Momofuku Ssam Bar

Cuisine: Korean/Asian Fusion
Location: 207 2nd Ave b/w 12th & 13th St
Phone #: (212) 254 3500
Method: Eat-in
Price Range: $$$
Food: A-
Value: A-
Service/Atmosphere: A
Overall Rating: A-

If you read this blog then you are already well aware of my unhealthy obsession with all things Momofuku. So far I have only had the pleasure of trying 3 out of David Chang's 5 restaurants in NYC. I have already written about Noodle Bar and Milk Bar, so I think it is finally time to give Ssam Bar a review. It's fresh on my mind (and tongue) because last night 8 friends and I consumed the legendary, massive Bo Ssam feast (more on that later). The menu at Ssam changes depending on whether you are there for lunch, dinner or latenight. It is actually a great place to go for lunch, since they have the epic BBQ Rib Sandwich (which makes a great lunch on its own) and if you're feeling ambitious they have a lunch-only Prix Fix menu for $25/person which includes an app, entree and dessert.

What I Liked
Much like David Chang's other restaurants, you pretty much can't go wrong when ordering at Ssam. Ssam has a pretty small menu (although a bit larger than Noodle) which primarily features pork and fish. In terms of app's, they (of course) serve the famous Steamed Buns ($9/2) which are better described in my Momofuku Noodle review. The Bread & Butter ($8) is crispy bread with sea salt butter and whipped lardo and is really good, but it seems a bit expensive for an item that is served for free at most restaurants. The BBQ Rib Sandwich ($12) is succulent ribmeat on Italian bread with cole slaw. Add some Sarachi and it is truly delicious. The Benton's Ham ($11) is tender ham served on a platter with a smoky sauce (they also serve 3 other types of Country Ham which I'm sure are great as well). I'm sure everything from the Raw Bar is top notch, but I've only tried the melt-in-your-mouth Cured Hamachi ($16) which was served with edamame and horseradish sauce.

Much like the Fried Chicken special at Momofuku Noodle, Ssam Bar offers the Bo Ssam special ($200). You need to go through the same reservation process (typically 3-4 weeks advance notice) and have a party of 6-12 people to chow down on this giant pork shoulder. It comes with a dozen oysters, lettuce wraps, rice, ginger scallion sauce, 2 types of kimchi and this spicy korean BBQ sauce. Your friendly server will be happy to explain that you should create a lettuce sandwich with whichever sauces you feel like and be sure to put an oyster in for an interesting touch. The dish comes with tongs and you will quickly see that all it takes is a soft touch to the pork and the meat comes right off. Put it on a bed of rice on top of the lettuce with Sarachi, BBQ, ginger scallion, kimchi and an oyster and you will not believe your taste buds. This pork is absolutely incredible and has to be tasted to be believed. Last thing I'll mention on this is the crispiness of the skin. It is almost comparable to Porchetta (review forthcoming) in that regard. Definitely go through the rez process and try the Bo Ssam with your favorite 7 peeps next chance you get.

It pains to me to admit that I have found the rest of the Large Dishes at Ssam to be not as special as what I'm used to at Momofuku restaurants. I've tried the Pork Shoulder Steak ($23), Braised Brisket ($23) and Spanish Mackerel ($19) and I wasn't blown away by them. In my opinion, you can stick with the great app's and the dish noted below, but if you need to venture out or change things up there's nothing wrong with these entrees...they're just not as unique .

The Grapefruit Cream Pie and Thai Ice Tea Parfait are both really good, but I would recommend saving your dessert appetite for Milk Bar, which is not only right next door but you can go there through a passage in the back without even leaving the restaurant.

What Could Use Work
Although those last 3 Large Dishes I mentioned were nothing special, I still wouldn't put them in this section. The only thing I could think of to relegate to this section is the Seasonal Pickles ($8). These were different types of pickled veggies and were kind of dry.

Killed It!
In my opinion, other than the Bo Ssam, the star of the show at Ssam Bar is the Spicy Pork Sausage & Rice Cakes ($18). If it's your first time going to Ssam, I would recommend sticking with pork buns, BBQ rib sandwiches and this dish. This comes with chinese broccoli and crispy shallots, and the combination of all the textures and flavors is just spectacular. Once you finish off all the crispy rice cakes (same as the ones in the Roasted Rice Cakes app at Noodle Bar), you will be left with a soup of sausage, chinese broccoli and shallots; you can add some Sarachi and take down the remains with the ramen spoon they include. It doesn't get much better than that as far as eating experiences go.