Have you ever had Korean BBQ? If you can’t take a flight to Korea next month, I encourage you to have a taste of Korean cuisine in Gwinnett.
My first experience at a Korean restaurant was in Georgia. When I first walked in – I thought – “Oh, this is just like Japanese food” – WRONG. The setup is similiar to a Benihana, where there is a grill in front of you…but that’s about it.
First, the flavors are completely different. Korean food is full of bold flavor and it’s SPICY. I love it. I needed to take a couple sips of water, but every bite was delicious.
Second, sharing is caring. Food is served family style: big portions with plenty to go around. I love eating this way because you get to taste everything. Ironically, the plate I ate on is quite small – portion control! Although it seems like a lot of food, I understand why Koreans are among one of the healthiest in the world: quality ingredients and good portion sizes for meals.
Third, you will be cooking your own food. I know, you’re thinking – why pay to go out to eat if you still have to cook it yourself. Listen, grilling is always a good time. The smell of pork belly (the best version of bacon) is aromatic and flipping over the meat is a fun, interactive experience.
Culinary Tour – Seoul of the South
We arrived for our tour and got an awesome goodie bag filled with an itinerary for the day with helpful Korean phrases, Gwinnett magazine, snacks, face mask, selfie stick, and Korean beer. We traveled to four Korean restaurants on a trolley just for us.
1. The Stone Grill
2550 Pleasant Hill Road
Suite 111, Duluth GA 30096
Korean BBQ is typically served with smaller side items to wet your palette to start.
Before you know it, the meat is here and it’s time to start grilling. The Stone Grill has best Korean food I have ever tasted. You must go, run don’t walk.
2. HoneyPig
3473 Old Norcross Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
Korean food is a lot more than BBQ. They are also know from KFC – Korean Fried Chicken.
3. Suwanee Korean Chicken and Pizza
1291 Old Peachtree Road
Suwanne, GA 30024
4. Arte3
3705 Old Norcross Road
Duluth, GA 30096
For dessert, we walked over to Arte3 for Korean iced “coffee”. This coffee is substituted with wheat, so it’s a healthy alternative. We also got a delicious bowl of shaved ice, condensed milk, and fresh fruit, and since we are South – waffles with a big scoop of whipped cream.
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I had the pleasure of attending the “Seoul of the South” event hosted by Explore Gwinnett. I have never been to Korea, but trust me – it’s officially on the list.
