"Upon entering the restaurant, I was warmly welcomed by the lady working there. I ordered my go-to Korean dishes: Dukbokki (spicy rice cakes) and Dolsot Bibimbap. I briefly considered trying the seasonal Naengmeyon (cold noodle soup) that I'd grown fond of from K-dramas, but ultimately decided to stick with my favorites. I also chose a peach soju to accompany my meal. At that time, I was the only customer in the restaurant, which made for a peaceful and enjoyable dining experience. The lady who served me felt like the mother of a close friend, which made me feel more like a guest than a mere patron. It’s rare to find a place where you genuinely feel appreciated while enjoying some comforting home cooking.
The banchan (side dishes) were delicious, featuring jalapeños, cucumbers, fish cake, and what I believe was kkakdugi (cubed daikon kimchi) that was simply outstanding. The dukbokki was perfectly balanced and not overly sweet, which I appreciated, and I loved the chewy texture of the rice cakes. Although some don't enjoy them, chewy rice cakes are among my favorites when prepared well, and these had just the right amount of spice.
As I savored my snacks and soju, I eagerly awaited the main dish. When it arrived, the lady brought it out on a cart, and it was sizzling more than any dolsot bibimbap I've had before. I let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the rice to get nice and crispy, and it was worth every second of that wait. The wide and shallow bowl allowed for a perfect layer of rice that crisped up beautifully! I was pleasantly surprised that the beef was lean—just how I like it—and the egg was fried to perfection, allowing it to cook nicely and firm up. I felt like I was in foodie heaven.
One of the things I love most about Korean cuisine is how healthy it is. Even though I was indulging in a large meal solo, I didn’t feel guilty for finishing it all; it was just that good. While I was enjoying my meal, I noticed my host prepping strawberries, and I was thrilled when she surprised me with a small dish of them afterwards. It was the perfect light finish for a summer afternoon, and they paired wonderfully with my soju. I truly appreciated this simple act of generosity.
Overall, my experience at Ssyal was exceptional. I can't imagine having a better dining experience. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and the service was outstanding. If I lived in Chicago, there's no doubt I would be a regular here. I wholeheartedly encourage you to visit and try it for yourself!"
