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Korean Cuisine and Culture
by Steph Wy Ng
on Friday, September 04, 2009 12:00 AM
Korean restaurants can be found all over Shanghai, though discovering a true gem is easier said than done for an uninitiated foreigner. When in doubt, follow the crowd - to the rather obviously named Korean Barbeque Restaurant, which is a popular choice for many Koreans seeking to find something akin to home-style cooking.
Shanghai-born owner Tracey Zhang says it is important to appeal to the Korean population - after all, what better promotion is there for the authenticity of your food than when natives regularly eat at your diner? To up the authenticity quotient, she has immersed herself in Korean culture - including the multi-faceted cuisine. As well as learning the language, Zhang flies frequently to Korea to keep pace with the latest food trends. She also did a stint on a TV show as a Korean chef.
She tells fascinating stories about the country, including how the Korean alphabet was invented (former King Shi Zong was once looking through traditional patterned Korean windows when it suddenly came to him), and how the Bibimbap, Korean stone pot rice, was created.
The restaurant has a selection of stone pot rice dishes, plus special lunch sets from RMB50-80. And, as the name suggests, there are plentiful barbeque selections. If you're on a budget and want to make your order really count, choose the Marinated Beef Rib (RMB90). After being marinated in soy sauce, garlic and two different types of fruit (the ‘secret ingredients'), the preparation confers a cornucopia of delectable flavors on the beef.
For authentic Korean noodles, try the Stir Fried Glass Noodles with Beef and Vegetables (RMB55). Imported from Korea, the noodles are worked into shape by the Korean head chef using several indigenous ingredients.
The drinks menu features several Korean beverages, such as the intense Korean Can Grape Juice (RMB15). Clear in color, it's made from white grapes and contains pieces of skinless fruit. It's the perfect way to wash down the spicy dishes.
The Bottom Line: Tasty, authentic Korean cuisine at affordable prices.
