Review on Koreana
When Mrs Kim and family opened their likeable restaurant in 1985 it was reckoned to be the first Korean eating place outside London and it remains one of the few genuine outposts of the cuisine in the North.
The setting is a cosy little basement on the fringes of Chinatown, with lots of ethnic artefacts adding to the authentic atmosphere of the place. The staff here are a dream team: their charm and genuine helpfulness is a real bonus given the intricacies of the lengthy menu.
All the mainstays of traditional Korean cooking are in evidence, from gochi gui (skewers of marinated grilled chicken) and yook hwae (a take on beef tartare) to classic bulgogi (marinated beef and chicken grilled on a hotplate at the table) and dolsot bibim bab (rice specialities served in a heated stoneware pot) – not to mention the ever-present accompaniment, fiery kim-chee pickle. There are also a few interlopers from Japan in the shape of sushi and tempura.
Korean saké, plum wine and ginseng liqueur are alternatives to the modest wine list, although tea is the staple drink.
Koreana is also featured in: Michelin Guide, Good Food Guide
Rate this RestaurantCuisine
Korean
Chef
Mrs H. Kim & Cheung Hong
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.30pm Mon-Fri
Dinner: 6.30 - 10.00pm Mon-Sat (10.30pm Fri-Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card