Cycle 17 – Item 104
Post 5,948
20 (Sun) April 2026
Live Boston Lobster Pao Fan
2.0
(IFC Mall)
-Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, Republic of Korea-
with W and IZ
Paofan is a Chinese-Singaporean dish. More of a category than a specific dish, it consists of rice (fan) that is soaked (pao) and served in a rich broth, often derived from bones (e.g., pork, fish) – a simple comfort food made with whatever ingredients are on hand; modern versions include crispy/burnt rice for contrasting texture; premium versions are topped with seafood (e.g., shrimp, lobster).
Sadly, the Jumbo Seafood version was disappointing. The “simmered to perfection” broth was tasty, and the crispy rice was nice. But the so-called “succulent” lobster was a joke: presumably a whole lobster, but nary a satisfying chunk of meat, only bits between the shells – I’m sure it was there somewhere, just lost in the mix. A total rip-off at 88,000.
Prior experiences with lobster at this restaurant were generally positive (see 15.357 Lobster Braised with Superior Broth; 16.195 Lobster with Stir-Fried Ginger & Spring Onions), but both were similarly disappointing in terms of value, way too pricey for the piddling volume of lobster meat. Nevertheless, on our next visit, I will try the fourth and final lobster option: Steamed with Chinese Wine and Egg White – just to complete the set and move on to other parts of the menu.
(See GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)
(See RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)
(See BOOZE)