Why is Kongju still popular in Bangkok?

Best for Best Restaurants Eating Alone Gatherings Taste

January 15, 2018

Kongju Korean Restaurant is located on the second floor of Pathumwan Princess Hotel. Kongju has been opened for more than 21 years, serving foodies in town authentic taste of Korean cuisine and Korean royal cuisine. When it was first opened, it was not as popular as it is now. The reason is simple – Kongju was opened during the time when Thailand’s food culture was rather monotonous. With the increased influence of Korean culture, Kongju is recognized as an outstanding pioneer Korean restaurant in Bangkok. What has won the hearts of Kongju’s regulars is the endeavour of Kongju’s team in delivering the most authentic Korean taste to their diners. It is also the reason why Kongju is still so popular in Bangkok.

Watch the video to see our dining experience at Kongju Korean Restaurant

Meeting Madam Hanna Kim of Kongju

After talking to Madam Hanna Kim, Senior Korean Cuisine Specialist of Kongju, we finally understand why Kongju can maintain its fame and popularity for decades. Her commitment to delivering authenticity in the cuisine and providing quality services to customers has turned Kongju into an award-winning restaurant in Bangkok for many years.

Kongju Korean BBQ

At the recommendation of Madam Hanna, we tried a big feast of Korean BBQ. What surprised us was not only the quality but also the price! At only THB 850 nett per person, we enjoyed a wide selection of meat including hearty slices of chicken, beef, pork, pork spare ribs, pork belly, seabass, squids and Norwegian salmon. In this reasonably-priced BBQ buffet, diners can also enjoy a few appetizers, hot dishes, soups and dessert.

The most precious dish in this buffet is Goo Jeol Pan, a Korean royal appetizer that cannot be found in any ordinary restaurants in Thailand or even in Korea. Goo Jeol Pan is an assortment of nine cold appetizers served with round pancakes. Eaten it with a special seasoning sauce, this pancake tasted light and flavoursome!

You should never miss the Korean dessert in this buffet – Soo Jeong Kwa (Korean Cinnamon Fruit Punch). It’s refreshing, healthily sweet and delicious! It’s definitely a perfect end to a big feast!

Watch how to eat Goo Jeol Pan

Gourmet Bangkok’s recommended dishes (available in a la carte menu)

Despite the BBQ buffet, you should try Kongju’s famous Ginseng chicken soup with sticky rice. Chickens are boiled for a long time to get all its essence in the soup. With the aroma and flavour of Korean ginseng and other ingredients such as chestnuts and jujube, this soup is a healthy, nutritious soup suitable for both women and elderly!

Another must-try dish is Ho Bak Kal TCHIM (Stewed pork ribs in pumpkin). Its aroma and sweetness melted our heart! Carefully seasoned pork ribs were baked in a ripe pumpkin, the sweetness of pumpkin was a natural sweetener, turning this dish a very scrumptious dish!

Who in Gourmet Bangkok team experienced this Korean cuisine?

Chelsea Chan ~ A food lover, golfer, fun lover, and adventurer
Chelsea was born in Hong Kong and is a genuine food lover. Her palate is especially sharp on Cantonese food, delicacies from Hong Kong and meat (especially beef, chicken and lamb). She is able to taste how the food is cooked and prepared. Besides, she is also a pro buffet gourmet because of her unlimited appetite. When she says ‘too sweet’, it may not be sweet for you as her preference for chocolate is 72++ dark chocolate.

Neng Srichaisak ~ A pro golfer, travel lover and photographer
Neng was born in Bangkok and is an enthusiastic photographer. Ever since joining the Gourmet Bangkok Team, he has developed an intense interest in food and food photography. He is good at searching the best angle for a dish. He likes spicy food and is able to tell the exotic spices used in Asian cuisine. He also acts as the Thai-Cantonese interpreter for Chelsea when reviewing restaurants in Bangkok. As he is a pro golfer, he reviews all golf courses for Gourmet International Team.

Will Gourmet Bangkok recommend Kongju?

Of course! Authentic Korean cuisine at an affordable price! Why not!

For a restaurant to be so popular for decades, there must be a reason! ~ Chelsea

Where is Kongju Korean Restaurant?

Kongju Korean Restaurant
Address: 2nd Floor Pathumwan Princess Hotel, 444 MBK Center, Phayathai Road, Wangmai, Bangkok, 10330
Phone: +662 216 3700 ext. 20230
Opening Hours: 11:30AM–2PM, 5:30–10PM

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