The pub Commission tips: Five good Korean taverns in Stockholm

Korean culture has taken the western world by storm in the last decade-from K-pop, art, architecture, fashion and webtoons to Bong Joon-Hos Oscar success « Parasite » and the Nobel Laureate He Kang. The same goes for the South Korean cuisine, which has long been hot in the food world-whether you refer to local street food markets in Seoul or luxurious fusion pubs in Manhattan.

Last fall, the interest reached the boiling point since the fantastic Netflix series « Culinary Class Wars » outclassed all other cooking programs. Millions of food enthusiasts around the world sat who pasted in front of a kind of culinary « Squid Game » where 80 « black forks » – eccentric chefs from, among other things, street kitchens and school dining – competed against 20 « white forks » who are all star chefs.

It is difficult to imagine any more appetizing or inspiring master’s lesson in Korean food culture. The series not only captures the entire spectrum of dishes – from simple street food to breathtaking gourmet creations – but also human fate, kitchen codes, both ordinary and remarkable raw materials and, perhaps, also one of the South Korean souls.

Although the interest in the Korean exploded in Stockholm, there are places that have endured for decades. The hook pioneer Arirang Opened half a century ago and continues to attract guests to Sobra, pleasantly lit premises on Luntmakargatan. The restaurant is run by a family with four women at the forefront: Sisters Byung-Soon Lim von Bergen and Byung-Hi Lim, their mother Boo Mee Ja Lim and her sister Im Kee Sun. They can claim with some justification that they have contributed to introducing Korean cuisine in Sweden, also through a couple of cookbooks.

Still standing bibimbap, bulgogi and kimchi For the essence of the concept, and to prepare and share their bulgogi at a small table grill can be a nice way to socialize, not least for a slightly larger company. It is also possible to create your meal by combining light dishes from a long list. Some taste excellent – like a Korean raw beef (SEK 155) with fresh ginger, sesame, pepper, pine nuts, crispy pear and egg yolk, or a mandoo dumpling (SEK 95), with pork filling.

Other is less good, such as grilled ribs (SEK 105) with soy, ginger and black miso, where the meat lacks a barbecue surface and has been placed afterwards but its kimchi (SEK 95) does not need to be ashamed.

The calm atmosphere and restful acoustics make it easy to thrive at Arirang. You can also obviously your things in the kitchen – yet you should watch out for not living on old merits. The mood is drawn down by the size of the portions, which in several cases are remarkably small. Unfortunately, the fact that pankofit scampi (SEK 135) consists of a single shrimp is not weighed up by its golden, crispy exterior. To be perceived as a stingy usually punish itself. Guests would rather take the remains home, than feel sucked on an evening snack.

Another reliable supplier of well -made Korean food is Madam which opened near Medborgarplatsen seven years ago. It is easy to walk past the unassuming entrance, but inside the doors, a light, stylish room opens with wooden walls, large windows, pleasant bar sites and designed lamps. Here it is often full house (table booking is a good idea) and talkative atmosphere. Strikingly many friends gangs share either smaller dishes or a large common serving dish on table heater.

The menu matches the thoughtful interior. Among the generously dedicated starters we become more than satisfied with one Hoe (SEK 165), which consists of finely cut raw fish of good quality (tuna, halibut) Swimming in a sweet, tight sauce with chili, rice vinegar and roasted sesame seeds.

Kimchipann cake Kimchi Jeon (SEK 165) enough for 3-4 people. A superb creamy and spicy dish, covered with finely cut green onions, and comes with a delicious, sesame -tasting dip sauce.

Among the hot dishes sticking Maeun Kalbi Jjim Out (SEK 275), a stew with the comb served in a hot enamel bowl. An addictive taste bomb with a great chili heat that marries the spicy sweet. In Korean, we get a scissors to separate the meat from the legs. We are thrilled at Madam – Södermalm’s nicest hole in the wall.

The Tiktokarnas new, well -visited favorite Korean is a stone’s throw from the Technical University on Valhallavägen, a street stump trimmed with more or less exotic small bars with student -friendly prices. NOPO 1988 Is interiorally inspired by the Olympics in Seoul 1988 but the walls are also adorned by K-pop stars and South Korean movie posters. Simple tables, plastic chairs and wrapped menus create a relaxed and slink-in-friend atmosphere.

Many of the young guests seem familiar with the kitchen’s Korean street food, which feels reassuring. Among the most popular dishes are ill -stricken Tteokbokki (SEK 159) with rice cakes, eggs and fried seagrass in hot sauce. Do you want a little less heat is nopos Kimchi Fried Rice (SEK 149) A bargain. Soft risotto -like texture with kimchi and tasty pork that melts in the mouth.

Also the right of noodle Jjajanmyeon (SEK 169) With diced pork in a deliciously tasty and velvet darkness sauce by black beans slink down. Maybe with a Korean Cass-beer (SEK 95) or a Hanghang SunsetA Korean suede with the taste of strawberries and lime for facila 45 SEK. A cheap trip to Seoul.

In the small tavern cluster in the corner of Hantverkargatan and Polhemsgatan, since last fall Her name is kimwhose owner is passionate about « authentic Korean cuisine » and meals with a family atmosphere. Behind immense windows a half staircase down there are dozens of places, if you count generously and include the bar stools in the window. The room is divided with the kitchen and checkout. The menu is very simple and is replaced monthly.

The guests choose « main course » – for example, stew on beef, soy, mushrooms and carrots or braised pork and hot tofu with garlic, chili and soy – including four accessories (SEK 195) or six accessories (SEK 255).

The accessories can be Among other things, steamed dumplings filled with chicken and potatoes with the sweet spice paste Gochujang. There are also easier accessories, such as spinach with tofu and sesame, and just a strong kimchi on fermented radish. Possibly sweet suction for the food can be silenced with a Korean stick ice cream. Drinking can – Korean juices or mineral water – is picked from the refrigerator.

Everything is fresh and freshly cooked – an easy thing, with that roll. Here is crowded and fully nailed, with a foodoa storage in shuttle traffic that steps in and out the door to pick up pick -up food. To Her Name is Kim, you go for a quick goal of good and decent healthy food, not for a long sitting or intimate conversation.

Another new addition in the Korean tavern range stands Bap Kitchen for. In a light, stylish room near Mariatorget that previously housed, among other things, the gourmet restaurant Ichi, food lovers queue for classic Korean dishes with Twist. The unit price for main courses is SEK 165 on weekdays and SEK 195 on Saturdays.

The signature right Buldak-Dupbap Consists of juicy multi -grain rice with perfect chewing resistance, fried gochujang marinated chicken, Asian Majo and raw vegetables that can be thinly sliced ​​beetroot, radish and green leaves with sesame dressing.

Bap Kitchens Take on national law Bibimbap Can be obtained with braised beef in thin slices, alternatively chicken or tofu. The dish is served with the same good rice as Buldak-Dup bap: Shitake, bean sprouts kale, carrot, cucumber, radish and the obligatory fried egg. Saturdays you can get smaller dishes such as garlic -scented fried chicken wings and Nokdu-Jeona pancake made on mung beans (SEK 105).

A popular choice of drink is Yuja-Pangpang (SEK 85), an IPA pointed with the citrus fruit Yuzu. The audience at BAP Kitchen is international, mostly young adults and on Saturdays families with children from the neighborhood.

Nor does it indicate that the mighty K-wave should slow down-Korean culture receives state backing in one of the world’s most offensive cultural policy strategies. Most of it also indicates that the second season of « Culinary Class Wars » will be enjoyed this fall.

READ MORE: How to conquer Korean culture the world

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