Bibimbap’s Taste Compromised: Traditional VS Modern

As healthier and modernised versions of all sorts of cuisine are invented, look to find out if the taste of Bibimbap will be different

A 2017 online survey by Nielsen showed that 77 per cent of Singaporeans are willing to pay more for foods with health benefits. I found Dosirak, which provides bibimbap with a healthy twist. I decided to compare the difference in taste between the traditional and modern version. Bibimbap is a Korean dish that mixes rice, sautéed vegetables and raw or fried egg. There are variations that includes beef or other meats.

Beef and Chicken Bibimbap from Rolling Rice, filled with 10 ingredients. (PHOTO: VIVIAN ONG)

Traditional bibimbap

I visited Rolling Rice located at Marina Square. The shop follows a self-service concept, providing free of charge salad and kimchi bar with water.

“I can say it is not authentic Korean Bibimbap. I think it is localized,” replied Hwang Sung Hye, 50, a Korean language teacher at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, when asked about bibimbap from local restaurants.

It is tough to find traditional Korean restaurants in Singapore. The closest to a traditional bibimbap would consist of the majority of the original ingredients.

“[Everywhere, bibimbap tastes] very different. I put in shiitake mushrooms, many restaurants don’t put in shiitake mushrooms,” said Cho Eun Joo, 49, the general manager of Rolling Rice. “I teach my staff and my staff cook.”

I ordered the Sizzling Stone Pot Bibimbap with beef that costs S$11.90. There were a total of 10 ingredients mixed together with rice. At a look, each ingredient is proportionate. While the bibimbap tasted healthy with the savoury flavour coming from the beef, it tasted flat. Gochujang, a red chilli paste, boosted the dish with some sweetness and spice.

After finishing half of the dish, it started tasting dry. I could not finish it despite my best to not create waste. While the bibimbap was great overall, I would recommend to bring someone along to clear the leftovers if you have low metabolism.

Ratings ( /5)

Kimchi Tofu bibimbap from Dosirak that costs $7.90. (PHOTO: VIVIAN ONG)

Modern bibimbap: Dosirak

Each Dosirak bowl consists of a base, one protein and five vegetable sides. While the bowl looks small, they are generous with the ingredients. You can customise with the vegetables available at the counter or choose a set bowl from the menu.

I ordered the Kimchi Tofu bibimbap that costs S$7.90 with Omma Gochujang. There are two other less spicy sauce and you can upgrade to a healthier base such as brown rice for $1 to $3. You can also choose bowls with one protein for $8.90 to $12.90.

According to Bonnie Lau, a dietician at Glycoleap, her blog post stated that the meat is cooked in sous-vide, which is a low-fat cooking method, for two to three hours; vegetables nutrients are retained by being blanched lightly for a few seconds.

After pouring the sauce, cover with the lid and shake the bowl to mix the ingredients. The vegetables complemented each other really well like they were in harmony and none of the ingredients were more overwhelming.

With regards to the difference in taste, “No, I do not feel that there is any difference. I guess it’s just all the same because they use the same sauce,” said Lee Yin Joan, 18, who found out about Dosirak through Instagram. She has tried traditional bibimbap from South Korea before. I agree that both the traditional and Dosirak version tasted similar since the ingredients are the same.

Ratings ( /5)

Final Verdict

Both Koreans however said that they would not try Dosirak. “If their price range is around $8 to $10, I prefer to eat Bibimbap in ION or Somerset food court. The price range is $6.50 to $8 in the food court. It is tasty too,” mentioned Hwang. Cho also said since she can make bibimbap herself, there is no need to try.

I would say Dosirak is meant for the health-conscious. Though it is a great meal, eating on a regular basis would be rather costly. Just like what Hwang said, an average diner can find much cheaper options nearby.

As for the taste, the healthier version of bibimbap did not compromise the taste of the traditional one. However, what was missing is the original ingredients since Dosirak only has five vegetables while the traditional ones have 10. Hence, a more value-for-money meal would be traditional bibimbap since it costs less for more ingredients.