Traditional Korean food characteristically has strong spices and flavors, which can often times be off-putting to westerners. So the best way to introduce Korean food to non-Korean customers — especially the beginners — would be to attract them through some of the Korean dishes prepared a little more moderately. I would like to introduce Kitchenette: a casual Korean restaurant located in Apgujeong, which aims to bring lighter, more ubiquitously palatable Korean cuisine to a wider audience.
Kitchenette is run by the famous celebrity cook “Big Mama” Lee HyeJeong and her daughter, who truly understand what makes Korean food special and how to make it familiar to everyone. This is important, as Korean Fusion cuisine can be difficult to pull off without sacrificing those elements that give Korean food its distinctly Korean taste.
As we approached the restaurant, the first thing I noticed was the quaint outdoor takeout window, pictured above on the right side. The venue’s interior provided a high ceiling and large windows, though in nicer weather I would opt for the outdoor seating on the patio. When seated we were given a fork and knife in addition to chopsticks and a spoon, as if a declaration of the fusion-style restaurant’s intent.
We ordered Kitchenette’s Lasagna (KRW 18,000), Chicken Breast Salad with Soybean Paste Dressing (KRW 13,000), Roasted Pork Belly with Ginger Sauce (29,000), and two bowls of rice (KRW 2,000 each). The salad was generously portioned. The soybean sauce was a bit too sweet, but the lettuce was fresh and crisp. The chicken breast was amply supplied and had a light and tender texture.
The lasagna and roasted pork followed. We were quite disappointed with the lasagna. The portion was unreasonably small and there was nothing special about this dish. It wasn’t bad, but since Kitchenette is a Fusion-style restaurant, we were expecting some sort of blend with Korean cuisine. Instead, it was just normal lasagna you could order in any Italian restaurant. Considering the portion size, I would opt for an Italian restaurant instead.
The pork dish, however, hit the mark. The soy-based ginger sauce didn’t lose any of its unique taste as it was well-harmonized with paprika, onion and cabbage. The pork was a bit tough and dry, but the sauce’s sweet taste complimented it perfectly. The portion was enough to feed two.
Kitchenette also stocks a very wide variety of beverages, including traditional Korean teas and wide selection of wines. You can pretty much ask for any type of drink.
Also worth noting is that they have one private table upstairs for five to ten people, so it would be a perfect place if you seek a family atmosphere. (Naturally, a reservation is required for this table.)
Overall, the quality of the food was very impressive. I was with a friend who grew up traveling to different parts of the world, and she felt she could take any of her friends over to Kitchenette regardless of nationality. There was something very familiar about its taste, but it managed to maintain a unique Korean character.
Although many Fusion restaurants tend to be all hype and marketing, Kitchenette delivers; with their unique style of fusion, everyone can appreciate what Korean food has to offer.
The Good
- Excellent quality of food with (mostly) generous portions
- Lunch and dinner course menu available
- Takeout available
- Not too crowded, even during busy hours
- Wide variety of beverages
- Valet available
The Bad
- No bells to call the waitresses
- Understaffed – it can be hard to get the waitress’s attention
- Not too easy to find (see map below)
- Pricey
- Limited menu available between 15:00 and 17:30
Operation Hours
11:30 ~ 24:00
Contact
02-517-3020
Address
서울특별시 강남구 신사동 642-20
Directions
The closest subway stop is Apgujeong station, but it would be a 15-20 minute walk. Take a taxi to “Apgujeong Cine City.” Walk down the street behind Cine City for about 5 minutes. At the 3rd four-way-intersection, turn left (you should see HyunDae apartments on your right), and then take your first right. Kitchenette is on your right.
Map:
View Kitchenette in a larger map
Reference: The picture of the table is taken from this blog, the picture of the lasagna is taken from this blog and the picture of exterior and menu are taken this blog.
