#KoreanCulinaryJourney: SEOUL-Ful Korean Flavors Comes To Clark at Huwon by Kiwa in Royce Hotel and Casino

The bold and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine comes to Clark Freeport enriching its colorful culinary landscape at Huwon by Kiwa in Royce Hotel and Casino. Authenticity, masterful execution and freshness of ingredients come together for a deep dive into Seoul's legendary flavors. Craving Korean? Prepare to embark on a Korean culinary journey and savor the real deal at Huwon by Kiwa...

Traditional Korean cuisine in an elegant setting inspired by the Royal Korean Palace of Joseon kings becomes the flavorful theme of Clark Freeport's newest dining destination at Huwon by Kiwa in Royce Hotel and Casino. From tasty appetizers to savory grilled mains and desserts, Huwon by Kiwa is your ticket to authentic Korean flavors up north in Pampanga. The popularity of Korean cuisine has made it an integral part of the local gastronomic and restaurant mainstream, but only a select few offer both quality and authenticity. One of these is Huwon by Kiwa...

Located at the elegant Royce Hotel and Casino, a luxurious integrated entertainment resort in Clark Freeport and a top destination for both business and leisure boasting world class amenities including a tempting array of dining options, it's the perfect setting for authentic Korean cuisine with an exquisite fine dining vibe. Huwon by Kiwa takes Korean cuisine up a notch to complement Royce Hotel and Casino's premium status as a top destination. 

At the grand opening last March 23, Huwon by Kiwa fills yet another page in Royce Hotel and Casino's growing culinary playlist. The addition of authentic Korean cuisine at Huwon by Kiwa brings variety and differentiation to Royce Hotel and Casino's flavorful repertoire of offerings. 

The name may be familiar among countless fans and lovers of Korean food particularly the lavish grilled specialties of Kiwa Korean Grill Dining (for more on Kiwa, see my previous post Authentic Korean Flavors at Solaire Resort & Casino's Kiwa Korean Grill Dining from 2016). Leveraging on the Kiwa brand's enduring success and uncompromising commitment to quality and authenticity, the new concept draws inspiration from the Secret Garden at Changdeokgung Palace with its exquisite renditions of Korean royal cuisine. 

The popularity of Korean cuisine continues to grow more so with the rise of K-Pop and K-Drama attracting a younger generation hooked on Korean flavors. And with it comes a wide yet often cluttered range of dining options. Authenticity is often conveniently relegated as an ideal nice-to-have priority. Not at Huwon by Kiwa. The brand and restaurant concept does not compromise on both quality and authenticity. And that's a good thing. Inside Huwon by Kiwa, the soothing wood tones adds a comforting warmth to the elegant space with a variety of seating options...

...including private VIP dining rooms for more intimate gatherings. Whether you're dining with friends or family or simply on a solo flight to satisfy your Korean food cravings, Huwon by Kiwa has just the perfect spot for you. 

Dr. David Shim, the brand's founder and strategic partner in the newest restaurant concept at Royce Hotel and Casino is an ardent advocate of Korean cuisine's philosophy of fresh seasonal ingredients, fermented dishes and healthy balanced flavors. Korean cuisine has long been known for its health benefits promoting longevity and wellness with its abundant use of vegetables, whole grains, heart-friendly fish and seafood and premium meats supplemented by fermented delicacies including the Korean superfood kimchi. From promoting digestion to boosting immunity, the many health benefits of kimchi and Korean cuisine have been well documented. At Huwon by Kiwa, Dr. David Shim's advocacy and philosophy for Korean cuisine and its many health benefits are showcased with each and every dish from the vitamin-packed selections of banchan or pickled and fermented vegetable side dishes paired with savory grilled meats to soothing nutrient rich broths and salads.   

David Shim's culinary vision fits perfectly with the thrust of Royce Hotel and Casino in providing world class experiences including memorable dining options. The much-awaited ribbon cutting ceremony formally opened Huwon by Kiwa led by (L-R) Joshua P. Victorino, Secretary; Annyka Chanel P. Cayabyab, Treasurer; Zoraida Camello, CDC Special Assistant to the President; Vice Governor Lilia Nanay Pineda; Jayson P. Victorino, Board of Director and Dr. David Shim, Strategic Partner. Clark Freeport's rich culinary tapestry is made even more colorful with the addition of Huwon by Kiwa in its complex weave with the formal ribbon-cutting and that means the Korean feast is about to be served. "We are excited to present the culinary heritage of Seoul, adding a distinctive dimension to the rich and diverse gastronomy in Clark. Royce Hotel aims to contribute to putting Pampanga on the map as one of the premier dining destinations in the country," shared Jayson P. Victorino.

A cup of soothing Bori-cha or hot barley tea opens up the palate with its refreshingly deep notes...

...while the ice-cold Measil-cha or cold plum tea hits the spot with its lingering sweetness. 

An exquisite array of banchan is then served starting with the traditional and fermented Kimchi...

...along with Miyeokjulgi Bokkuem or salted seaweed stem, Eukkaen Gamea or mashed potato, Modum Jangajji or assorted pickled vegetables and Geotjeori or fresh Kimchi. A serving of Odeng Bokkuem or stir-fried fish cakes was also presented to complete the impressive start of tasty banchan nibbles. 

The hot and cold duo of Juk or rice porridge with a drizzle of sesame oil and spring onions and the Dongchimi or cold radish kimchi offered contrasting notes and textures to tease the palate. Freshness is flavor, and few more bites simply highlights the freshness of each ingredient in the banchan and appetizers served. Freshness is after all an essential element in authentic Korean cuisine. 

The Chadolbagi or pan-fried beef brisket salad brings fresh and clean notes to the palate with a savory punch from the fork-tender beef. The combination of garden fresh and crisp greens with cucumber slathered with a creamy dressing and beef brisket is another must-try dish at Huwon by Kiwa. 

The Modum-Jeon with assorted pancakes, fish, pork and beef offers a rich medley of delectable flavors...

...while the Haemul Kimchi Jeon or kimchi seafood pancake brings a bold flavorful burst from the nutty sharpness and bite of kimchi smoothened by the briny sweetness of succulent seafood for that fine and delicately balanced finish. 

In between bites, a serving of Fresh Salmon Sashimi drapes the palate with its indulgent buttery and silky smooth melt-in-your-mouth finish followed by a creamy sweetness for a refreshing change of pace. 

The familiar Japchae or pan-fried vegetables and glass noodles with tender beef is a welcome addition to the Korean feast at Huwon by Kiwa. From the firm and mildly chewy texture of the glass noodles to the savory richness of the beef and sweetness of the vegetables, you just can't pass up on the classic Japchae at the table. 

Juicy and delicately crisp chicken covered in a thick and sweet glaze brings on even more flavors for an already epic and memorable dining experience at Huwon by Kiwa. The Dakgangjeong or deep-fried chicken with sweet sauce lifts another page from the complex play on flavors and textural contrasts of Korean cuisine. One more bite? Go ahead...

The Gyeran Jim or steamed egg brings its unique blend of subtle yet rich flavors with a delectably light and cloud-like texture. Topped with shrimps, spring onions and sesame seeds, each pillow-soft bite releases an elegant flavorful burst of richness. 

A tasty pair from the day's fresh catch is then served starting with the Ojingo Muchim or tender seasoned squid with vegetables in a mildly sharp sauce...

...and the delicately crisp and succulent Saeu-twigim or Korea's own version of shrimp tempura. The batter is light and crunchy with each bite releasing a clean and briny sweetness from the plump shrimps. 

You just know what comes next when they bring out a plate of leafy vegetables and fresh chili...

...and the fresh spring onion and white onion salad. That simply means the grilled meats are about to to be served. 

The Yangnyeom Galbi or beef short ribs in sweet special sauce is an absolute must-try at Huwon by Kiwa. Gently kissed by the flames from the grills with just a hint of fragrant smoky notes, the fork-tender beef delivers full-on flavors enhanced by the savory sweetness of the special sauce. 

Perfectly grilled and tender, the Yangnyeom Galbi is one of many signature dishes from the Kiwa brand. And don't forget to wrap it up...

...in fresh lettuce and kimchi with a dab of house-made sauce. The tart hints of the onion salad and punchy notes of the fermented kimchi and sauce tempers the savory richness of the beef for bold yet balanced flavors. And this is why we love Korean cuisine. Take another bite and make one more wrap. 

The Dak BBQ or spicy chicken teases the palate with its sweet and savory notes followed by some soothing heat. It's the lingering spiciness that brings a flavorful depth with each bite mellowed by the juicy texture of the chicken. The vibrant medley of flavors in just one bite will have you going for another piece.

The Samgyeopsal or grilled pork belly is another popular staple in Korean cuisine loved by local diners, and the rendition by Huwon by Kiwa is a perfect example of their menu driven by tradition, freshness of ingredients and masterful execution. The fork-tender slabs of pork belly with delicately charred edges from the grill delivers clean savory notes with just a whisper of sweetness and subtle smoky hints. 

Then, there's the duo of comforting soups like the Kimchi Jjigae or kimchi stew with pork with its bold and unrestrained yet balanced notes... 

...and the Galbitang or beef short rib soup with glass noodles and fresh ginseng for another traditional taste of Korea at Huwon by Kiwa. The pronounced savory and beefy notes of the comforting soup are tempered by the distinct herbal notes of the fresh ginseng for another play on unique flavors. From tasty starters and appetizers to hearty mains, Huwon by Kiwa weaves an elaborate culinary tapestry of flavors for an epic journey in both tradition and authenticity served with each dish. 

At Huwon by Kiwa, the advocacy for traditional and healthy dishes with both healing and nutrient-rich attributes represent the best of Korean cuisine as envisioned by Dr. David Shim. It's a mission shared by Royce Hotel and Casino in its own quest for serving guests and diners unique and memorable dining experiences. "Our Korean cuisine is a healthy alternative, offering quality meats and seafood marinated and served with a flavorful variety of fermented sauces and pastes. We also try to avoid frying, instead we grill or steam our dishes and accompany our main dishes with a selection of fermented vegetables," explained Dr. Shim. Food as medicine remains at the core of traditional Korean cuisine, and this is elegantly showcased at Huwon by Kiwa. 

Our Korean feast culminates with a picture-perfect sweet ending with an indulgent bowl of Pat Bingsu or shaved ice with sweet red beans and corn flakes. The popularity of Korean cuisine among local diners has made it a ubiquitous dining option and finding Korean food is easy. But finding good Korean food remains a challenge. Huwon by Kiwa is a sure bet, and you'll find it at Royce Hotel and Casino. Prepare to embark on a memorable #KoreanCulinaryJourney one plate and dish at a time at Clark Freeport's newest and exciting dining destination at Huwon by Kiwa in Royce Hotel and Casino...

Huwon by Kiwa is located at Level 1 Premium Building, Royce Hotel & Casino along Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner Nonoy Aquino Avenue Zone, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat, Pampanga. You can also visit the FB Page and IG Feed at https://www.facebook.com/HuwonByKiwa and https://www.instagram.com/Huwon_By_Kiwa/ for more information and updates or call 0954 466 1067 for reservations and inquiries.

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