Hwang Kum is described as a cozy, small, family-owned Korean spot that locals often return to with friends and family. Strong praise centers on jokbal, pajeon especially the seafood pajeon, and a variety of noodles, along with bulgogi, samgyetang, tteokbokki and a generous pork bone soup, all said to be prepared fresh with distinct flavors and textures and to be complemented by tasty banchan and sauces. The dining experience is described as small and sometimes busy, with lines common and street parking usually available, and hours can vary so checking Google for open days is advised. While prices can be on the higher side, the quality, generous portions, and friendly, speedy service consistently earn high recommendations, with some reviewers calling it the best Korean food in Montreal.
The pancake is delicious, but the special spicy chicken is too salty for us, though the portion size is generous. The cabbage in the cold noodles tastes bitter. Additionally, there is basically no service. We asked for more water several times, but it never came, so we ended up leaving & buying water elsewhere.
Their pajeon is simply the best you will find in Montreal. Note that you can't trust the opening hours here as the owners tend to close without notice. I would highly recommend you call in advance.
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.
May 25, 2024
on Google
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I just had the most amazing Korean meal of my life. Normally I am very into salty / spicey foods so the sweeter Korean notes on Korean cuisine was always just ok to me - but I had always guessed that the cuisine of a massive place like Korea can be more than that. This place just proved it! It was recommended by an airbnb host who is Korean who said it's her fav place in Montreal & very authentic. From the outside we originally couldn't tell it was open since they have two doors & you can't see the light from outside. & sooo glad we came - I am stuffed now, the flavours were complex & intense, everything perfectly salted. I loved everything from the bean sprouts in the small plates (addictive, HYPER flavorful), to the seafood pancake & Chicken w Gingseng soup /porridge, to the peach flavoured makgeolli served in the wide metal bowl (750ml bottle - enough for two people). Even the complimentary barley tea feels tastefully made (very soft & subtle flavour, no bitterness & not much sweetness - just very refreshing). My mom is a massive Korean food fan so naturally she loved it as well. + Relaxed vibe & friendly, efficient service. & even the music was right 🥲😭 (today they were playing Melody Gardot & Norah Jones)
[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.
Cozy authentic Korean restaurant! The BEST Korean kimchi pancakes I've ever had! A perfect balance of crispiness & flavor that's unmatched. With an authentic menu & friendly service, it's a top choice for a satisfying Korean dining experience.
Very delicious! Seafood pancake is undoubtedly the best in mtl, very generous with the seafood. Kalbi was also great. Service was nice despite being super busy. Their tea is really good.
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!
Feb 22, 2024
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BEST KOREAN SEAFOOD PANCAKE IN MTL!! This thing is insanely thick, a big as a personal pizza, comes in on a sizzling hot plate, crispy on the outside & so soft on the inside. They are also very very generous with the seafood. The stews to share are also fun, as it comes on its own little stove & you watch it bubble on the table as it heats up. This has been my go-to Korean spot for years, but I would definitely recommend calling in half an hour in advance to make sure they are open before making the trip out. They are notorious for being randomly closed without warning, & you may be left with the disappointment of finding a closed shop when the pancake craving has already set in :(
Tried the chicken ginseng soup,pork bone soup,seafood pancake,bibimbap & pork knuckle,food is amazing, homemade feel, portions are very generous.cannot say a bad thing about this place.worth to try if you like Asian food.
