Review: Bibim - Allston/Brighton

Bibim is a relatively new restaurant in Boston's Korean town (Allston area). What makes this restaurant stand out from other Korean restaurants in town is its decoration. The decoration is very warm and cozy, making you feel like home. I must say I really love the decoration in this restaurant because it is very vintage and old-schooled, unlike other restaurants in Allston. In addition to that, there was French music playing in the background, making it feels like you're in a Western coffee shop with a bit of Korean atmosphere. Bibim is one of the first restaurants that adapted the influences from New York City's Korean restaurants, which is pretty impressive. I have been to NYC many times and I have tried a lot of Korean restaurants and their decorations are quite similar to the decoration of Bibim. 

Cute decoration on whitewashed stone wall. The restaurant has a fusion atmosphere - combined between Korean and Western. 

Vintage window frame with plants in tin cans - unique and stylish. These decorations really enhance the store's interior. 

I was really impressed with the decoration of the restaurant and couldn't wait to try the food. Because the store was designed so nicely, I didn't have much expectations for the food. However, I was totally wrong. Every single dish we tried was absolutely delish and we would recommend this restaurant to any Korean cuisine fan. This is a perfect spot for good music, great decoration, and fine food. The menu has various of authentic Korean food from scallion pancake, to sundae (boiled intestines - which I was surprised because no other restaurants serve it), from bibimbap to soup/stew, etc. There are so many options to choose from and I can't wait to come back again to try more delicious Korean dishes. 
We ordered a total of three dishes: Fried chicken with chili garlic sauce, bulgogi gimbap, and hot stone octopus bibimbap. And as usual, they are served with authentic banchan (side dishes) like any other Korean restaurants. 

Banchan - left to right, up to down: Kimchi cucumber, sweet potato, kimchi, and macaroni. They taste okay, not very impressive but met the standard of banchan.

Fried chicken with chili garlic sauce - Boneless popcorn chicken fried to perfection with the addition of a sweet and spicy sauce on top. It was amazing and different from the ones you get in Bonchon (since we all know that Bonchon has the best fried chicken in town). I highly recommend you to try out this dish - delightful. 

Bulbogi Gimbap - Tightly stuffed and rolled. One of the best gimbaps I have ever eaten in Boston. Every single ingredient is finely marinated and they all come together as 1 piece - melt right in your mouth. Yum! Can't wait to try the Spicy Tuna gimbap is was highly recommended on Yelp. 

Hot Stone Octopus Bibimbap - The waitress recommended us to try this one since we have already tried the beef bulbogi bibimbap so many times at other restaurants and octopus is just a more unique ingredient. It turned out to be really good - the sauce is very different from the one you get for beef bulgogi bibimbap. The octopus is marinated with a bit of spiciness, making it stand out from other ingredients in the bibimbap. Yum, another favorite at Bibim. :) 

In short, I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves Korean food. They offer a wide range of food selection; the decor is adorable and it is conveniently located in the heart of Allston. Everything was great: food, ambiance, and service. Plus, it is inexpensive. You guys should really give it a try sometimes!! Here is the restaurant's address and ranking: 

Bibim

166 Harvard Ave
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 787-5656 - They take reservations 

$$ (2/5) - Inexpensive
❤❤❤❤ (4/5) - Yummy