Not that many Korean restaurants in Montreal. Ambience & surroundings were fine. Service was good. I'm Korean so can judge it by a higher standard. First of all, most Korean restaurants offer barley tea at no extra charge. They offered corn tea & green tea at a charge. Secondly most decent Korean restaurants offer panchan (Korean side dishes including kimchi, sweet potatoes, bean sprouts, spinach salad, etc) as free appetizers & most Korean restaurants are judged by how much & how many appetizers are offered as side dishes. I didn't look at the menu carefully assuming they would be offered but it was on the menu as side dishes you could order. The tofu bibimbap was good. The kimchi jigae (kimchi stew) was tasty. The spicy pork was small & not great by Korean standards. Overall a decent meal but not up to Toronto & certainly not Vancouver standards.
Hands down, without a doubt or competition, simultaneously one of my favorite meals & most memorable dining experiences I had during my short work trip to Montreal.
When I searched up'Korean food in Montreal' during my intense craving for warm, comforting, asian food in a new city, this place popped up on multiple lists, recommendations, & Google Maps. After a long day & a light stroll through Old Montreal, I finally had the chance to(& was determined to) come here on Friday evening. I was kind of concerned that I wasn't going to get in because 1) I've had multiple occasions of restaurants turning me away well before their closing time in Montreal (Which is still a mystery I'm) trying to solve 🤣😅, & 2) Well, it's Friday night! Luckily, I was able to get in after a short 5-minute wait, & although I was a lone wolf & would be perfectly content with being tucked away in the corner with a small table to myself, the (who I later found out to be) Owner ended up seating me in a big table by myself- felt kind of guilty, but also so kind!
The drinks & the food came out very quickly, I wont touch on the beer, because beer is beer lol, but the Spicy Pork Grill….first of all, the HUGE portion that only came out to $21?! In this economy? Secondly, the intense sizzling sound as the dish came out of the kitchen was enough to claim its #1 spot, but above all - the rich marinade without being too salty, the onions that cut through & help balance the fattiness of the pork, the perfectly cooked warm & fluffy rice…I honestly can conjure up the taste & how the dish made me feel just through writing this review. I had intended to pack 1/2 of it to go for my hotel room later, I promise, I did. I ended up walking out with a full & satisfying belly & a completely empty plate 🫣🤣
When I was paying, I chatted with the owner (well, the daughter of the owner), who told me how she used to live in Vancouver (I'm visiting from Vancouver), & just generally a bit about the history of the place. I feel such warmth & comfort from the food & hospitality - which, when you're in a city/ place for the first time, is truly an irreplaceable feeling.
The reviews speak for themselves, but please support local businesses, especially ones like this with great food, good people, & a big heart. 💛
This is my favourite Korean place in Montreal. The food is absolutely delicious (my favourite dishes are the shrimp bibimbap, seafood pancake & chicken), the staff is kind & pleasant to interact with, & the kimchi is the best I've had. I often eat at Chez Bong & I like buying their kimchi to take home. Although in a basement the atmosphere is cozy & laid-back. I highly recommend this resto if you're looking for something authentic & good customer service.
