You might have heard about the new world phenomenon of the spicy, fermented cabbage that is a staple food eaten by every true Korean. If you are unaware of this, perhaps it is a sign that you need to venture out into the world of international cuisine. Though usually prepared as a traditional side dish, kimchi is also used as an ingredient in a wide variety of recipes.

If you can handle the heat and have a penchant for strong flavor, then Korean food will most probably be right up your alley. Fermented food does sound a bit gross and bizarre, but it is highly addictive and your spicy palate will crave the burn. As a born and bred only-child Korean, and self-admitted food snob, when it comes to scoping out a mat-jip, directly translated to "flavour-house", you can count on me. The following is in no particular order as they all serve different functions and experiences for your soon-to-be hypercritical connoisseur taste buds.

Hansik

Instantly recognized to be an upscale Korean restaurant aimed not so much at just Koreans, but caters for every kind of Kiwi. Serving both traditional and fusion dishes, Hansik has an impressive menu that includes degustation experiences from $39-$69. If you work near Victoria Park, this is a great place to pop in for your hour-lunch break. It's great to dine in solo as you'll be accompanied by the traditional Korean music which is usually never played in any Korean restaurant. The Kimchi Jigae ($18) was rather delightful – mild level of spice but it could have a slight kick for those with a low tolerance.

19 Drake Street, Victoria Park Market, Freemans Bay

Dongdaemun

Translated to East Door, Dongdaemun forms a large commercial district of Seoul where you can find hole-in-the-wall eateries and restaurants near the markets. Mainly, DDM is famous as a shopping district with Zaha Hadid's giant creation sitting in the middle of it. There is no correlation between this area and the restaurant on High Street but now you know where to shop if you ever find yourself in the metropolitan city of Seoul.

Dongdaemun the restaurant is famous for its fire chicken. It literally will feel like your mouth is on fire, but if you dare to try it, just beware you might end up in tears and with really big Kylie Jenner lips – bonus! If you're feeling adventurous, why not try the spicy chicken feet? It's full of collagen, which I hear is great for your skin.

Dongdaemun is pretty damn authentic. I thought I was transported back to Seoul when I was there. From the K-pop music videos on their screen to the flimsy paper divisions, you'll get a full taste of what the real Korean pre-gaming scene is about. Classified as a Sul Jip, directly translated to "alcohol house", you obviously have to drink Soju when you're dining here.

42D High Street, Auckland CBD

Bongane

The unanimous price of $12 for a lot of their large-portioned servings is what appeals to many who walk through Bongane's doors. From their BBQ Pork/Chicken/Beef/Squid to the hotpots, soups, noodles and (huge) on-the-stove-while-eating meals, it has a decent selection of Korean food to suit all taste buds. Of special note are their kimchi options and their great value BBQ meat. Oh, and the side dishes are refilled free-of-charge – just saying.

6/430 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

Bann Sang

This casual diner is very similar to Bongane – as in a near identical menu. If you're near the bottom of Queen Street, it's a skip and a hop away to filling your tummy up. Tucked away in High Street, it may be a little hard to find. This casual diner is always bustling with value-loving kimchi and meat-lovers.

1c/47 High Street, Auckland CBD

Korean BBQ Buffet

This place has the most self-explanatory restaurant name. It is exactly that – a Korean BBQ buffet. This means all-you-can-eat meat, kimchi and miscellaneous side dishes. It's not your fancy dinner date scene – it's the ultimate eat-until-your-esophagus-feels-tight type of place. I highly recommend you prepare yourself for post-feed-drowsiness and for your entire outfit including your hair and skin to smell like smoke and BBQ meat. For around $20 you can eat to your hearts content at lunchtime or dinnertime. Pro tip: When venturing out for a giant feed, wear a highly elasticated skirt/pair of pants and an old t-shirt.

The kimchi here is by far the best I've had in a Korean restaurant in New Zealand. When it's unlimited, I'm just sizzling these red cabbage pieces until their golden in the small pool of fat formed from cooking the pork belly – delicious. It's juicy and spicy and it tastes phenomenal. kimchi is also incredibly good for you so you can justify getting the meat sweats because you ate this low-calorie high-fibre health food. It takes a lot of time and expertise in making kimchi, so please don't make DIY kimchi in your kitchen. You may not get the pickling part right and end up hurting yourself with off-cabbage. Another tip about a Korean BBQ Buffet is to not fill up on miscellaneous food that you're trying just because it's there. Stick to wrapping the pork belly (dip it in a sauce made of salt, pepper and sesame oil), kimchi, rice, spring onion and cooked onion in a piece of lettuce. Once you try it, you'll know what I mean and won't bother with the other offerings.

492 Queen Street, Auckland CBD



Mekong Baby

Besides its great kimchi on offer, Mekong Baby also have some other stars on their menu. Mekong Baby's Gochujang chicken wings are to die for. Mekong Baby is firstly and foremost an Asian fusion restaurant but there is no fusion or mucking around in these wings. Making these Gochujang chicken wings is an ordeal and to get it right? That, is something else. The first bite of these wings and my friend and I looked at each other in a way that mimicked the eye emoji – "Oh my God. This is it. This is my revelation." The chicken is indescribable – again, this is what perfection is. If you're not good with spice, this is a no-go zone for you. I felt the kick from these and I have a pretty decent spice tolerance. The Bangkok Iced Tea ($15) is great for soothing your tongue though. Also, Mekong Baby's fire chicken is pretty darn good too.

262 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby



Published on August 27, 2015 by Sophie Chung