It’s very well known that my love for Korean food and drinks is undying. I could live on kimchi, noodle soup and soju. Soju (a clear, distilled liquor made from rice or even sweet potatoes) also happens to be the most consumed liquor in the world and is usually had in great company, so I’m pretty heavily invested. If my sales pitch has worked and you’re curious, or if you’ve already jumped onto the K-town train, here are the places you can find my beloved soju around the country.
Heng Bok, Mumbai
Heng Bok may be on the higher end of the scale when it comes to price, but its food and liquor is definitely worth it. Known for having some of the best BBQ, sushi, Bibimbap and tempura ice cream in the city, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this wonderful establishment. Along with soju, they also offer sake! We know where we’re heading this weekend.
Price: INR 2,500 for two (approx)
Address: 6th floor, above Shopper’s Stop, Suburbia Mall, Linking Road, Bandra West.
Contact: 022 62215511
Cabaret, Pune
This one’s interesting because Cabaret doesn’t just dabble in Korean fare but also continental and even Indian food. In the night, it becomes a pub of sorts with jazz music every Friday. And you can enjoy all that and more with their soju cocktails, a fan favourite being the watermelon soju. Can you even imagine a better Friday night than experimenting with cool cocktails while listening to some smooth music? Sigh, if only I didn’t live miles away from you, Cabaret!
Price: INR 1,000 for two (approx)
Address: Ground floor, Aspirations, Baner Road, Baner.
Contact: 020 65228709
The Shim Tur, Delhi
Easily the most affordable on this list and possibly also the most under-appreciated, The Shim Tur is nestled in a corner of the very busy Paharganj. It serves as a tiny oasis in the midst of the hustle bustle unlike anything else Paharganj has to offer. Sticky rice, spicy pork and the kimchi here are to die for and taste even better with the soju you’ll be ordering.
Price: INR 600 for two (approx)
Address: 2nd Floor, Navrang Guest House, Tooti Galli, Main Bazaar, Paharganj.
Contact: +91 9810386717
New Seoul Hotel, Chennai
Authentic Korean cuisine in one of the most popular areas of the city, and they still manage to exceed expectations. New Seoul Hotel has been praised time and again for their banchan (the array of complimentary side dishes they offer) along with literally everything else they serve. The Jjampong (seafood noodle soup) and Jeyuk Dupbab (stir fry pork with sticky rice) come highly recommended to have alongside your soju or beer (in case you feel less experimental).
Price: INR 1,800 for two (approx)
Address: 406, TTK Road, Alwarpet.
Contact: 044 4421338884
Soo Ra Sang, Bangalore
Bangalore is known for offering a wide variety of cuisines and doing all of them damn well, and with Soo Ra Sang they give any Korean establishment in the country a run for their money. Pour your clan a shot of soju while you gorge on their Korean barbeque, which they do perfectly well. They’re also known for following a few customs so be prepped to get the next best thing to real Korean dining.
Price: INR 1,500 for two (approx)
Address: 697, Sapathagiri Pride, 6th Cross, HAL 3rd Stage, Kodilhalli, Old Airport Road.
Contact: +91 9738212587
