Last week I was in London and delighted to try out a fairly new Korean restaurant, Kimchee on High Holborn. The taxi driver who took us there said he didn't know it was Korean, but he knew the restaurant with its big windows - and that's sort of the point. Apparently Samsung don't advertise the fact they're Korean because it's not going to help their business any, and Kimchee seems to have a similar ethos, in spite of serving authentic Korean food. You walk in and feel like it's an upmarket Wagamama. Nothing scary for people who don't know a thing about Korean food.
There's a spotlessly clean open kitchen and friendly staff: they were smiling, busy, efficient, welcoming. If you particularly want to be served by Koreans, you might be disappointed, but why should you? It's not a little family-run place. If we want to see Korean food go mainstream, this is a good step. Don't alienate people. The customers weren't Korean either.
The front room was more open, canteen-style, while the back room was a bit darker and more intimate. Just up the road from Asadal, this is clearly competing to be the top Korean restaurant for business people who simply want a comfortable environment and interesting food served well. The presentation was beautiful.
My twenjang jjigae, a hot stew filled with good fresh vegetables and a mildly spicy broth, was delicious. There is something so clean and healthy about this kind of Korean food. It is in fact a perfect business lunch, as you go back to work feeling satisfied but not sleepy!
All in all, very impressed. Would certainly go back. Glad to see they are busy.
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