Kristen H.
Yelp
Providence isn't exactly a place known for its Korean food, though I must admit that the food has pleasantly surprised me with how much it's improved over the years. Perhaps it's from the more discerning college-age foodies that have descended upon Brown's campus in recent years. Our large party of twelve walked in without a reservation at the end of Brown's annual Reunion Weekend (around noon on a Sunday), and we were immediately seated at two large tables by the windows.
The restaurant interior is spacious and airy, with an industrial-chic vibe, and large windows line the street-facing walls, allowing natural light to flood the interior and offering passersby a glimpse into the bustling dining area. Exposed brick walls and metal accents create a trendy yet comfortable atmosphere, complemented by vibrant green plants that add a touch of warmth and freshness.
The menu is extensive and showcases a variety of Korean dishes ranging from the more Americanized fare (bibimbap, bulgogi, etc.) to more traditional foods (think seafood soybean soup and kimchi stew) to appetizers/street foods (dumplings, Korean fried chicken, and more!). We started with some appetizers to share, including their dumplings, edamame, and pa jeon. Their dumplings ($8.99 for 6 pcs, your choice of fried/steamed, beef/pork/shrimp/veggie) were okay: we went with fried pork dumplings, and while the skin was crispy, they lacked filling and flavor. The edamame ($6.99, mild or spicy) was well-seasoned and cooked perfectly, and the pa jeon (scallion pancake, $10.99) was crispy and not overly greasy.
For entrees, all dishes come with banchan and rice (Korean side dishes including pickled onions, cucumbers, kimchi, etc. - it's decent but nothing stands out). One member of our party ordered their Spicy Beef Veggie Soup ($20.99), which comes with tender pulled beef, egg, and plenty of vegetables and glass noodles in a spicy broth. While this was nowhere near the best yukgaejang we've had, it was perfectly serviceable. Another two members of our party opted for the Chicken Ramen ($19.99), which is a large bowl of their most popular ramen, topped with pulled chicken leg and vegetables in a garlicky, spicy broth. They seemed to enjoy the large portion and the unique vegetables such as fernbrake and taro stems, which you don't often see in ramen.
The Kimchi Beef Fried Rice ($16.99) is a huge plate of stir-fried rice with kimchi, spicy sauce, onions, and beef bulgogi - this is a great option as it allows them to mask less-than-fresh kimchi and lower-quality cuts of meat in a dish that is a great value and arguably still delicious, topped with an indulgent runny fried egg. Lastly, I opted for the Ginseng Chicken Soup ($25.99), which is one of my favorite Korean dishes of all time: a whole cornish hen stuffed with sweet glutinous rice, dates, chestnuts, garlic, and ginseng root. This version was fine, but not memorable: the chicken was large and tender, but there wasn't enough rice stuffing, nor dates, chestnuts, and garlic (and only a tiny piece of ginseng). I did enjoy how it came with a side of salt and pepper to season the broth to your liking, but I couldn't justify spending $26 for this dish again.
Overall, I think that this is probably some of the best Korean food that you'll find in the area, and as long as you don't get your hopes up too high for truly authentic fare, you won't be disappointed. If you're looking to curb a Korean food fix with satisfactory food, friendly service, and a great vibe, this is a great option!