Hwang Kum delivers an authentic Korean culinary experience characterized by the interactive preparation of tabletop barbecue. Guests utilize integrated grills to sear marinated meats and fresh vegetables, ensuring a customized level of char and tenderness for every bite. The menu features an extensive array of traditional side dishes, known as banchan, which provide a diverse spectrum of fermented, pickled, and seasoned flavors. Every dish emphasizes bold profiles, utilizing essential staples such as gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic to maintain historical flavor integrity. This establishment prioritizes the communal aspect of Korean dining by focusing on shared platters and robust, hearty portions. The atmosphere remains centered on the functional preparation of food, allowing the quality of the ingredients and the specific techniques of traditional Korean seasoning to remain the primary focus of the experience.
Hwang Kum is widely celebrated for serving authentic, comforting Korean cuisine that feels like home cooking. The standout item is consistently described as the best seafood pancake in the city, though the entire menu, including beef ribs, bulgogi, and various noodle dishes, receives high praise for freshness and flavor. While the restaurant offers a fantastic and welcoming experience with courteous service, it is a very small, family-run establishment where space is limited. Potential visitors should note that seating is tight, lineups are common, and it is advisable to check operating hours in advance since they can be irregular.
Closest to halmeoni's cooking in the city. It has all the classic comfort dishes you want & definitely agree that the seafood pancake is the best in the city. The atmosphere is also classic, which I like. Only downside is there's little space so tables are quite close together.
My father first took me to this cosy, fantastic spot about 10 years ago, & I've often returned with my daughter, friends, over the years. Really like the jokbal (something you don't make at home), all the pajeon options, & the various noodle dishes are always yummy. Plus tasty sides. All food is prepped fresh, with distinct flavours & textures. Street parking not too difficult. Anticipate a line up. Recommend highly.
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. I will start with negatives. This is a small family restaurant, this means the family might decide to take a day off when it is supposed to be opened. It is opened only during very limited hours. It is located on Sherbrook street meaning you will have a fun time trying to find a parking place. I already mentioned the restaurant being small, so there is often a line of people waiting for a table. However if you overcome all the obstacles above you will find arguably the best Korean restaurant in Greater Montreal, definitely one of the best. In fact it was voted #1 Montreal Korean restaurant several years in a row. I suspect its limited opening hours are the only reason it is not number one anymore. As other reviewers mentioned, if you do not order pajeon (seafood rice-based pizza) you wasted you time & money. It is definitely the best I have ever tried. Other dishes to go for: BBQ chicken (hot, but very tasty) & bulgogi (just the meat, not the whole dish). I tried almost all of their dishes & have yet to find anything bad, or bland. All the orders come with plenty of side dishes. I mean plenty even by Korean restaurant standards. So do not try to go there on Friday evening & do not forget to order panjeon - unless you have seafood allergies. Otherwise highly recommended.
[Update 2024-04-27] still very good for their seafood pancakes. BEWARE, this place is super popular & you might have to wait during busy days & hours. The BEST place for seafood pancake (haemul pajeon) in the city : super crispy, filling, big seafood pieces. Authentic korean food & the staff is super friendly. Side dishes are offered with your meal (kimchi, radish kimchi, bean sprout, potatoes, cucumbers). They are only open at night for supper & please call in advance or check their Facebook page, because they sometimes close without warning.
Very cute restaurant with a very unique decor & ambience. Many varieties of side dishes, food was good (many soup/stew & cold noodle options!), & service was excellent!
One of the best Korean pancakes in town. Really recommend. The price is a bit higher than average Korean restaurant. The large soup/ stew is good for two people with just the right amount of food. The side dishes are tasty, especially the cucumber 🥒.
I love this place, it is tiny & fills up fast, so be there when it opens (but check their hours cause they're not open every day). I have very little experience with Korean food so I can't tell you if it's authentic but it is definitely delicious! I think it is best if you go with several people & share because everything is great & it's fun to try the different dishes. Get the seafood pancake, it's AMAZING but you need at least 3 people to help you eat it because it is so large & fried. The wait staff is very friendly (but busy) however we never had to wait long for anything. They serve this really great corn & barley tea & the waitress was super nice when we asked what it was & what kind of hot sauce they used (so we could buy both of them at the korean grocery store down the street). If you're up for a culinary adventure, I definitely recommend Hwang-Kum!
