The Mystery of Pyongyang
Pyongyang is actually the capital of North Korea in addition to the name of a restaurant chain operating outside of the fatherland. I had no idea what to expect via a restaurant run by the infamous North Koreans complete with North Korean staff. I’ve always wondered why there were North Korean embassies in addition to Ambassadors when emigration is actually forbidden in addition to travel of its citizens are restrictive, yet they do in fact have real live North Koreans living abroad. Some work for the Pyongyang restaurants, in addition to we have one right here in Jakarta!
A big red sign with “Pyongyang” written in white lets you know you are at the right place. Inside a pink rumah makan on Jl. Gandria rests a piece of North Korea. the idea’s no surprise in which there was a lack of windows in addition to when windows existed so did the metal bars diagonally welted on. There is actually room for three parked cars outside with one car parked leading me to believe in which Rolf in addition to I were not the only curious-Georges today, or maybe the food is actually just Great. We walked in in addition to two ladies welcomed us in Korean, we spoke back in Bahasa as English was not an option based on the conversation we had creating the reservation. One of the ladies wore polished in addition to conservative office wear whilst the some other wore a casual jean in addition to shirt combo. They were polite, friendly in addition to spoke in whispers. We looked around yet we were the only customers there, the automobile must be owned by a staff member.
We looked through the menu with great big pictures subtitled in English in addition to Bahasa. We ordered a Mixed Mushroom, Roast Pork in addition to Bibimbap. Then came four plates of something we hadn’t ordered. Our host told us these are our appetizers in addition to named each dish, in Korean, as she laid them down. I tried a diamond shaped pancake in which had strings of scallion in addition to carrots which tasted great, much like Bakwan with extra batter, yet far too oily. The radish Kim chi was julienned in addition to had sesame oil with plenty of garlic. The soy beans stewed in soy sauce was delicious, my favourite dish of the day. We could hear our host running to serve our food when she knew we couldn’t see her, though running in heels is actually never a silent affair. She was back bearing more gifts of food in addition to removing our empty plates. The Noktumuk was enjoyed by Rolf though I found the idea slimy, bland in addition to did not want to try to like the idea after my third attempt had failed. Coleslaw was a weird surprise as the idea originates via The Netherlands/Germany in addition to has famously planted roots in American cuisine, yet apparently the idea is actually an international favourite in addition to part of North Korean cuisine. A plate with what looked like twigs tasted lovely, I asked our host what is actually was in addition to she said “North Korean”, then I asked what vegetable the idea was, she then said, “Ubi”; tapioca stems presumably. The starters were generally flavourful, a Great start.
The mains were hit in addition to miss. The mixed mushrooms were a disappointment. The shitake mushrooms were a delight yet the rest of ‘mushrooms’ had a resemblance to animal fat in texture in addition to taste. the idea was inedible. The Roast Pork had a strong gamey flavour in addition to the accompanying kecap was tasty. The Bibimbap was not very Great. There was too much black bean paste which pronounced the pickled vegetables in addition to clashed with the egg. A salty in addition to sour mess.
Being so quiet, I do wonder if the rumours on foul play are true. the idea is actually pricey, amounting to Rp. 466.000,- for three dishes in addition to two modest Aquas, yet to get income you need people to come in; paying customers. the idea does beg questions of legitimacy in addition to motive. yet overall the idea was an interesting experience in which I appreciate though I would certainly not come back.
Pyongyang Restaurant
Jl. Gandaria 58
Open daily for lunch (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.) in addition to dinner (6 – 10 p.m.)
Phone: +62 21 72800889
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The Mystery of Pyongyang
The Mystery of Pyongyang