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| - For several years, I traveled to Korea regularly for business. During those visits, I got to know both the people and the food fairly well. The people are gracious and welcoming, and the food is remarkable to say the least. It is fresh, healthy, and full of wonderful flavors and textures. There is no other cuisine quite like it anywhere in the world.
Once my travel came to an end, I quickly discovered that quality Korean fare is very difficult to find in the US. Over the last few years, I have eaten at Korean establishments from D.C. to San Diego, and have yet to find a place that sent me back to the busy streets of Seoul. That is, until last night when I chanced upon Gangnam Street.
Gangnam, if you are not aware, is much more than a trendy song from a guy that dances funny. It is an upscale area in the center of Seoul full of shopping, dining, and a big chunk of the South Korean entertainment industry. Like the rest of Seoul, it is a bustling high energy area full of people. I worked and stayed in this area many times, so when I saw Gangnam Street tucked in modestly next to Fuddruckers my interest immediately peaked.
Over my years of traveling, I have learned that the best food in the world generally does not come from big, fancy, overpriced restaurants. To the contrary, I have found that some of my most memorable meals came from small, out of the way, establishments where the owner is both the waiter and the cook. Their menus are were not full of dishes created by consultants, but rather recipes that were handed down through generations of their family. They are not so much making you a meal as they are offering you a part of their life. The minute I walked into Gangnam Street, I could tell that it was one of these places.
The restaurant is small, but well appointed and very clean. You can tell they take great pride in their establishment. The owner came out to talk to me when I came in, and happily gave me a sample of some of the best kimchi I have had anywhere. My theory is that when you walk into an Italian eatery for the first time, you order spaghetti and meatballs. If you don't like it, you will not like anything else they have to offer. I have found this theory works with almost any type of fare, so the minute I tasted the owner's homemade kimchi, I knew that the food at this little joint was going to be great! For the record I ordered the Dynamite Chicken, Kimche Pancakes, Chap Jae (Korean noodles), and bulgogi nachos. In addition to my order, the owner supplied me with a healthy portion of their delicious kimchi and nice selection of banchan (Korean side dishes).
The kimchi pancake was tender with crispy edges and was accompanied by a delicious sauce that had just enough spice to give it a lovely kick. The noodles were fresh and accompanied with a lovely selection of mushrooms, vegatables, beef, and peppers. The Dynamite Chicken was crispy, perfectly cooked, and came with a nice spicy mayo and sweet pepper sauce. The nachos were fun and tasty as well. Overall the quality of Gangnam's food is outstanding, and the perfectly crafted flavors instantly took me back to the alleys and side streets of Samcheongdong and Insadong. I am already looking forward to my next visit.
So here is my advice. If, like me, you love small owner operated joints that put out great food, you owe yourself a trip to Gangnam Street. Whether you are a Korean food connoisseur, or have never tried the stuff, you have my assurance that Gangnam will not disappoint. And while you are there, spend some time talking to the owner. I guarantee you will leave happily full and feeling like you have made a new friend.
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