▲ Fresh local produce are the key ingredients for Slobbie’s success. Photos by Jason Kim (My Korean Eats)

Jason Kim is a Korean-American foodie with a passion for cooking, eating and photographing. This article originally appeared on his popular blog, mykoreaneats.com.

Recently, I got to enjoy one of the tastiest and healthiest bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables) on the island with MJ and some friends. And if you can believe it (I couldn’t), it’s full-on vegetarian with several mushroom varieties providing a “meaty” texture.

Other toppings include thinly shaved radish strips, seaweed, aster saber (chwinamul), lettuce, fried egg, and did I forget to mention mushrooms?

Even more unique, the dish uses a soy-based sauce instead of the standard spicy version for a mild yet savory flavor.

Although I’m perfectly happy with regular bibimbap with a bountiful array of vegetables and meat in a spicy red pepper sauce, it was a nice surprise getting a vegetarian version filled with seasonal, local ingredients straight from Jeju Island.

The other dishes for the day included Hongdae Curry with Chicken Tenders (10,000 won) and SaebyeolDwaejiOreum (Char Sui Pork on Shredded Cabbage) for 13,000 won.

▲ Fresh local produce are the key ingredients for Slobbie’s success. Photos by Jason Kim (My Korean Eats)

Both were solid dishes that complimented the other dishes very well. So much so, in fact, that we all had a hard time picking which one to eat first and ended up sharing everything Korean style.

So, what’s this place that serves up such delectable, healthy dishes?

Jeju Slobbie (pronounced “slow-bee” and standing for “slow but better”) is a restaurant-cum-cafe-cum-bakery that not only makes bomb food, but is run on sustainable principles and gives back to their community.

Its Jeju operation is in Aewol but its two other locations are Cafe Slobbie in Hongdae and SungbukSlobbie in Sungbuk-dong. (both Seoul).

They are one of the few places that support the growing slow food movement, sourcing their ingredients from local farmers and focusing on mainly vegan/vegetarian dishes. In addition to being a healthy, eco-friendly restaurant, they also support various causes domestically and globally.

At home here in Korea, they train and support underprivileged youth through the Young Chef’s internship and mentoring program. Abroad, proceeds from their in-house Eco-Shop (Hongdae branch only), which sells handcrafted items and kitchenware, support children in Cambodia.

And if that wasn’t enough, they hold regular cooking classes, publish a bi-monthly magazine focusing on healthier eating and living, and much more.

Stars (out of five)
Food ★★★★☆
Service ★★★★☆
Ambiance ★★★★☆
Value ★★★★☆

Jeju Slobbie
제주슬로비
11am-9pm (break 3~5pm)
Aewol-ri Welfare Center (1F), 4 Aewol-ro, Jeju-si / 064-799-5535