramen and kimbap are also a few of the bestselling dishes from its menu.
With a lot of Korean restaurants sprouting up around Cebu, it’s hard to stand out. But what Somac Korean Restaurant takes pride in is its authenticity in flavor. Unlike other Korean restaurants in the metropolis, Somac is close to what one will experience in Korea since the dishes are carefully prepared by the Korean chef and owner himself. Apart from the dishes they serve, Somac is also one-of-a-kind when it comes to the restaurant’s interiors.
One will immediately notice the murals painted on the walls as one steps inside the restaurant and there is an abundance of it. The restaurant underwent renovation in October last year and officially reopened last Dec. 22. After the renovation, Somac made a refreshing change with nature-inspired art all around the restaurant.
The balcony of the restaurant adorned with bamboo is a popular spot for al fresco dining. For a more private dining experience, a VIP room that can accommodate up to 20 persons is also made available for customers. Somac also hosts birthday parties, meetings and other exclusive occasions.
The 100-seater restaurant is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 a.m. and is located at Pope John Paul II Ave, Cebu City. Somac is also located on the upper ground floor of FLB Corp. Center.