Nestled within the charming Lorong Abu Siti in George Town, Jinju Korean Noodle Bar emerges as a new culinary gem, specializing in a diverse array of Korean dishes. While their main focus revolves around noodle variations—from soup to stir-fry and even cold options—they also tantalize taste buds with signature Korean delicacies like BBQ, stews, kimchi pancakes, tteokbokki, and more.
Having previously savored the delights at their inaugural outlet on Victoria St and being enamored by the flavors, we embarked on a quest to explore their noodle series during this visit. Our culinary expedition led us through an array of captivating flavors:
Noodle Soup: The Jjamppong introduces a fiery Korean spicy seafood noodle soup, a harmonious blend of heat and flavor. Overflowing with an assortment of fresh seafood and a medley of vibrant vegetables, each spoonful delivers a kick of spice intertwined with the briny essence of the sea, creating a robust and invigorating broth.
On the other hand, the Clam Kalguksu offers delicate Korean noodles immersed in a clear and comforting clam soup. The tender clams infuse their subtle sweetness into the broth, creating a soothing and fulfilling experience.
Stir-fry Noodle: The Bokkeum Jjamppong showcases the boldness of Korean cuisine, presenting a spicy stir-fry of fresh noodles, tender pork, and a colorful assortment of vegetables. The dish tantalizes the palate with its fiery heat, balanced by savory notes, making each bite a flavorful adventure.
Cold Noodle: An unexpected delight, the Kimchimari-Guksu introduces a unique twist with its cold kimchi noodle soup. Surprisingly refreshing, the cold broth harmonizes with the tangy and piquant flavors of kimchi, providing a surprisingly invigorating and delicious contrast to traditional hot noodle dishes.
Complementing the main courses were tantalizing side dishes. The Gun Mandu (5 pcs) offered crispy, golden dumplings enclosing a savory filling, each bite delivering a delightful crunch followed by a burst of flavors—a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Meanwhile, the Bossam, a whole pork belly pouch braised for over 5 hours, unveiled layers of succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat. Infused with a flavorful brine, the Bossam exuded a rich aroma and an explosion of savory goodness with every tender bite, showcasing the mastery of slow-cooking techniques that intensified its delectable taste.
To elevate our dining experience, we indulged in their special Honeycomb Makgeolli—a delightful drink that perfectly balanced the robust flavors of the meal.
The ambiance, though not expansive, exuded a cozy charm with dim lighting, creating an intimate setting ideal for gatherings among friends and fellow Korean food enthusiasts. Reservations are recommended due to the establishment’s popularity.
In conclusion, Jinju Korean Noodle Bar once again proved their culinary prowess with exceptional flavors and generous portions. The authenticity of taste and attention to detail in each dish surpassed our expectations, making it an absolute delight for Korean cuisine aficionados.
Address: 20c, Lorong Abu Siti, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operating hours: 5:30pm – 11pm (Closed on Tuesdays) | Lunch 11am – 2pm (Fri – Sun)
Social media: Instagram
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