A very popular korean fried chicken bar, I see a line outside every time I walk along Swanston Street. Another LIVEN app deal review to add to my cheap eats collection.
Visited on a Friday night, we were advised the wait was about 20 minutes, we got given a token rather than a name drop system. As it was a cold night, we decided to wait inside. All other guests waited outside. And because we waited inside the waiter who gave us the token couldn’t find us and thought we had not bothered waiting… So we actually got served later than we should be. We were lucky that a different waiter (female) asked us what we were waiting for. Don’t do what we did… suggest you either tell the waiter you’ll wait inside or stay outside like the rest of the waiting gang!
Beef Bulgogi Hot Pot, $14.80 came with rice. It came sizzling, a good winter warmer. A little clearer in broth colour than other hot pot soups I’ve had, which is pleasant. Small pieces of meat made it hard to find the protein. But there was enough meat in the soup. Flavour of the soup tended towards the sweeter end. I was happy with it.. soak some rice in it and it’s perfect…
Beef Bulgogi with Rice, $14.80
We ordered half flavoured boneless chicken in garlic sauce, $19. We finished the hot pot, the chicken had still not arrived. The same female waitress who followed up on us while we were waiting for a table asked us whether we had gotten our boneless chicken. It was nice to know we were still waiting for another dish. We advised her we were still waiting. Although we didn’t rush the waiters, it was nice to have a proactive waitress who followed up for us a couple of times. This was without us prompting anyone.
Despite the wait, the chicken was crispy, having boneless pieces made it so much easier to eat – clean and hands-free! Interesting how there’s wedges in the basket – prefer if they gave us more boneless chicken – because it was so yummy. Some cabbage and pickled radish on the side. The mixed salad was drizzled with spicy mayo. The mayo was surely spicy. I think $18-$19 is reasonable, any more in price I’d think it’s overpriced given that the whole basket does not entail all chicken.
Half Boneless Chicken in Garlic Sauce, $19
We enjoyed our visit, but expect a wait during peak times in the evening. The service would be marked a bit lower had there not been a proactive waitress to look after us. Service: Good. Best thing is it’s on the LIVEN app for 10% anytime. Click here for LIVEN details! I’d revisit to try other dishes like Jap Chae
Location: 209 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Website: https://www.samsamchicken.com
Tasteelicious Rating:Service: 4/5Ambience: 3/5Beverage: N/AEntree: N/AMains: 4/5Dessert: N/AOverall: 11/15
★★★★