Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집
116-1 Itaewon-Dong
Yongsan-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area
South Korea
Various Outlets Across The Country
http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/
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| Meal Barbecue / BBQ Flat Lay |
Delicious Premium Korean Barbecue / BBQ
(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 8
Ambience & Setting: 9
Food & Beverage: 9
Service: 9
Value for Money: 7
Spent about KRW ₩33000 / SGD $40 per person.
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Established in August 2005, Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is a Korean barbecue chain whose popularity and success has enabled it to go international. Having visited Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집, I can see why. Do they have the best Korean barbecue? No, but it's pretty good. Are they the cheapest? No, prices are mid-range. But what makes Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 different is their overall combination of ambience, service, and food, as well as their accessibility, making them appealing for expats and tourists.
Ambience at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 differs from most other Korean barbecue places. In fact, the place is styled like an old Western bar, warmly lit with sturdy wooden furniture and brick walls. Ventilation is excellent, there barely is any cooking odour lingering in the air. Slight modern touches, such as a wall of glass bottles, and artwork related to their food, adorn the walls. Can see why so many foreigners like this place.
Service at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is excellent. Staff can converse in English, and the menu is available in English as well. Guests queue to get a seat, but once seated, diners are made to feel welcome. Staff will engage with you in banter, and also assist to cook your order tableside. They also offer to clear empty / dirty plates throughout your meal. Staff display good product knowledge as well, and were able to answer our queries.
Food at Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집 is all about Korean barbecue meats - specifically, beef and pork. Besides sourcing from local farms, they also offer top quality imported meats. Portions are large, and sized for communal dining of at least 3 - 4 people or more. Dishes are tasty and fresh. There is also sufficient variety to cater to all price ranges, from wallet-friendly to premium. They're a mid-range restaurant, so budget about KRW ₩33000 / SGD $40 per person for a meal here.
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| Maple Tree House Exterior |
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| Maple Tree House Interior |
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| Bustling Barbecue |
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| Menu Preview |
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| Menu Artwork |
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| Maple Tree House Menu Food |
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| Maple Tree House Menu Beverages |
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| Glass Bottles On The Wall |
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| Seating |
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| Table Setting |
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| Charcoal Barbecue Pit |
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| Grilling |
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| Grilling |
The Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine (KRW ₩13000 / SGD $15.70) is a Korean fruit liqueur, made by fermenting Korean black raspberries with water, white rice grains, and jicho herbs. It has a deep, ruby violet colour, with aromas of blackberry, raspberry, spring water, and blackcurrant. Body is light, medium-thin, and slightly sticky, with tastes that are similar to its aroma. Bold refreshing fruity sweet flavour.
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| Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine (KRW ₩13000 / SGD $15.70) |
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| Bokbunja-Ju / Black Raspberry Wine |
A wide range of complimentary Banchan / side dishes are served with every meal, including Ttukbaegi Gyeran Jjim / Steamed Egg In Pot, or Lettuce With Black Sesame Sauce. The Gogigui / Barbecue - Sangchu / Lettuce, Kkaennip / Perilla Leaf is meant for wrapping the barbecued meat.
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| Ttukbaegi Gyeran Jjim / Steamed Egg In Pot (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary) |
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| Lettuce With Black Sesame Sauce (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary) |
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| Gogigui / Barbecue - Sangchu / Lettuce, Kkaennip / Perilla Leaf (KRW ₩Complimentary / SGD $Complimentary) |
The Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin (KRW ₩36900 / SGD $44.50, 150g) has a robust savoury salty flavour, with a tender chew. Bold and meaty on the palate, each bite releases some of the lovely meat juices.
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| Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin (KRW ₩36900 / SGD $44.50, 150g) |
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| Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin |
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| Premium Korean Aged Beef Sirloin |
The Korean Black Pork Collar (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) has a firm chew, with a bold savoury sweet flavour. Feels luscious on the palate.
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| Korean Black Pork Collar (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) |
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| Korean Black Pork Collar |
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| Korean Black Pork Collar |
The USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak (KRW ₩29900 / SGD $36, 150g) has good marbling, which results in a fatty, decadent mouth feel. It has a soft chew to texture, with medium savoury flavour cut through with a hint of salty taste.
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| USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak (KRW ₩29900 / SGD $36, 150g) |
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| USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak |
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| USDA Prime Aged Beef Ribeye Steak |
The Korean Black Pork Belly (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) has a bouncy chew, with a light savoury salty fatty flavour. Nice and clean-tasting, it doesn't feel too greasy or heavy on the palate.
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| Korean Black Pork Belly (KRW ₩17900 / SGD $21.60, 150g) |
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| Korean Black Pork Belly |
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| Korean Black Pork Belly |
The Signature Pork Jowl (KRW ₩15500 / SGD $18.70, 150g) has a crunchy chew, with a bold savoury salty flavour. Mouth feel is smooth and silky, very comforting on the palate.
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| Signature Pork Jowl (KRW ₩15500 / SGD $18.70, 150g) |
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| Signature Pork Jowl |
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| Signature Pork Jowl |
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CONVERSATION