West 32 Indulges in Korean Food with a Touch of American Flair

Unlimited samgyupsal restos may be a dime a dozen but if you’re looking for incredible Korean fare that’s made with sophistication and a whole lot of thought then you should include West 32 on your food radar.

Located along the busy stretch of Kalayaan Avenue, at 5PM in the evening, this small speakeasy comes alive. The restaurant got its concept from West 32, New York’s hip Koreatown district, which is also where the owners and best friends, Jeff Oh and James Thomas grew up.

As they found themselves creating opportunities on the other side of the world, the business partners decided to open up their own piece of West 32 in Makati. Here, guests can fill themselves up with great Korean food with an American attitude as they navigate thru Poblacion’s energetic nightlife.

What can you expect with West 32’s Korean-American fusion food?

Before getting into any of your orders, expect to be served by a not-so-traditional plate of banchan. Our consisted of two kinds of house-made kimchi each with its own nuance and appeal, gamja jorim (fried sweet potato), and gyeran (egg).

Tteokbokki, a popular Korean street food, is elevated into a crowd-pleasing appetizer with West 32’s Rose Tteokbokki (Solo 339 PhP | Sharing 600 PhP). The starter, which should be consumed as soon as served, is a beautiful composition of rice cakes dressed in a delicious gojuchang cream sauce with assorted mushrooms and then melted on top with mozzarella and cheddar. Crispy pieces of fish cakes are added to add more heft and drama when you do a cheese pull.

Another delicious Korean food import is their Fried Chicken and West 32 does theirs so well with their two versions: Spicy Yangyeom (Solo 339 PhP | Sharing 600 PhP) and Soy Garlic (Solo 349 PhP | Sharing 599 PhP). The Spicy Yangyeom is ideal for people who want a tongue-tingling, peppery sensation with every bite while the Soy Garlic has just the right amount of sweetness married with the soy glaze. You wouldn’t even notice you’ve already finished a piece so better order a 6-piece sharing plate if you mean business. Every order comes with a side plate of pickled radish.

The Full Rib Galbi-jjim (850 PhP) will get everyone’s attention once it arrives on the table. Imagine an artfully-plated, slow-braised Irish beef short rib adorned with tender pieces of carrots, radish, and tempura-style perilla leaves. Its sweet and savory beef broth is poured tableside. Consequently, it’s also sending your mind messages if you should eat it with fresh lettuce leaves or with kimchi fried rice. No judgments if you get both.

Looking for a dish that’ll get you sober after too many glasses of beer? A Classic Soondubu Jigae or Kimchi Stew of Silken Tofu (Solo 4209 PhP | Sharing 799 PhP) will get you up and running again with its rich medley of seafood and meat swimming in a flavorful broth blended with Korean spices. Also available are its seafood and doenjang soondobu variants.

Even the desserts get a fancy treatment. For example, their Banana Milk Pudding (350 PhP) is a homage to every Korean child’s favorite beverage growing up—banana milk.  This grown-up version is made with velvety banana pudding, sesame streusel for texture, and banana brûlée. It’s a great meal ender to share after an exciting night out with friends.

While the meals are out to impress, the drinks on the other hand are in a league of their own. Most of West 32’s signature cocktails are soju-based, Korea’s national drink and each has a story to tell. First of the most elegant looking is aptly called the Empress (400 PhP), a blend of lavender-infused soju, blue-pea extract, unfiltered soju, and red wine reduction. Mellow and refined in taste, not only is it the most Instagram-able it’s also the most aromatic. For something sparkly and refreshing then go for That’s The One (300 PhP), which is made with high-proof soju, Strawberry Shrub, and Grapefruit Soda. Lastly, pick the Berry Berry Nice (350 PhP) if you prefer a fruity cocktail. Made from a mix of Korean wild berry wine, lemon, lime, ginger, strawberry, and mint, it’s the perfect drink to accompany any rich-tasting entrée.

A place to chill and enjoy pre-game rituals, an intimate spot to talk about all things, from American trends to everything Korean, a late night joint to just while the time with incredible food and drinks— annyeong and welcome to West32.

West 32. 8464 Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila. Operating hours: 5PM–1AM.

For reservations contact 0917 515 2291. Follow West 32 on Facebook and Instagram.

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