“K” – Authentic Korean in Pune!

Korean Food in Pune!

“K” – Korean Restaurant has recently opened up in Aundh, behind Medipoint restaurant. Serving authentic Korean cuisine, they sure bring some exciting flavors to our palate. #baconbaba was invited for a tasting to this tiny cosy little place.

Here’s a quick run down of my experience.

Tangsu

Tangsu with Fried Mushroom

A dish with Korean-Chinese origins, the Tangsu consists of Batter fried mushrooms with Mixed vegetables and a sweet and sour sauce. The highlight was the thick sweet sticky golden sauce, characterized by the flavor of pineapple and vinegar. Fresh pineapple slivers added to the overall sweetness of the dish.

Tangsu with Fried Chicken

The Fried Chicken Tangsu had very similar flavours as the mushroom variant. The Red garlic chilly sauce and pickled radish served on the side add a much needed salty/spicy kick to this overall sweet dish.

Jampong (Veg)

Jampong (Veg)

Jamppong is a Korean-Chinese noodle soup with red, spicy broth flavored with gochutgaru (chili powder). The veg version is loaded with vegetables and mushrooms. While this had quite a hit of spice the strong flavor of mushrooms in the broth was noticable.

Nagasaki Jampong (Sea Food)

Nagasaki Jampong

A form of Korean Ramen, the Nagasaki Jampong is a lovely sea food broth – prawns, mussel, squid with mixed veggies and pork. Super light, super delicious – a must have for all you sea food lovers!

Clear Noodles Chicken soup

Clear Noodles Chicken soup

Like the name suggests, this is a simple, clean broth with mixed vegetables and chicken. The strong flavor of the chicken stock shines through.

Jajang (pork)

Jajang (pork)

A thick Black bean paste based gravy with chopped Cabbage, Onion and minced Pork on a bed of noodles. My first taste felt rather bland – the flavors just didn’t work. But mix it all together, and it results in porky noodle awesomeness! The flavor is rich, lightly spiced, minced pork and onions. Most noteworthy was the flavor profile – its different from anything I have tried before.

Best experienced with chopsticks!

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K is a great new addition to the ever growing food culture in Pune. A host of new flavors, this brings authentic Korean cuisine to our city. Looking forward to more trips here!

The menu is rather cryptic, so feel free to ask the waiters for advise. And, if you do land up here, be adventurous! Its a great experience.

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I was invited to be part of blogger’s table. The Usual Disclaimer applies.

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Bingsu – Snow in Pune!

“Patbingsu (팥빙수, sometimes anglicized as patbingsoo, literally “red beans shaved ice”) is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings that may include chopped fruit, condensed milk, fruit syrup, and red beans. Varieties with ingredients other than red beans are called bingsu (or bingsoo).

Source: Wikipedia

Now that you know what it is, here’s a quick glimpse of what CAFE Peterdonuts – Aundh has done to this classic Korean dessert. Available at their Aundh and Viman Nagar outlets, these frozen bowls of awesomeness can very easily be mistaken for mutated X-Men versions of our local “baraf ka gola”!

Fruit Bingsu

The shaved ice, condensed milk and coconut milk provides the perfect base for some crazy experimentation.

 

My personal favorites? The Pat Bingsu – a version of the “original” bingsu, the soyabean powder, cornflakes, icecream and red beans provide an amazing, not so sweet, jaw-chilling experience. The coconut / milkmaid flavored snow, the red bean chocalatey mess, and the crisp honey cornflakes provide an amazing range of textures in each bite.

Pat Bingsu

 

Another one I particularly loved was the muskmelon Bingsu. Completely constructed in a muskmelon shell, the flavored snow is topped with muskmelon balls – super fresh, and surprisingly healthy (apart from the ice cream of course 😀 )

MuskMelon Bingsu

They have a few other variants as well, including an ultra-desi Paan Bingsu with gulkand toppings, and a super sinful Oreo-Choco Bingsu.

Oreo-Choco Bingsu

Paan Bingsu

Each bingsu is filling enough to be shared between two. All the variants are priced at 180/- , except for the Premium Cake-Fruit Bingsu, which is served up with a delicious cheese cake resting on top of the snow.

Premium Cake-Fruit Bingsu

Be-warned : You will be left with a frozen jaw!

PS: I was invited for a blogger’s table, where I tried all the 8 variants. I went back the next day with my family, where I paid for the PatBingsu, since I liked it that much. The above write up is a collective experience of both the visits. However, for all intents and purposes, The Usual Disclaimer applies.