Happy 6days

     I was quite nonchalant when the so-called 'Korean Wave' hit Manila. Well, that was until I watched their series, tried their make-up and most of all, ate their food. Only then did I realize why people are so hyped up about it.

     A friend of mine, who is a loyal J-pop and K-pop fan, introduced me to a Korean Restaurant around the Ortigas area named 'Happy 6days'. It's along Escriva Drive, a few blocks away across the back entrance of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P).

     The first thing that one would notice upon entering the restaurant is its homey atmosphere. The place is lit with dim lights, the interiors are filled with wooden chairs, tables and floors and tiny details such as plants, Christmas decors (all-year 'round) and  beautiful walls would really make you want to sit down, talk and relax.

     The Korean greeting from the employees would also make you feel really welcomed.

     Upon being seated, your order is going to be taken. While they are preparing your food, side dishes are going to be served. They vary each day, depending on what the resto decides on. Plus, it's unlimited, so you can ask for more if any of your side dishes run out.

     On this particular day, we got to eat sweetened potatoes (upper left), bokchoi kimchi (upper right), lettuce kimchi (lower left) and seasoned innards (lower right), as seen on the picture on the left side.

     The last time we ate at Happy 6days, we got to munch on macaroni (left), bokchoi kimchi (top), bean sprouts (right) and omelet (below), as seen on the picture on the right.

     The waiting time for the food is quite fast regardless of the number of customers. It usually varies depending on the preparation time for the food that you order.

     We ate Japchae (upper left), Shin Ramyun (upper right) and Kimbap (below) on our last visit.

     The Japchae is like the Korean version of the Filipino dish 'pancit'. The only difference is that it has a tinge of sweetness. If you're not a fan of spicy food, Japchae is the best entree to order. It costs P250 and can feed three to four persons.




     We ordered the plain Kimbap which costs P100, but they have other varieties such as the Beef Kimbap and the Tuna Kimbap, which costs P150 respectively. The Kimbap is another recommended dish for those who do not want spicy food.


     The Shin Ramyun costs P150 pesos and can serve four to five persons - and yes, it's the same Shin Ramyun than you can buy in Korean grocery stores. However, they add in more toppings compared to the ones that you can buy from supermarkets. As most Korean dishes are, the Shin Ramyun is also Spicy, but for those who are fond of spicy food, it only has a mild spiciness to it.

 

     Happy 6days also has Samgyepsal which costs P250. It's roasted pork belly served with sliced fried garlic, kimchi paste and lettuce.


      Most people who have not watched any K-drama would not know how to eat Sampgyepsal. Roasted pork served on a different platter, foreign condiments and an intimidating serving of lettuce - I was also worried the first time we ordered one; good thing I was with my k-pop devotee friend.


     To eat Samgyepsal, first, take a piece of lettuce and put it in your palm. Next put the roasted pork belly on top of the lettuce. You can also add in some of your side dishes, the fried garlic and the kimchi paste if you want to. If you're satisfied, wrap it. Then, dig in.


     Happy 6days is open six days a week, thus, the name for the restaurant. They are open on Mondays 'til Saturdays, 10:00am until 2:00am. The owner is Korean, while the employees are Filipino. So if you can speak in English, Korean or Filipino, you would not have trouble in terms of communication.


     With a budget of P100 and up, you can already eat at Happy 6Days. For a relaxed ambiance and great Korean food, it is definitely a place to go when you are offline.