Dae Jang Gum ?!!! (Onix Jun Korean Restaurant @ Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh)

Annyong haseyo? (Good morning) Ottoshimnika? (How are you?)

Suffice to say, the Korean invasion in Malaysia had taken shape in dramatic proportion - From the primetime Korean dramas to delectable Korean food. And of course, who can neglect the magnetism/charm/seduction of Rain, not the natural showers, but the popstar. Who sang in Mandarin (weirdly, I might add) during the closing ceremony of the Olympics, masquerading as a locale maybe?

Clean, spacious, and unpretentious - promising a satisfying Korean dining experience

Korean restaurants in Klang Valley are a dime a dozen, literally. The other day I was in Hartamas, and the dozens of Japanese and Korean restaurants within the vicinity were mind-boggling. But here in Ipoh, searching for a reputable Korean restaurant was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Recently (about 5 months ago) Onix Jun Korean Restaurant (aka Dae Jang Gum, how "imaginative") opened for business in Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, the business centre behind Kinta City/Jusco shopping centre.

Banchan (side dishes commonly served in a Korean meal)

Of course, this is NOT the only Korean restaurant in Ipoh, the other equally popular one is Yea Won Restaurant (click HERE for previous visit with Jason & Citygal), located in Medan Ipoh Bistari, also within the same perimeter of the area behind Jusco/Tesco in Ipoh.

Thus, comparison is inevitable. But me, KCA and KYT, who had been to both, unanimously agreed that Onix Jun serves higher quality Korean offerings compared to Yea Won.

Even the kimchi taste better, and very appetizing, preparing the palate for the impending Korean gastronomic fare.

Pa Jeon (RM12) and Kimchi Jeon (RM12) - Korean pancakes

The Kimchi Jeon was not spicy although the appearance may be deceiving. Jeon refers to Korean pancake dishes, and at Onix Jun, 3 types are served - Pa Jeon (egg & green onions), Kimchi Jeon (kimchi, duh ... ) and Pumpkin Jeon (need I say more?). Dip them in soy sauce, the thin pancakes make great snack if you do not want a heavy meal. The Kimchi version scored better in my opinion. The Pa Jeon was too plain, unlike my aunt's homemade version, bursting with flavours from the prawns, and gochujang sauce as accompaniment.

Fried Rice Cakes (RM20)

Another favourite of mine when dining Korean-style is the Fried Rice Cakes. The rice cakes at Yea Won was abyssmal, tasteless and sticky gravy, lacking in flavours. But the rice cakes here fared much better in our books, the chewy rice cakes served with carrots, scallions, and cabbages, topped with sesame seeds. The sauce provided much of the flavour, slightly sweet, sour yet savoury. Kinda resembles Chee Cheong Fun's sweet gravy.

Spicy BBQ Pork (RM19)

Half lean-half fat cuts of pork, marinated in slightly spicy sauce (typical red pepper sauce ~ Korean speciality), and barbecued. Wrapped them in Romaine lettuce, and gobble them whole. Good stuff. If only the portion is larger. Hmmm ....

Kimchi Stew (RM18) with rice

Piping hot, or rather, BUBBLING hot on arrival, the kimchi stew was piquant, sour, and appetizing. Ingredients thrown in include chicken cubes, soft beancurd, cabbage, scallions, etc. A healthier option compared to the barbecued meats, thus, perfect for the anorexics/bulimics.

Dolsot Bibimbap (RM15)

One of Korea's most famous rice dish, is the Bibimbap. Visually appealing, the warm rice is topped with various vegetables such as mushrooms, bean sprouts, radish, minced pork and an egg yolk, served in a claypot. How to eat them? Mix them well with the red pepper sauce (not spicy, no worries), then satiate the RICE POT in you. However, I do find their Bibimbap slightly dry, probably the reason why a bowl of soup was served together.

Bulgogi Rice (RM20)

Bulgogi, aka Korean Barbecued Beef, is one of the safest choice to order in Korean outlets. Marinated simply with soy sauce, sugar and various ingredients, then barbecued or pan-grilled, the sliced beef cuts is tasty enough to eat on its own, more so when complemented by a bowl of fluffy white rice. The sweet broth reminds me of sukiyaki beef, frothy with lots of sesame seeds, scallions and carrots, for a balanced meal in a pot.

Onix Jun aka Dae Jang Gum is manned by a Korean family, now residing in Ipoh. They speak impeccable English, and even Mandarin, so no worries. Of course, the second time I visited, they hired some locals as well. Previously, they were running their business at another premise, in the same area of Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, but lesser known to Ipoh foodies.

Location : 31, Jln Medan Ipoh 4, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh. Tel : 012-5377530, or 05-5477530.

Business hours : 11.30am-3.00 pm for lunch, and 5.30pm-11.00pm everyday, except Sunday when they open from 11.30am - 11.00pm straight. Closes on 1st and 2nd Tuesdays of the month.

With that, I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to KCA for the treat, on behalf of KYT and TallGal. Altogether now, Kamsahamnida !!! ^_^