The Place
Story has it that a mysterious lumberjack (and obsessive foodie) from the Rocky Mountains once decided to put his cooking skills to good use and open his own bistro. Crafting spaghetti, salad and risotto with fresh riches plucked from the garden, he baked pizzas over wooden logs, causing a satisfying, oaky aroma to permeate his shop.
The legend behind Macho Chef – which appeals to the young, curious minds that flock to its many branches in South Korea – may be concocted, but the Tianhe location sure feels real enough. Decorated with timber and doohickeys you’d find in your grandfather’s garage, Macho Chef presents a hybrid of Korean flavors and Western fare, invented by the same Korean restaurateur behind Zoo Coffee.
The Food
The signature stellar pizza (RMB88) is as inventive as it is distinctly uncanny. Forget anything you thought you knew about a cheesy pizza – this star-shaped pie is studded with half-cut cherry tomatoes, olives, spinach and cheddar peelings, each pointy corner stuffed with sweet potato and cheese. A ball of Ricotta waits in the center, ready to be spread.
Across Macho Chef’s weighty menu nailed to a cutting board are more Asian-inspired options to top your flatbread, such as mango cheese (RMB72) and sweet potato (RMB76).
Our table groans under a metal plate that holds the macho pork belly steak (RMB118), which a waiter then sets on fire – a gimmick that’ll take your food porn to a whole other level. The pork is tender and served with two dipping sauces – teriyaki and a spicy Korean medley. Alongside are chips covered in cheddar peelings and onion rings, as well as seriously hot, green peppers – Gangnam-style. If pork belly is not your chunk of meat, beef rib-eye steak (RMB128) will have to do, as it’s the second of just two meaty options on the menu.
The crab rose risotto (RMB68) is recommended for its creamy taste and smooth mouthfeel. Only three beers – Goose Island, Stella and Hoegaarden (RMB38) – are available for the time being, but cocktails are coming soon, we’re told.
The Vibe
As Macho Chef’s first branch in China, the restaurant’s interior adheres to its signature element: timber. Furnishings are all raw and somewhat retro, with a carpenter’s workplace serving as a popular backdrop for selfies. Although there is no legendary oaky aroma, the restaurant, with its yellow, dim lighting, still feels mighty cozy.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: the Korean community, Chinese Internet celebs
Good for: Western fare with a Korean touch, spicy spaghetti
Nearest metro: Gangding (Exit A, 3 minutes)
Open daily, 11am-3pm and 5-11pm; see listing for Macho Chef.
0 User Comments