Kiwa Express Opens in Ayala Malls Manila Bay

Kiwa Express, the newest Korean restaurant in the metro has opened its doors at Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Kiwa Express promises to serve exceptional Korean dining options at an affordable price point. The quick-service casual Korean restaurant is an offshoot of Kiwa Korean Grill at Solaire Resort, promising to bring premium Korean menu offerings not yet offered by other Korean restaurants.

According to Dr. David Shim, CEO and owner of Kiwa Express, the growing demand from Filipino regulars wanting easier access to authentic Korean food made him decide to open Kiwa Express. Kiwa Express is actually an offshoot of Kiwa Korean Grill at Solaire Resort.

“Authentic” is an important aspect of the Kiwa Express experience for Dr. Shim. “It is true-to-heart Korean food. Not fusion. Not localized. And we offer high-caliber and quality Korean cuisine at a very affordable price...the quality is identical to the food that they would sample from Kiwa in Solaire.” The unapologetic authenticity of his food is the key to his success.

Kiwa Express menu features items hand-picked by Dr. Shim and classified as Kiwa signature dishes or chef’s special recommendations. He explains his personal recommendation for first-time diners, ”Kiwa Galbitang, the Korean version of bulalo. I will guarantee you that it will make you very happy.” The hearty, nourishing beef stew is a great gateway to the world of Korean food. Beef short ribs are stewed slowly in aromatics resulting in a clean, delicate broth that is a feast to the senses. Dr. Shim also highly recommends the must-try Kimchi Jjigae -- a warming, spicy stew highlighting their signature kimchi, Doenjang Jjigae, Jap Chae, and Shrimp Tempura.

KIWA EXPRESS REVIEW

AMBIANCE

The restaurant has a chic and modern Korean interior which boosts your Korean dining experience. The structure and the placement of the wood interiors complement well with the lighting giving a casual yet premium vibe. 

THE FOOD

What makes Kiwa Express better than other Korean restaurants is its authentic flavors. They didn't adjust their menu; instead, they serve foods that are 100% genuine Korean flavor.

FAVORITES

I tried a majority of their menu and I must say that all are equally good. From appetizers to desserts, their food oozes with a blast of Korean flavor.

But my favorites are:

BIBIMBAP: this is my all-time go-to Korean food. I tried various Bibimbap from different restaurants. But the Bibimbap of Kiwa Express is now one of my top 3 favorites of all the bibimbap that I tasted.

DAKGANG JEONG: I'm a chicken lover so no surprise that I order this from the menu and I am not disappointed. The meat is tender, the Korean flavor is there. It is sweet, and above all it is flavorful.

BUDAE JJIGAE: Honestly, this is my first time trying this menu. And so far, this is my favorite Kiwa Express meal. It looks festive but wait until you taste it. The ingredients of this meal will give your taste buds a festival of flavors. It is salty, sweet, spicy, and savory but in a good and complementary way.

Portion sizes in Kiwa Express are priced according to individual servings. There are also family-sized options for diners who come in big groups. Packaged meal sets are offered to make ordering easier for customers.

Kiwa Express in Ayala Malls Manila Bay is the first of many branches already in the works. “This restaurant is our launch pad, the model on which new branches will be based. When this clicks, we already have other upcoming outlets.”

Kiwa Express is located at the 3rd floor, Building B, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Macapagal Boulevard corner Aseana Avenue, Paranaque City. For inquiries, guests can call (02) 7004 7472 or send a message via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kiwaexpress/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089962269105).