Cheap Korean Delights from Ko Hyang @ The Gardens, Mid Valley City

So, what if you're fatigued from all the shopping at Midvalley or The Gardens (they're connected to each other, btw), and looking for a place to snack, but sick of the usual fast food, doughnuts, and pretentious food (you know, those charging triple the amount for a packet of nasi lemak, or those seemingly specializing in laksa but instead serving generic mediocre food + lacklustre servive?)?

The open dining concept may be slightly intimidating for those shy eaters, but who cares when you know you're paying for quality food, and prompt service?

Situated on lower ground floor of The Gardens, this place has received considerably positive reviews from all quarters. First read about this place from Boo, then wmw blogged bout this recently, and here's one from neko hime's.

Click on the picture for larger view, or believe in my superzoom eyesight. =P

This simple stall (not even a restaurant, nor shoplot for that matter) opened its doors ... wait, there is NO door. Erm, put it simply, started serving satisfied customers since the beginning of this year. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I clearly noted on my previous visit to Din Tai Fung, I was absolutely sure this corner was occupied by some other eatery.

Iced Coffee (white - with milk, not the Ipoh's variety!) (RM3.30) and Hot Sik Hye (Korean barley drink) (RM3.60)

The menu's far from extensive, but not too shabby either. Offering 20 authentic Korean dishes, from the perennial favourite of Bibimbap, Bulgogi to Pajeon, as well as lesser known noodle dishes such as Korean style Pam Mee (I think correlates to our Pan Mee), and stir-fried cuttlefish with rice.

Ban Chan (side dishes) - Free refills

Once seated, you'll be served almost instantly. The small lot houses an amazing 6 workers (at that time we ate there), performing their duties to utmost diligence, almost clockwork-like. You can ask for recommendations, but browsing the simple one page menu should not be a hassle.

Ban Chan (Korean side dishes) is complimentary, much alike other Korean outlets, and 3 types are served at any one time. Of course, the varieties may change from time to time. But the spicy and sour pickled cabbage (kimchi) is almost a staple. The side dishes can be refilled for unlimited rounds, if you ever feel like picking on some light snacks while chatting over a hot cup of Korean barley tea (Sik Hye), which was sweet, soothing, with a hint of smoky, roasted barley aroma.

Kimchi Pancake - Kim Chi Jeon (RM9.50)

Yup, the Kim Chi pancake is less than RM 10 per serving, which is a plus. The crispy sides of the pancake paired with the soft, chewy centre, flavoured with kim chi (yup, that famous Korean pickle again) and lots of chopped scallions. The accompanying tangy sauce provided much zing to the pancake, even a little too sour for my liking. But the pancake was indeed a great snack, or even a complete meal for light eaters.

Bi Bim Kuk Su - Korean sweet and spicy noodles (RM12.50)

Commonly eaten after a heavy, and heaty meal of barbecued meats, the cold noodles is supposedly cooling, and provided much fibres and balance to an otherwise carnivorous affair. But eaten on its own (without the BBQ cuts), the cold noodles at Ko Hyang was delicious, with just enough sauce (mixture of red pepper powder, vinegar, sugar and gochujang - Korean spicy/sour sauce)smothered around the thin, springy wheat flour noodles. The julienned cucumber and carrot added some bites, while a whole poached egg completed the ensemble for a balanced, and light meal.

Toss them up real good ..... and slurp away.

Korean cold noodles are usually eaten during summer, which ironically, best describe current Malaysia's weather. This permanently scorching/blistering weather will last for another 3 months, forecasted. Wow ..... I may just go for another round of cold noodles, or even cendol or ABC in days to come .....

Location : Ko Hyang Korean Country Delights @ LG-K05, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. Located in front of Justlife organic supplies, and Cold Storage on the lower ground floor of the Gardens, by the escalator.