North Korean restaurant: What to expect

With the secretive government of North Korea reportedly eyeing Scotland as the possible location of a state-backed restaurant, it’s safe to say that most diners wouldn’t know what to expect.
Would Kim Jong-Un endorse the kalbi?Would Kim Jong-Un endorse the kalbi?
Would Kim Jong-Un endorse the kalbi?

An existing branch of the restaurant chain, Haedanghwa, in Amsterdam marks a departure for North Korean enterprise by setting up house in the west.

And the lone European outlet has already garnered some surprisingly positive reviews.

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Promising “not only culinary delight”, but also “the chance to learn about the ancient Korean culture”, the restaurant may be considered a gateway to the North Korean way of life - although a very carefully sanitised one at that.

According to food review site Yelp, the restaurant has been given a rating of three and a half stars out of five.

The upscale eatery is apparently fairly pricey, but offers a polished and upscale dining experience.

The Kimchi - a fermented vegetable side dish - is said to be less spicy than it’s South Korean counterpart, while they also offer kalbi; a kind of Korean bbq pork or beef dish.

Highlights of the Amsterdam branch’s menu include:

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• Pyongyang Raengmyon: Cold buckwheat noodle soup topped with Haedanghwa Kimchi and various garnishes in copper bowl.

• Jonghab Bulgogi: Assortment of 5 different kind of meat marinated with specially formulated sauce served with lettuce and Korean bean paste.

• Myongtae Janggwa: Fried pollack coated with homemade sauce.

• Babjogae Bokum: Fried scallop, tree ear and mixed vegetable.

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One review online praises the staff, who wear traditional dress: “Randomly throughout the night, they sing karaoke, dance, do some drum dance, and play piano. What other entertainment could you want?”

However, until Kim Jong-Un confirms any outlet opening in Scotland, you can still broaden your palate by sampling one of Edinburgh’s South Korean restaurants.

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