As a lover of Korean food, I had long lusted after the popular bibimbap dish. Also known as bi bim bap or bi bim bop, this Korean favourite is a rice dish served with vegetables, meat, kimchi, soy and other Korean sauces on top. Paik Bibim is one of the best Korean restaurants in Melbourne, and we finally got to try the popular bibimbap bowls, and sample the new vegan menu.
It can be hard to find great vegan food in Melbourne, but the team at Paik Bibim have curated an incredible vegan menu that showcases the very best bibimbap dishes, with those authentic Korean flavours. What’s more, to celebrate World Vegan Day on November 1, the team at Paik Bibim are generously giving away free vegan bibimbap bowls! This offer is extended over the whole Melbourne Cup long weekend, so you can head to 262 Spencer Street to try one of the Paik Bibim vegan bibimbap bowls from October 29 – November 1!
Vegan Bibimbap
Paik’s Bibimbap served us some of the best vegan food in Melbourne that we could have ever asked for. The classic Korean comfort food made vegan was not only filling, but it was truly delicious. We were lucky enough to try three of their dishes and we can’t wait to go back and try them all. If you’re looking for vegan food in Melbourne CBD, then get over to Paik’s Bibimbap today. You can check out their full menu by looking at the Paik Bibim Instagram.
Bokkeum Kimchi Bibimbap
The vegetarian bibimbap was the perfect balance of flavours and had an ideal spiciness that meant you got the flavour of the kimchi without the overwhelming heat. Served with all the freshest veggies of traditional bibimbap and topped with that signature kimchi, this bowl was almost too good to be true. The scrambled egg added a pleasant surprise and flavour to help balance the spice from the kimchi. If you’re looking for bibimbap without meat, the Bokkeum Kimchi is one of the best options on the menu at Paik’s Bibimbap.
Muchim Mandoo
Otherwise known as fried dumplings, this vegetarian dish was a genuine treat to try. Filled with fried glass noodles and smothered in Paik’s secret sweet and spicy chilli sauce, this dish was the perfect way to end our meal. These dumplings were the perfect union of sweet, spicy and crunchy. If you’re a fan of fried dumplings, then do yourself a favour and get your hands on the Muchim Mandoo at Paik’s Bibimbap.
Veggie Bulgogi Bibimbap
The veggie bulgogi bibimbap had to be one of our absolute favourite dishes of the day. This vegan take on one of Korea’s favourite dishes was amazing. The veggie bulgogi was a masterpiece of veggie meat that was chewy and made the meal so fulfilling. This bibimbap was so fresh as well, served with so many incredible veggies, all on top of a bed of perfectly cooked and sticky rice. Garnished with seaweed and served with homemade soy sauce, this bowl couldn’t have been more perfect. If you’re looking for a meal that will have you craving more as soon as you finish it, then the veggie bulgogi bibimbap is the menu item for you.
Veggie Bulgogi Tteokbokki
This vegan dish is up there with some of the most delicious food we have ever eaten. Stir-fried rice cakes, served with stir-fried veggie bulgogi and vegetables, this dish is absolutely some of the best vegan food in Melbourne. The stir-fried rice cakes were like chewy rice pillows soaked in an incredibly tasty sauce. The veggie bulgogi as we’ve already mentioned was just to die for, and clearly some of the tastiest vegan food in Melbourne CBD. This meal is a must-try off the menu at Paik’s Bibimbap and one that we cannot wait to go back and have again and again.
The Paik Bibim restaurant
Pain Bibim is a modern, light and bright restaurant. When we visited, there were lots of corporates heading in to have lunch or take it back to the office, as well as many leisure guests. The speed with which the team put together these amazing bowls is very impressive. Since opening in 2012, Paul Bibim has mastered their craft, under the direction of Chef Jon Wong Paik. Despite the busy atmosphere, the team took the time to take us through the vegan menu selections and even directed us to an allergy guide when we enquired about some of the ingredients. We would absolutely recommend Paik Bibim, so be sure to try their new vegan menu over the Melbourne Cup long weekend for a free feed!
Would order again!
It’s safe to say we would order all of these Paik Bibim dishes again and again. Each dish had its own charm and flavour profile that made it so delicious. The veggie bulgogi dishes offered such a variety of flavours and the chewiness of the veggie bulgogi really offers a different dimension to vegan food in Melbourne. We have enjoyed all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurants in the past, so it is exciting to find a lunch spot that is healthy and vegan.
The Munchim Mandoo or fried dumplings at Paik Bibim would make the perfect starter to any meal, and I could order these over and over again. The balance of sweet and spice in that sauce is perfect, so it’s no wonder they keep it a secret.
If I had to choose just one of these dishes to order again, I don’t think I could go past the Veggie Bulgogi Bibimbap. The bowl was so fresh, yet filling, it really was some of the best vegan food in Melbourne and we could order it at Paik Bibim time and time again.
Will you be enjoying free vegan bibimbap at Paik Bibim on World Vegan Day? We love finding vegan food in Melbourne so be sure to check out our Melbourne food reviews! If you fancy a burger recommendation, check out the best vegan burgers in Melbourne.
