All Korean and Japanese flavours
Rooted in Chinese cuisine, it’s common to mistake a Korean dish for a Japanese, and viceversa. If you were to visit either of the two countries — you’d find the Korean streets housing Japanese eateries, and Japan’s foodscape bearing a strong stamp of Korean flavours. Sushi, tempura, soba and unagi taste as delectable in Tokyo as in South Korea, and likewise the chefs in Tokyo will not disappoint you with their version of kimchi, sundubu jjigae or ox bone soup. Choices to sample both the cuisines in the city are many — here’s a round-up.
A fine dining experience awaits you at Kyo Restaurant & Lounge (Palm Jumeirah, 045575182). The Japanese restaurant recently announced the launch of their muchanticipated outdoor haven, making it a great dinner venue for this weather. Edamame fans will love the two options on the menu: Shoyu salt and Chipotle sweet-sour sauce. Choose from a variety of cuts (Australian lamb, Wagyu, Angus, etc.) and pair them up with a sauce of your taste — rock oyster, fresh peppercorn or hot beans. Yes, there’s more to Japanese sauces than miso, soy and dashi. For desserts, order a portion of Gyoza — Japanese pan-fried dumplings, similar to the Korean dish, Mandu.
At Sho Cho Japanese Restaurant and Lounge (Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa, 043461111; Qarayat al Beri, 025581117), you’ll be tempted to bite into Prawns with Apple Soy and King Fish with Jalapenos. They also serve vegetable and prawn versions of Gyoza. Shrimps, salmon, yellowtail tuna — the choices in maki rolls are likely to leave you wanting for more. Don’t leave the place until you have had a scoop of red bean ice-cream!
Chicken wing lovers head to Kim-Chikin (Al Karama, 043977650; Al Nahda, 042547748; Al Ghurair Centre, 043483311). Take a pick from fried wings in soy-garlic sauce or grilled wings in lemon-garlic sauce. The pocketfriendly Korean eatery claims to source the ingredients for their sauces from Korea. Katsu, a Japanese dish, finds place on their menu too. Enjoy this deep-fried breaded chicken curry with rice for Dh35.
Koryo Korean BBQ (Mall of the Emirates, 04 3411154; Bur-Juman, 04 341 1154) dish out kimchi, scallion and potato pancakes. The combo-meals priced at Dh35 include two main entrées, three banchans (side dish) served with rice and japchae (sweet potato noodles) and a beverage. We recommend: Dak Galbi or its spicy version. At The Black Lion (043592366), H Hotel, a small eat awaits you — Short Rib Korean Buns, it comes with kimchi slaw and sticky sweet chilli.