With centuries of cultural, environmental and social changes, Korean cuisine has gone through a complex process of evolution. The cooking styles and the ingredients have varied from time to time and province to province but many regional dishes have become national specialities and over the years gained popularity in the other parts of the country. In India the exposure of this cuisine has been very limited as there are very less number of restaurants which serve this distinct cuisine with authenticity.
With the onset of April, Le Meridien Gurgaon has launched a Korean food festival which is featuring some of the delicacies which are high on authentic and varied flavours. The festival is put together by Chef Wang and Chef Park in the hotel’s all day dining restaurant, The Latest Recipe and goes on from 1st April 4, 2016 till 17th April 2016.
There is a decent variety in the buffet spread, and it is uniquely divided in hot and cold sections. There are a few street food specialities from Korea, with a live barbeque grill and a dessert counters. We must have found KIMCHI, as an accompaniment in many Asian cuisines, but never knew that it traditionally comes from Korea and is almost served with each meal. So the meal starts with a mild tangy soup, KIMCHI NOODLE SOUP. Another dish which commences the meal is BLACK SESAME PORRIDGE, with deep black colour and is extremely appetizing. From the cold starter section one must try the SPICY MARINATED CRAB, CUCUMBER KIMCHI and STIR FRIED GLASS NOODLES.
There is also a GIMBAP STATION, which is Korean style sushi with bulgogi (pork), tuna, kimchi and vegetable stuffing. It should be noted that gari (pickled ginger), wasabi and soy sauce is not served traditionally with Korean sushi but as per demand it is served in the buffet here. From the grills one must try the succulent SPICY BRAISED PORK SPARE RIBS with RED PEPPER PASTE. In the mains there is largely a spread of chicken dishes so as to satisfy Indian preferences. CHICKEN SOY SAUCE, SPICY STIR FRIED CHICKEN,RED PEPPER PORK are some of the listings from this section which are enjoyed with SEA FOOD RICE CAKES as a staple.
There is a dedicated counter of BIBIMBAP, a signature Korean dish which means mixed rice; it is cooked in an earthenware bowl directly on flame. The rice turn crispy and served in the same bowl topped with sautéed seasonal vegetables, fermented soya bean paste, beef and raw or fried egg. A Korean meal is incomplete without this dish.
The meal concludes with a limited yet delectable range of desserts, SWEET SESAME PUFFS which taste like our own desi til ki patti. Twisted SWEET FRIED CAKES, HONEY COOKIES and SWEET PUMPKIN PUFFS also should not be missed. The dessert section also offers couple of unique sweet punches, RICE PUNCH and CINNAMON PUNCH, which are mildly sweet and great digestives.
For people who are lover of authentic cuisines, and are experimental as far as food is concerned, the Korean food festival should not be missed.
Lunch Buffet: INR 1899 plus taxes per person
Dinner Buffet: INR 1999 plus taxes per person
For reservations, please call +91 124 4992008
