Ayo Gorkhali! Maya Thapa here, ready to take you on a culinary journey, not to the mountains of Nepal, but to the bustling lanes of Naxal, Kathmandu, where a little piece of Korea awaits. Tucked away in a serene compound, Hankook Sarang is a hidden gem that offers a delightful escape from the city’s chaos, especially the Naxal branch.
The Place: An Oasis of Calm
Imagine stepping away from the traffic, the honking, and the general busyness of Naxal into a tranquil oasis. That's exactly what Hankook Sarang feels like. They've cleverly incorporated a beautiful garden right in the middle of their restaurant, creating a peaceful ambiance that instantly soothes your soul. It's a place where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by nature, a rare luxury in the heart of Kathmandu. The wooden accents, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the soft lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for a relaxing lunch with friends or a cozy dinner.
The Food: Korean Delights, Hits, and Misses
Now, let's talk food! I was quite impressed with the diverse Korean menu. I decided to try the Korean Lunch Box Set (pork version), which was reasonably priced at Rs. 550 before 3 pm. However, the price jumps to Rs. 750 after 3 pm, a curious increase that left me wondering why the sun's UV rays affect the cost of pork! Despite the puzzling price hike, the lunch box itself was well-presented and delicious. It included a variety of banchan (side dishes), pork bulgogi and rice offering a great value for the price (at least, the early-bird one).
My friend went for the Gimbap (chicken version) for Rs. 550. While the Gimbap was decent, it lacked the distinct flavor that makes a great Gimbap truly special. We also ordered Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) for Rs. 550. This was a definite hit! The rice cakes were perfectly chewy, and the sauce had the right balance of sweetness and spiciness.
To warm ourselves up, we ordered Sea Weed Soup with meat particles for Rs. 500. The soup was flavorful and comforting, but the description of "meat particles" left me wanting a bit more substantial protein. Finally, we decided to try the Lotus Bischoff Cheese Cake for Rs. 650. Unfortunately, this was the biggest disappointment of the meal. The cheesecake lacked the promised Lotus Bischoff flavor. It certainly wasn't worth the price.
The Hookah: An Experience, But a Costly One
After our meal, my friend wanted to try the Hookah from their Shisha menu. We ordered the grape flavor for a staggering Rs. 1550. The presentation was undeniably impressive, featuring a transparent plastic base filled with mint and orange slices – a visual feast that almost made me wish I was drinking a mint-orange cooler instead! While the presentation was great, Rs. 1550 felt incredibly expensive, equivalent to at least two or three delicious dishes. It was a nice experience, but definitely a splurge.
Maya Thapa's Verdict
Hankook Sarang in Naxal is a delightful spot for Korean cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavors and a calming escape from the city. The place itself is a definite highlight, with its tranquil garden and pleasant atmosphere. The food had its hits (Tteokbokki, pre-3 pm lunch box) and misses (cheesecake, Gimbap), and the pricing on certain items was a bit confusing (lunch box after 3 pm, the exorbitant hookah).
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
While the serene ambiance and some tasty dishes made the experience enjoyable, the high prices for the hookah and the underwhelming cheesecake slightly dampened the mood. However, if you're looking for a peaceful escape and some solid Korean dishes, Hankook Sarang is definitely worth a visit.