To the American pallet there may be no cuisine that I know of readily available as confusing but also so interesting as Korean food. And I'm no expert on it but it's a mixture of soups, stews, Barbecued meats, noodles mixed with exotic spices and coupled with very interesting pickle dishes such as Kimchi. It's also very healthy compared to many other cuisines.
One of the few things that Montgomery has
Over Birmingham is a selection of Korean restaurants maybe six. In Atlanta they are probably hundreds with its burgeoning Immigrant populations.
In Birmingham, we have Seoul. And I have had kind of a love-hate relationship with the place for the past few years since it was taken over by a new owner. The good… The food is better in my opinion.The bad… The prices have gone through the roof. And the guy charges you for everything but it's just he and his wife trying to make a living.
But this evening I had a very delightful and delicious meal there. I had soon dubu which is essentially a spicy soft tofu stew with some protein in my case seafood but you can do pork or beef. Getting the heat right in it is very difficult
Because American pallets are uncustom too spicy foods. I have to ask the guy for more spices to add to it to get it the way the Koreans like it. It's kind a like cooking a steak there's no going back once it's cooked…once you've added too much spice there's no taking it out. So I understand why they are timid about over spicing food and then having people reject
It was quite tasty and it's at acquired taste because many people would look at the dish and not find it appealing. I love it...My daughter had jap chae which is sweet potato noodles mixed with Meat Spices and vegetables.
I tasted it and it was very good… Asians are very big on noodle dishes and this is a good one.
I'm going to say I recommend this place because it's our only option and the food is good I just wish the pricing wasn't so high but it is what it is.
Great food. I agree that it's pricey, but the lunch box deal isn't too bad. I also saw they have katsu on their menu! I had it on a trip to Tokyo and it's amazing! I've literally been craving it for over a year.
Yum!. It exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were quite high based on what I had heard about this place. The food was amazing. Obviously made fresh daily with quality ingredients. Each entrée is generous enough for at least two people especially if you get an appetizer as well.
Greensprings Hwy is a mecca for awesome ethnic food. I will add Seoul to the long list of why I love Birmingham.
Asian / Ethnic / Homewood / Strip mall food 23 Feb, 2015 11 Lately, we’ve become fairly obsessed with Korean food. When Mr Foodie and I traveled to Vietnam for my work a few years ago, we had an 18 hour layover in Seoul. Of course, we took a food tour and had our first experience with kimchi jjigae , or kimchi and tofu stew, a dish that that blew our sinuses and our minds. After that, we actively sought Korean food in the US and had some experiences that only reinforced our newfound foodie interest at Woo nam Jeong Stone Bowl House in Atlanta and at the Dolsot house near my family’s home in Cherry Hill, NJ. We’ve been on the prowl for a comparable experience here in the Ham. So, when a friend told us that Seoul Garden on Greensprings had new owners and a new-and-improved menu, we didn’t waste any time. We’ve been there twice since. The first time, it was just Mr Foodie and I. Then, to scientifically confirm our findings, we went back with Sandy and Ben of Chef John Hall post fame . Sandy and Ben are both excellent foodies. Sandy also happens to be Korean-American, travels to South Korea regularly (Ben has been there too), and makes her own homemade kimchi. In other words, we came prepared. First, check out the restaurant’s new exterior. They are advertising healthy, organic food. Good news is, as our waitress also told us, if you need to buy some LEDs you can get that taken care of here too. One stop shopping.
A New Favorite--I can't say enough!. I cannot say enough about this restaurant. The food was just perfect. The service was beyond great. The atmosphere was relaxed and homey. We will absolutely return--and will be bringing friends!
My husband and I went to this restaurant on a whim after discovering that the restaurant we had been planning on eating at was closed. I can't imagine a better detour. A hostess greeted us at the door. When she found out we hadn't been there before, she walked us through the menu and explained everything, making recommendations. We've eaten Korean food before, but there were things we hadn't seen before, so we just listened to all of what she had to say. It was refreshing to eat where the servers are so clearly enthusiastic about their business and its cuisine.
The food is pricey, but so worth it. You get a sampler of various appetizers like kimchi. We ordered the fried dumplings as well. Perfect! My husband had the beef bulgolgi and I had the hot pot bi bim bop. Everything was PERFECT! We each had a mug of creamy and delicious Korean coffee.
I can't wait to go back!!!!
Delicious food, very friendly staff. My wife and I have been on a a Korean kick when we travel to other U.S. cities lately. Only earlier in the week did it occur to me to check out what we've got at home. We had been to Ginza years ago and enjoyed it, but wanted to give Seoul a shot. We are very happy that we did. The food was excellent. The bi bim bap was just as expected and more than satisfied my craving for the dish. My wife got the fire chicken and loved it. The beef steamed dumplings were great, too, but probably overkill given the very substantial portions served for the entrees. The tea was especially nice on a chilly night.
The service was very friendly, as was management.
Prices are a bit high, but you are served huge portions in addition to the complementary banchan (think six or seven small plates of food, Korea's answer to mezze) served prior to the meal. Overall, I think the prices are very fair.
Seoul will be a part of our regular rotation.
Bulgogi. Great dish. I wished it was cheaper and the portions were larger
My son is avid fan of korean food so I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised. I tried the beef bulgogi. As an avid fan of "comfort food" I must add bulgogi to that list!!! I am looking forward to further expanding my palates exposure to different Korean dishes. Will definitely be back
Our first visit to a Korean restaurant and it was so much fun!!! Our waiter was eager to explain the food. We sampled seaweed noodles, kimchee, dumplings, egg rolls, radish kimchee, marinated cucumbers, fire chicken, hot green tea, and hot plum tea. We loved every item they brought to us!
Delicious! A bit expensive, but we left with a mountain of leftovers. I'd recommend sharing an entree--it's a TON of food.
My husband and I really enjoyed this place tonight. It was our first time going. The owners were sweet and helpful. They have a good selection of Korean dishes. If you are new to Korean food, bibimbop or beef bulgogi , both are good introductions. We ate boodae jjigae (soldier stew and it's spicy). That stew hit the spot! The kimchi was good as well. The side dishes were pleasant to eat. I lived in Korea (near Daegu) for two years in 2008 to 2010 so it was nice to eat good food. I do wish Birmingham had more authentic Korean restaurants, this is the only one that I know of. Korean food can be pricey but it's good to go with multiple people to share dishes and the bill. This restaurant is small on the inside and it does have clean bathrooms. They will do carryout.
I ordered the Bibimbap takeout $26 it was so tasty I ate on it for two days. But it was a bit pricey. I found the same meal at another new Korean restaurant that just popped up in Birmingham and I paid $10.95 it taste just as good same proportions also.
The food was great and the restaurant was clean! The owners were friendly as well. Several other friends and I enjoyed our time there. But it is on the pricey side.
The location is convenient to the interstate and just off green springs hwy. You can see the sign from the main road. It's a small restaurant. But, it is cozy and the decor is nice. The owner was super nice and he and the waiter explained what items were on the menu. The food was good. I really enjoyed the seasoning on the marinated chicken with dipping sauce. The rice was also good. They have a good selection of tea as well. Very helpful and friendly staff. I highly recommend!
Some of the best Korean food that I've ever had. The owner would answer any question that you had about anything on the menu. The wait staff was excellent.I read a few of you talking about the prices of the items on the menu. I would say the price is definitely worth what you get! I wish I lived closer so I could frequent this restaurant more often. It is kind of hidden in the strip mall. Don't let that scare you away.
Amazing food, wonderful customer service, and a great environment. This food has some of the best Korean food I have tried and the portions are huge! You get your meal, plus all the side dishes. And there are some great vegeterian and meat options. I will definitely be back here and highly recommend it!
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