Here’s our guide to the best Korean eats on the streets.

On a dimly lighted alley in Poblacion, a man in half-buttoned chef’s jacket accepting a fresh shipment of seafood greets the delivery man “Annyeonghaseyo,” and steps through the back door into the kitchen. You’ll hear the famous greeting and a lot more Korean language in the old downtown of Makati City — the Philippine business district. Poblacion has embraced some of the modernity and economic development, yet stays true to its old-world charm. And this once peaceful suburban community has transformed into an energetic hub for both locals and foreigners.

After South Korea surpassed the United States in tourist arrivals in 2006, business establishments targeting the Korean market started to dot the way from Makati and Kalayaan Avenues to the side streets of P. Burgos, eventually mapping out Poblacion’s Little Korea. And what do foreigners miss when abroad? Their food and drinks.

Korean barbecue, gogi-gui, is a popular way of cooking meat on a charcoal grill built into your dining table. And the best way to experience Korean BBQ? The all-you-can-eat way. Just a few steps away from Red Planet Manila Makati, Matgalne offers lunch and dinner buffets for only 500 pesos. The unlimited beef and pork Samgyupsal makes you want to order more, and more, and more until you need someone to roll you down the stairs.

If you need to do serious peso-pinching, stop at Happy Samgyeopsal at Durban Street. With a smaller selection, you can have a similar KBBQ experience for just 299 pesos.

The sleek, new GAJA Korean Kitchen opened recently on the Kalayaan Avenue. The beautiful digitally projected art pieces on the wall make the dining room look like an upscale art gallery. Step closer to the poster of a masked woman, and open the door to a hidden bar contrasting the stripped-down, minimalist design of the restaurant (be sure to check in at both). You will find all the Korean classics on the menu, but they won’t taste or look like grandma’s. Gaja! — that’s Korean for “let’s go.”

Move to P. Burgos street. You’ll find restaurants like Kwang Tot Coal and San Sung, both of them offering classic Korean eats and drinks with matching music. And If you want your Korean barbecue with the feel and views of Poblacion old town, eat at Jumong or Minsok on Don Pedro and Villena streets. These traditional, ordinary Makati buildings were converted into restaurants to cater primarily to the increasing number of Koreans visiting the city.

Oh, you just need some kimchi and spicy sheets of seaweed for munchies? You can get most of that from the convenience stores located on P. Burgos, Don Pedro, and Polaris Streets. They have instant noodles, beers and shochu, sweets, and obviously, Korean ice cream.

If you are looking for a Korean vacation outside of Korea, book a flight, stay with us, and experience the taste of Korea without breaking the bank.