Discovering Korean Cuisine in Cape Town
Photo credit: @minari_ct
A Delightful Experience at Minari Korean Kitchen
During our recent visit to Cape Town, we were pleasantly surprised to discover Minari Korean Kitchen, a charming eatery nestled in Simon's Town. Located at 101 St George's Street within the Simon's Town Boardwalk Centre, Minari offers an authentic taste of Korean cuisine in the heart of the Western Cape.
Eager to explore new culinary horizons, we ventured into Minari with open minds and eager appetites. As newcomers to Korean food, the friendly staff recommended sampling a variety of dishes to fully appreciate the diverse flavours and textures of this rich cuisine.
My husband developed a particular fondness for Japchae, a popular Korean dish featuring sweet potato noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables and, optionally, meat. The noodles have a unique, slightly chewy texture and are typically seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, resulting in a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury flavours. Another favourite was the sweet and crispy Korean fried chicken, renowned for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy meat. This dish is often double-fried to achieve its signature crispiness and then coated in a delectable sweet and spicy sauce, making it an irresistible treat.
For me, the highlight was the Bulgogi, a classic Korean barbecue dish. The term 'Bulgogi' translates to 'fire meat,' referring to thinly sliced beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and other ingredients, then grilled to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a delightful balance of sweet and savoury notes.
Our first experience at Minari was so enjoyable that we couldn't resist returning for a second visit to indulge once more in our newfound favourite dishes.
For those interested in exploring Minari Korean Kitchen further, they maintain an active presence on Instagram under the handle @minari_ct, where they share updates and mouth-watering glimpses of their offerings.
Discovering Minari in Cape Town was a delightful surprise, offering us an authentic and memorable introduction to Korean cuisine. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Minari Korean Kitchen provides a warm and welcoming setting to explore the rich and diverse flavours of Korea.