Texas de Brazil

When anything is “all you can eat,” the fear for most foodies is that the quantity of the food will outweigh its quality. Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, Seoul’s newest addition (and Asia’s first), is a Brazilian-American steak company first founded in 1998 in Addision, Texas. It’s an eatery that attempts to eliminate the fears of foodies with its high-end buffet. Located near the Express Bus Terminal, the high-ceiling venue is bright and large with a salad bar in the center and “passadores” (meat servers) donned in blue slicing juicy cuts of meat. Visitors to the restaurant in the first few weeks might also have noticed staff from the main franchise, such as Corporate Training Manager Carlos Restrepo, greeting customers and giving out pointers. In true Brazilian style, the meat is cooked over charcoal, giving it a slightly charred and smoky taste. For dinner, one can choose from 15 different kinds of meat—ranging from filet mignon to pork ribs, lamb, chicken, sausage and two different kinds of picanha (the cow’s rump region). The server suggests having the Brazilian picanha, the restaurant’s specialty and a rarity here in Seoul, as soon as it’s cut because it tastes best when it’s hot. Surprisingly, our personal favorite was the slow-roasted leg of lamb, which was especially tender. Those not particularly carnivorous can find refuge in the salad bar (a point in and of itself). In keeping with its American branches, there are items one would not find at an average Korean salad bar, such as quinoa and bean mix, prosciutto, steamed asparagus, couscous, lobster bisque and several selections of cheese, as well as Korean dishes like well-done kimchi fried rice. At 58,000 won for dinner and 38,000 won for lunch, Texas de Brazil Churrascaria might not be the kind of place you can visit every weekend, but considering the prime choice meat and the high-priced imported goods available at the buffet the prices are more than fair. An added bonus? Quantity does not overpower quality here.