Ever wondered what eating on the streets of Korea would be like? Well, a slice of that experience has been recreated, minus the effect of actually standing at a food stall amidst the moving traffic and pedestrians, at Syn, the Asian grill and bar in the city. On till February 28, the festival, called the Seoul Temptation, brings together a mix of foods from the Eastern land.
Featuring dishes like Bulgogi khimchi kim bap – barbecued chicken rolled in rice and sea weed, Bibimbap – rice mixed with tenderlion and vegetables, Hobakjuk – pumpkin porridge, Doenjang Jjigae – pasta stew, and khimchi fried rice, to the average foodie, these names won’t particularly ring a bell, but will sure go down well your food pipe.
A few things that are typical to Korean cuisine – food is mostly served at room temperature or colder. For instance, the Japache, potato starch noodles stir fried with vegetable, is served cold. Pumpkin features largely in every form, be it in soup, porridge or even dessert – Pobaktteok, pumpkin rice cake mixed with jaggery, brown sugar and dry fruits. And finally, rice/noodles and stew is their mainstay; the concept of a gravy is almost non-existent.
Serving tenderloin, chicken and seafood, besides vegetarian of course, patrons will be asked for their preference of meat and temperature of the dish. If you are a non vegetarian, then the Ojingeo muchim is a must have.
The spicy squid will definitely add more to your palate. Sous chef Asmic Raj however says his favourite is the Bulgoggi, Korean barbecued meat (you can choose between chicken or tenderloin). Vegetarians should look out for the Sigeumchi-Namul – blanched and seasoned spinach. Kim bap – mix vegetable (or cucumber) Korean rice rolls are also an interesting beginning to the meal.
If you’re looking for an intoxicating spicy meal, the Korean fest isn’t your pick. However, it’s a choice you must definitely try out. Since the names on menu aren’t going to particularly mean anything to you, make sure you discuss your choice with the chef as not everything on the menu goes great with each other. If you are the sweet-spice kind of person, then make sure there’s khimchi somewhere in your meal.
Open for dinner at Syn at the Taj Deccan from 7:30 to 11:45 pm. A meal for two would cost around `2500. For details or reservation, contact 040 6652 3939.