Kunjip - Korean Comfort Food

You would think that Ktown, that stretch of Manhattan between 32nd/33rd Sts. and 5th Ave., would host amazing, delicious Korean food at every corner. But sadly, this isn't the case. Most of the food is overpriced and average at best, especially Gumgangsan, you know, "that restaurant with the piano" near the Holiday Inn. But Kunjip is one restaurant that stands out in this sea of mediocrity. Kunjip, literally translated as "Big House" in English, may not be big in size, but in terms of quality and taste it towers above the rest!

Unfortunately, it seems to be a favorite of everyone else in the city. There is ALWAYS a line outside the door, although it does move fast. If you come in a small party of two or three, it should be about a 15-20 minute wait before you get seated at peak times. And it is open 24 hours, so I guess going at some odd hour after a night at a noraebang (karaoke bar) will land you a table faster. But most of the fast turnaround is due to the extremely brusque service at Kunjip. You don't come here to get pampered and linger for awhile; you get your Korean food fix and then get the hell out. Waiters are not friendly, their only purpose is to bring and take away your food as quickly as possible, not to fetch your water with a smile. Don't take it personally--I've found that service in Korean restaurants tends to suck everywhere. Go to a more chi-chi, Americanized place like Woo Lae Oak if you want to feel "special", otherwise, tough it out here, you'll be glad you did!

Every dish I've had here is just solid and sooo satisfying. When we went on Sunday, we ordered the jap che appetizer, which is basically a fabulous vermicelli-noodle looking dish stir fried with delicious beef and vegetables. Make sure to order the small size, because you'll also be served an array of other side dishes called banchan, a normal phenomenon at Korean restaurants. Banchan can consist of small plates of kimchi (pickled cabbage), seasoned bean sprouts, poached eggs (my fav!!), fish cakes, seaweed and much much more!


We also had the soon doo boo chigae, which is a very hearty and spicy tofu stew that just hits the spot, especially on a cold day. Dipping a spoonful of rice into the broth and scooping up all the aromas and flavors of the surrounding chunks of seafood, tofu and soup is just the most satisfying and amazing experience ever!


And, of course, the Korean bbq!! Korean bbq is red meat marinated in the most delicious sauce, almost like teriyaki but BETTER. I've seen my mother make it, and she creates this amazing concoction of soy sauce, sesame oil, grated Asian pear and sugar--it's slightly sweet and light, not overpowering the natural delicious juices of the meat itself at all like how some overly tangy or heavy American-style bbq sauces can do. I usually order the bulgoki, which consists of thinly sliced bbq beef sirloin pieces, but this time we opted for the yetnalshik bulgoki, which uses the same beef but simmers it in a light broth and noodles--fantastic!! Of course, I've also tried the gal bi gui, another variation of the bbq that uses short ribs, and that is fabulous as well, but the most expensive on the menu. Basically, you can't go wrong with a bbq dish here!

The meal tends to be very hearty and heavy, so Kunjip finishes off the meal with a refreshing ginger drink to balance things out. Afterwards, you'll feel so happy and full, and you'll wish that you actually lived at this place they call the "Big House". Except it's their house, not yours, and you're one guest of hundreds so they'll kick you out. But all the better, because you'll just want to run back for more--you'll be a guest at Kunjip for life!


Kunjip
9W 32nd St., New York, NY 10001
212-216-9487
(32nd and 5th Ave.)

Rating (out of 5 stars):****
Style: Korean
Prices: $7-$40
Summary: When you're craving homestyle Korean in a casual setting, this is the place to go!