A taste of Korea in Glasgow
Just off Byres Road in the west end of Glasgow is Kimchi Cult, which, from its niche signage font looks like it’s straight out of a comic (possibly John Miller of Khaki Shorts fame).
Step inside where there are three tables plus seats at the window. It must have one of the smallest sit-in seating areas in Glasgow seating 10 at a push.
We settled down with our menus as wave upon wave of takeaway orders were picked up – this is a popular place. They have a choice of Korean dishes, westernized variations and Korean teas and Asian juices like Pocari Sweat (£2) and Aloe Vera juice (£1.50).
We ordered the pork belly bao (£3.50), tasty pork surrounded by pickled cucumber, hoisin sauce, sriracha sauce and a fluffy bun served with a side of homemade Kimchi.
Mr Foodie was starving so a sizzling bowl of Bimbibap (£7) was ordered. Rice, vegetables, Korean gochujang sauce – the sweet and savoury Korean chilli sauce, kimchi, egg and seaweed and just like the stuff he chowed on when he visited Seoul. A huge portion for the price – some had to be placed in a doggy bag for afters!
Tangy, fragrant and filling 👌
Chicken thighs with gochujang sauce and a portion of the soy glazed chicken was also ordered (£6 each). Both had a crisp, crunchy exterior covering meltingly soft chicken inside. Two large chicken thighs per portion provided excellent value.
Cheesy kimchi fries (£6) provided some carbs. The in-house kimchi had a kick but was also sweet and tangy. Ideal kimchi for starting out – and worked surprisingly well with the chips in that it didn’t turn them to mush like we’ve had in other places.
Overall, we all enjoyed our filling lunch. Lots of tasty dishes to pick from with non spicy options for those with delicate taste-buds. There are gluten-free and vegetarian options available too and if you intend to sit-in you can’t book but if it’s too busy they said you could go to a nearby pub/cafe for a bit and they’d do their best to accommodate you when space becomes free. Also bear in mind that there’s no toilet.
TL;DR
+ Perfectly crisp chicken thighs
+ Good portion sizes
+ Tangy authentic-tasting kimchi
+ Korean tea and Asian drinks
– Closed Sunday and Monday
– You can’t book
– No toilets
Location:
14 Chancellor Street, Glasgow, G11 5RQ
Contact:
0141 258 8081
Opening Hours:
Tue–Sat noon–9.30.
Closed Sun/Mon.
Website : www.kimchicult.com
Transport:
Near to Kelvinhall Underground Station
First Bus 2, 3, 8, 15, 17, 77, 90
Can be found with gin or a pint in hand.
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