Reader TTS

My return rate to restaurants on Bold Street is slim. I adore discovering new eateries with intriguing menus, so the thought of chowing down somewhere familiar isn't common. Only one of

the street's food spots has the ability to seat me routinely - Ban Di Bul. Thousands dart past the venue every day, often overlooking it in favour of its colourful neighbour, La

Parrilla. Regardless, Ban Di Bul has my heart, and for very good reason. I'm not impressed by the interiors or atmosphere; there's little to relay that you'd find interesting,

but the menu is out of this world. My only problem: I don't know when to stop. Ban Di Bul is a Korean barbecue concept worlds apart from your typical British barbecue. Raw meat is

marinated in a variety of flavours such as gochujang, soy sauce, or sesame oil, before being presented at your table, which you cook yourself. You won't find sausages and burgers; think

more along the lines of seafood and vegetables. Pork belly, calamari, prawns, beef tongue, and diced steak sit next to kimchi, eel with rice, enoki mushrooms, and seasoned spinach, as just

a few notable options. Thankfully, Ban Di Bul rids you of the hassle of flicking through more than 100 items with its set menu. When you arrive, you're greeted by the staff, who quickly

seat you. Conversation is next to none, so there's very little to discuss other than if you're familiar with the concept, but they are very attentive when needed. Interior-wise,

your primary source of light is the ruby overhead lamp dangling above your table to illuminate the grilling station. A blossoming cherry tree sits in the centre of the restaurant but is more

akin to eye candy than a practical light fixture. If you like to be dark, cosy, and left alone, then I can't recommend Ban Di Bul enough. If you're hoping for a casual chat with

the staff and an atmospheric get-together with friends, try next door. I prefer the former, and the stacked menu is equally appealing. My go-to order with a guest is the BBQ set menu for

two, but even then we can't stop ourselves from ordering more. The staff must think, "Oh God, he's back," with the sheer gluttony we put on display. You receive three

types of meat: a triple kimchi set featuring cabbage, cucumber, and pickled radish; sliced and marinated beef; pork belly with pepper and sesame sauce; chicken with red pepper-seasoned soy

sauce, and fried seasoned mushrooms and vegetables. Everything is as mouth-watering as it sounds and pairs exceptionally well with each other. Grilled perfectly to your own specifications

will never be unappealing, even if it is done yourself. You can't really go wrong with Ban Di Bul - the experience and result are in your own hands. Despite the generous set menu, I

always find myself ordering more. Another kimchi set or spicy pork tray never disappoint. I'm yet to leave the restaurant without feeling stuffed. Ban Di Bul is far from a hidden gem,

but not nearly enough people have given it a try. The restaurant is my favourite place to eat on Bold Street and has the ability to draw me in from the other side of the city. If you prefer

something a little saucier, you can order a hotpot, allowing you to boil everything together. Go in with an open mind, and you won't regret it.