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"It's Showtime" host Ryan Bang hopes to introduce traditional Korean dishes to diners in the Philippines, who have grown accustomed to grilled meats such as samgyeopsal.
The Korean host-comedian recently launched Paldo, marketed as a "casual fine dining restaurant," at 33 Scout Santiago in Diliman, Quezon City.
It has set menus consisting of mostly side dishes and healthy food inspired by meals enjoyed by Korean royalty. This can also be seen in the interiors, with traditional designs and touches of opulence seen in different parts of the space.
"'Yung mga traditional [Korean] food wala pa [rito]," Bang told ABS-CBN News. "Kapag sinasabi na Korean food [dito] usually mga street food, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), saka sikat talaga beef and pork, 'yung samgyeopsal. Kaya gusto ko talagang dalhin dito at ma-experience nila 'yung Korean traditional food na kung paano kumain noong unang panahon 'yung mga king and queen."
"Gusto kong ma-experience ng mga kababayan natin na Pilipino na kahit hindi sila pumunta ng Korea, puwede silang maka-try talaga ng authentic Korean food here in the Philippines," he added.
Paldo has lunch sets at P1,000 and below, Bang said, with diners also having the option to order a la carte. There are also set menus recreating meals fit for royals at around P2,000.
Aside from the main dining area, the restaurant also has rooms for meetings and small gatherings. In his latest vlog, Bang sampled some of Paldo's offerings such as water kimchi, soy sauce shrimp, and makgeolli, a Korean alcoholic drink.