Seoul Stirred Again

The new menu is a patchwork of classic Korean fare and favourites from Japanese and Chinese kitchens. “We have always had Korean patrons,but it is time to bring more Indians to the restaurant. Hopefully,the extensive spread will attract the locals,” says Mi Ran Lee (top left,in the picture),who has been running the restaurant with her husband Park Yong Soo. “The new interiors mirror the changes that are taking place in Korea and the menu essays the evolving food habits,” says Mi.

Besides the soy-based Korean curries,there is an extensive selection of sushi rolls — each served with Mi’s dips. “I learnt the art of cooking from my mother who started a Kumgang restaurant in South Korea,” she reminisces. A sushi counter has been introduced and three karaoke rooms have been added for some fun dining. “We were at the Ashok Hotel for seven years and it was time for a makeover rather that changing the menu,” says the 45-year old.

While the restaurant was shut for a good eight months,Mi says her old customers were just a phone call way: “Some of them were nearly annoyed that it was taking so much time to reopen.” The formal dining area and the floor seating area have dining tables buttoned with table grills for personalised cooking,which,Mi says,is popular with Indians and Koreans.

We begin the luncheon with Potato Cream (Rs 350),a creamy broth of potato with a sprinkling of herbs. Before we plod further into the menu,our table is furbished with ceramic platters that offer a summery mix of kiwi,apples,cherries and slivers of carrot in a light mayo dressing. Twin platters of California Sushi Rolls (Rs 700 for vegetarian and Rs 900 for non-vegetarian) come armed with choices. There are rolls of avocado,cucumber and asparagus snuggling with bean sprouts,and for non-vegetarians there are crab sticks,eggs and fish. The platter accompanies dips that are flavoured with mayo,pepper,teriyaki sauce,pomegranate and wasabi. Among the entrées,Yanggalbigui (Rs 1,200) offers thin slices of meat and mushrooms stirred in a mild soy dressing. The restaurant also serves Chicken Bulgogi (Rs 1,000) that fetches pieces of barbequed chicken accompanied with rice and salad. Also,to keep you busy between courses,the table is peppered with bowlfuls of nibbles that include the famous kimchi — pickled vegetables — in two different dressings and sautéed pok choy and bean curd. You can also try Daetongbap (Rs 950),a preparation of rice with dry fruits,beans,eggs and sesame oil cooked in a bamboo stem. And if you want something more exotic,order the five-course Korean Royal Cuisine (Rs 3,500) that fetches classics from the king’s table.

Meal for Two: Rs 2,500
Contact: 26110101
Location: Ashok Hotel