Jul 04, 2012 03:18 PM
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Having heard of Gung the Palace from friends and able gastronomes, we had long been attempting to get a table and discover the validity of the rave reviews so far for arguably the best Korean food outlet this side of the country. Having been turned away a few months ago when we trudged in without reservations this week we called well in advance and booked a table for 4(advisable to call before you go especially on weekends). It would have to be first floor seats we were told, the quaint low seating cubicles on the ground floor already being booked! As we arrived it was a bit chaotic as people bumped into each other negotiating through the rather narrow stairs into a 4 - 5 cover area. It was packed undoubtedly.
The menus arrived and as no additional help hovered around to explain the menu (can be daunting if you haven’t been chomping in Korea all your life) seemed to explain that the staff were used to people mostly knowing what to order and how to go about combining courses. After a lot of “I want this” and “that looks good” later we finally settled for a Pork barbeque (The spicy one though the server recommends the Pork ribs), A beef and rice main (So Bulgogi I am told) some California rolls (Tuna /Rice and seaweed rolls, and it’s not Tuna AND Prawns its Tuna OR Prawns, slight typo in the menu, major dampener to the spirit), Beers and some Rice wine.
The barbeque was done right there on the table on a glass, fibre pan of sorts which was lit up with a small portable gas oven. Quite nice, and I am getting one of those definitely! The pork fillets were marinated and laid out over the grill to roast, along with a spattering of onions and capsicum. The girl quietly went about her business as we demolished the sides and dips evidently meant for accompanying the barbequed meat, but was long gone. The meat was finally cut up into small bite sized pieces and we went at it with such gusto it must have scared the poor girl a bit! Note to rest: Eat don’t screech. The California rolls arrived and though the rest of the gang loved them, I can’t agree. They were a bit too dry and not interesting enough for me. The beef and rice was excellent and I doubt (thankfully) its buff! Seems they import their beef from Korea so this might be the only place in the city to get a good steak!
The prices are a bit steep and we were set back about Rs.4400 including alcohol which is about $90 or so. Not too high not to low either. All in all great food, and an authentic experience of the cuisines of another land without the corruptions of the host!
