Sorabol (formerly Asadal)

This was my first experience of Korean cuisine and I have to say it's my new favourite! Staff at Sorabol were extremely approachable and sympathetic of our lack of knowledge of Korean dishes. Having our meals (beef and chicken bulgogi) barbequed at the centre of the table in front of us was an experience in itself. We ended the evening perfectly with a nice warm cup of complimentary barley tea. I highly recommend Sorabol for Korean-food-newbies like myself!
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, August 22, 2008

I have been this restaurant couple of times before, and this time the owner has been change and their food and service improved a lot from previous.

They are so kind and ready to serve well. I am really impressed on the food like Korean BBQ, Yulhui ( raw beef ) and pan cake as well as the service.

Good to recommend.
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Susan Coldwell
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, September 30, 2007

We have been coming to Asadal for years. It has always been excellent. Our kids have opted to have their birthday dinners there, and we have often taken friends from abroad there. We have never been disappointed. The food is excellent- the restaurant is always full of Koreans and given that there is a huge choice Korean restaurants in New Malden this really means something. The waitresses are sometimes shy, and embarrased regarding their own labguage limitations. The owners are very helpful and will happily oblige if you are unsure about your choice. The dumplings are heavenly!!
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Beata Barton
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 6
Sunday, January 28, 2007

This restaurant appears to be loved or loathed by diners. I fall into the loathe category. The restaurant is like something out of a timewarp - dingy decor, passable food and non-existent service. Avoid.
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Trevor Powell
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 3
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

This restaurant is truly amazing, we found staff really very polite and helpful, the food was fabulous and service perfect- our waitress cooked our food to perfection on the bbq at the table. We will certainly be visiting in the near future.
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kirsty vince
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Saturday, August 19, 2006

On contrary to some of the reviews, I find Asadal in New Malden a good experience. We had pajeon and beef kalbi and chicken bulgogi BBQ and it was great stuff.

The place was not short of korean patrons which is always a good sign. The only demerit is having to travel an hour to get there.

Do take note that there is a branch (same name and menu) in London Tottenham Ct Road but this branch pales in comparison.
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Cola - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 30, 2006

I would second the recent reviews that refer to mediocre food and poor service. With the wealth of decent restaurants in London, Asadal is one to avoid.
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Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 1
Sunday, April 09, 2006

My wife and I were introduced to Asadal in New Malden 13 years ago by a Korean friend. Through all these years, we found Asadal's food consistently excellent. We were very glad that they opened up in Holborn. Before that, we had to travel an hour to New Malden but we were never disappointed.

It is a family run Restaurant. The lady owner still takes the orders, the son is the manager and the husband is the head chef. Unlikely any oriental restaurants in London, they don't use any taste enhancer like MSG. The raw beef is delightful and the oyster pancake is out of this world. The Gal Bi (special marniated BBQ beef) is delicious. I can see a few reviews complainting about the service. I would say it is mainly due to the language problem since most waiters/waitresss there are Korean students doing partime. Despite being courteous, their inability to express themselves might come across as being rude. It does not help if the waiter can't explain what's on the menu to those customers who are new to Korean food. However, It is always a good sign to see a lot of Korean customers in a Korean restaurant.

In short, if you are looking for excellent Korean food at very reasonable price, I would strongly recommend Asadal.
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Gilbert Wu
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, April 07, 2006

Based on the raving reviews, we went there to celebrate a birthday and what a disappointment! The service was absolutely awful! The waitress took our orders with reluctance and when we later tried to add a couple other dishes, we were given a disgusted look and told that our orders were already taken. Then the waitress tried to serve grilled prawns which were not completely cooked. When we tried to get a refill on the hot water for drinks, the waiter went on to get it for us but then when it didn't come, we asked another waitress. This time we were told that it was impossible to get hot water! The first waiter came back to let us know that it was coming and was chided in front of us by the waitress that he shouldn't serve hot water! Through the whole evening we never felt welcomed and the food was only mediocore. I recommend skipping Asadal for Korean.
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D Chen
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 3
Friday, March 10, 2006

Hi we came to Asadal in Aug. Never had Korean before, the staff were extreemly helpful and friendly. the lady that served us helped us choose the best for us, we had wonton soup to begin with, beef , then spicy chicken and squid with noodles and fried rice.

most of it was lovley I didnt like the squid but the lads loved it. we will definaltey come again. lovely food and fantastic staff. the lady who served us was very nice and helpful she also chose a brilliant bottle of wine to go with the meal.
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Helen egdell ( Halifax)
Thursday, November 10, 2005