323865 Thu Sep 07 00:53:16 -0700 2006 9 18 Manhattan 0 1858851 Decided on trying something different tonight with hopes of getting out of my immediate neighborhood but walkable and limited to a "cheaper" budget. Ssam seemed to fit the bill perfectly. So two stops on the 6 train and a few blocks of walking later, I see my dining destination. My first impression was that this was designed or modelled after Rickshaw Dumpling Bar. And if that's true...it was a good idea. Both are or will be gold mines. Simple but pleasant, differing "wood" strips layed horizontally cover the walls. Faux or composite stone tiles finish the floor and a not-really mahogany bar stretches nearly the entire length of the space with recessed lighting above. There are also a few tables and chairs. Much like Rickshaw, a metal vat provides water for guests and can be found on the service table with utensils, plastic cups, napkins and dedicated holes for garbage and recycleables. Like Rickshaw, you order in the back from a very limited but entirely satisfying menu for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. And like Chipotle and Rickshaw, the "cooks" assemble your meal right in front of you. I ordered the first thing on the menu: Flour pancake, rice, onions, hoisin with berkshire pork. This also came with bacon black beans, kewpie slaw and red kimichi puree. I also ordered one steamed bun with Berkshire Pork and one with organic chicken (pickled cucumbers, onions, hoisin) but backed off when I saw the size of the ssam. It was fantastic. All of the ingredients worked well together - the standout being the pork. Wow. Not only was the pork remarkably flavorful but the texture was great. Some parts smooth and shredded, some parts crispy. Fantastic. The essence of Berkshire pork was really defined. I was skeptical, but was surprised at how well it came through. Reminded me, albeit slightly, to the berkshire pork they raise and serve at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. The other part was the kimchi. This was sweet, as opposed to spicy, which I think will allow a greater following - you can add extra Srirachas (chili) hot sauce at your discretion. Lastly, the flour pancake was the perfect texture, taste and had just the right amount of "give" when biting into it. Overall, this is a fantastic sandwich and one I look forward to having many more times. If I can ever get past it on the menu, I'm sure I'll try everything else except for the vegetarian options, which simply don't look appetizing to me. This dish, with a Dr. Pepper (which went very well with the dish) came to $11 and change. Thu Sep 07 00:53:16 -0700 2006 20586 dkstar1 1 1859694 Wow- sounds like a contender for best sandwich (loosely translated) in NYC! Thanks dkstar chico Thu Sep 07 13:52:57 -0700 2006 1858851 14982 Chico 1 1859768 Your review makes me want to go asap! I do have one question for you: reading the other postings on the spot, it sounds like the wrapping is really just a flour tortilla. Is it really just that? You say "flour pancake" which makes me somehow hopeful that it's perhaps a bit more like naan rather than just a flour tortilla (which i really dislike). Anyway, just curious. If I have to be such a picky-pants, I guess i can just scoop the delicious sounding fillings out... Thu Sep 07 14:23:08 -0700 2006 1858851 16421 brownie 2 1859775 it is more like a tortilla than say, naan. But it is very good. Reminds me of the burritos I used to get at the Black Bean in Flagstaff, Arizona. And that's a huge compliment (best burrito I've ever had). Thu Sep 07 14:25:52 -0700 2006 1859768 20586 dkstar1 3 1859828 i thought the "tortilla" tasted more like the wrap you would get with moo shu pork or something, but maybe that is just a rice/flour tortilla. Thu Sep 07 14:49:32 -0700 2006 1859775 10672 jon 4 1860207 I thought/assumed it really was a tortilla when they took it out of the oven. I guess it's not as dry and textured as a real tortilla, but for some reason (I guess because of the way it looked), I assumed it was store-bought. Thu Sep 07 17:01:19 -0700 2006 1859828 18288 janethepain 1 1863300 Had lunch at Momofuku ssäm today. Had the Berkshire Pork version and thought it one of the best "sandwiches" I've ever had. The pork was tender, juicy and very flavorful.The comparison of the ssäm wrap with a burrito is very accurate I think. The only complaint I have is that there did seem to be a little too much "grease" coming, I think, from the red kimichi puree. And I was surprised at the use of MSG. An overall good experience, but curiously, I was one of only 3 custoimers at 1:00 PM on a Friday afternoon - maybe not a lunch spot, eh? And a little pricey at $12+ for a saam and a bottle of water. Fri Sep 08 18:44:34 -0700 2006 1858851 24539 livetotravel 2 1883161 Went Friday night after getting rained out of the yankee game. I'd already drowned my sorrows with 3 slices at Patsy's on 117th but couldn't pass up the place when I saw it was empty around 6:30PM. Had the pork ssam and two pork buns. The buns would've been great but for the fact that I've had hundreds of the original at Momofuku Noodle Bar and the pork belly is superior to the pulled pork. The ssam is an asian chipotle burrito on steroids. Very interesting, good ingredients but way too much carbs on carbs (i.e. rice, beans, kimchee) for my taste. Stick to the original Momofuku. Mon Sep 18 01:28:49 -0700 2006 1863300 10173 guttergourmet 1 1946154 Just tried the Berkshire Pork Ssam today, and loved it. Gutter, I think this is one case where the "carb on carb" thing works. This thing is loaded with flavors and elements that come together like party guests you might never expect to be enjoying each other's company in the same room. They might lay on the sauce a tad thick, and the chewy and flavorful Berkshire Pork - the thing that puts the mojo in Momofuku to begin with - could definitely be more front and center - but I still say this is one of the tastiest sandwiches in town. Noticed that NY Magazine's readers gave this place a "4" rating out of 10. I couldn't disagree more; if I were into number ratings, I would double that, just to keep this place going. I went on a Saturday at 2pm - it was practically empty. Oh, well...more Ssam for me. I look forward to try the lettuce-wrapped version. Sat Oct 14 20:20:54 -0700 2006 1858851 24813 Polecat 1 1997991 I went to the ssam bar tongith for dinnner. As a vegetarian i was impressed with the selection. I had the braised tofu ssam which was filling and delicious. I will definitel go back. Also David Chang was working the ssam bar-- I am impressed that he is so hands on. Sun Nov 05 05:36:02 -0800 2006 1858851 12687 jordana