Oori is ‘Ours’ to savor, enjoy

The Korean fever has long taken over Philippine shores—from Korean boybands, Koreanovelas to the K-pop superstars who have gained quite a loyal following here. Name it and chances are, Filipinos have surely heard of or are following them. In recent years, Filipinos’ increasing interest for Korean cuisine fueled the rise of barbecue chains offering unlimited grilled meats, kimchi, bibimbap and bingsu, among other faves.

Such popularity has led to the opening of so many Korean restaurants that it has become quite a challenge to distinguish which among them is actually authentic. One, however, can never go wrong with the newly opened Oori Korean Restaurant at the Sheraton Manila.

Two-concept resto

Part of Sheraton Manila’s second phase of development, the two-concept upscale restaurant is currently the hotel’s third food and beverage (F&B) outlet. Oori features the growing “fine casual” dining trend with a bibimbap sub-concept catering to fast, easy comfort Korean foods, as well as a more premium selection in the upscale Korean barbecue menu.

Oori’s interiors feature raw burnt wood, steels, ropes hanging on an open ceiling.

Oori, meant to cater to the diverse palate of its guests, has on the lead Executive Korean Chef Kibum Park, who has previously led a Korean restaurant and hotels in Asia before joining Sheraton Manila. With Chef Park guaranteeing authenticity, Oori which means “ours” in Korean, is seen to become the newest dining destination in the metro.

And true enough, one could easily feel the excitement and authenticity of the place upon entry. Simultaneously trendy and functional, the interiors feature raw burnt wood, steels, ropes hanging on an open ceiling, while Korean ceramic pots serve as decor. At the entryway is a display of premium quality meats inside a live butchery kitchen. It has a mix of couches, communal tables and bar seating, while the dim lighting creates that cozy ambiance.

Authentic bibimbap bowls

Reminiscent of walking along the alleys in Seoul, the Bibimbap sub-concept features comfort food favorites suited for quick bites. The Bibimbap by Oori space has a mix of couch, long table and bar seats. It offers an assortment of authentic bibimbap bowls served on a wooden tray, while ingredients are still unmixed, allowing guests to toss in fresh vegetables and sauce of their choice.

This space features communal tables, a live cooking bibimbap bar, semi-private rooms, and luxe private rooms with personal barbecue stations.

Oori offers an assortment of authentic bibimbap bowls.

Oori offers a premium selection of meats.

The other side of the resto meanwhile offers a premium selection of meats for grilling, such as the Australian Mulwarra wagyu beef with marble scores of 5+ or 9+, the highest recognized score, as well as imported Spanish-branded duroc pork that has the finest fat marbling and lean meat. An order comes with unlimited servings of five side dishes, assorted vegetables, rice and soup.

Oori actually has a collection of 16 side dishes or banchan, five of which are served each day. It also serves a homemade meljorim sauce, made from anchovy with soy bean paste which goes perfectly with the meat.

Oori has 14 barbecue tables that feature a dropdown grill, thus allowing diners to enjoy a meal without having to worry about the smoke. For the more exclusive affairs, one can book the semi-private rooms or the luxe private rooms, where you can fully savor those authentic Korean flavors and favorites.