Overall, these reviews describe Hwang Kum as a cozy, small and family-owned Korean spot with fresh, flavorful dishes and distinct textures. The menu highlights jokbal, pajeon (especially the seafood pajeon), beef bulgogi, kimchi and a variety of noodles, with several mentions of generous portions like the pork bone soup and tasty sides. The place can be busy and small, with lines at times, but diners say it's worth waiting and that service is friendly and quick. A few cautions include checking hours on Google as days can change and that prices can be on the higher side, yet many reviews consider the experience excellent and highly recommended.
This restaurant is so underrated! Everything I've had here has been delicious. If you haven't been, I highly recommend getting the Haemul (Seafood) Pajeon & the Galbi beef ribs (I like it better than the L. A. Galbi). Their Mandu are good. Simple, warm & comforting. The Dak bulgogi (spicy marinated chicken) is good, if you prefer a saucier/curry like dish. The Sundubu jigae is solid & I would order it again (but I'm also trying to get a different soup every time because they are all so good). I've also tried their spicy bred & vegetable soup, the pork rib soup is great, & I really loved their spicy cod soup. I've also had the bibimbap & it's very good. The cold bibimbab (salmon bowl) & it's fresh & delicious! I wish they were open for lunch because I would order this again! I would skip the Jokbal. It's good, but I prefer the one from the Montreal Korean & Japanese Foods (grocery store on Sherbrooke st. West). Overall, I love this place! The portions are good, the food is tasty, & satisfying. It's one of the only restaurants that, even if I eat a lot, I don't feel bloated there day after eating here (another sign that they are using excellent ingredients). Call before going, however, because they are a small business, their hours vary (& sometimes they are closed 🥲).
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.
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!
