Bonjuk

Following the craze of Korean culture invading the rest of the world, KL has bore witness to Korean soaps, boybands, soccer stars, horror flicks, transsexual actresses and… barbeques. But if sizzling meat on hot coals that smoke out your clothes and hair ain’t your thing, you might like to consider Bonjuk.

If you don’t already know, Bonjuk is a Korean franchise that boasts an impressive 700 outlets in Korea, Japan and USA, recently opening its first outlet in KL. For the Koreans, eating porridge in the old days was a way to stretch whatever little grain they had when food was scarce. Nowadays, it’s touted as a health alternative. And Bonjuk promotes this very seriously, even offering discounts to members of Yoga Zone and True Fitness.

With 17 types of porridge on the menu, Bonjuk claims each can contribute to improving different aspects of one’s health. For instance, the Seafood Combination Porridge (RM22.95 for large, RM15.95 for medium) with oysters, shrimps, squids and clams is nutritious and has essential vitamin and minerals. We liked the tasty combination of Octopus and Kimchi Porridge (RM19.95 for large, RM12.95 for small). Slightly spicy because of the kimchi, it’s apparently good for preventing cholesterol and stomach cancer. Kimchi is also said to help with digestion.

If you can’t take spicy, try the Beef and Mushroom Porridge (RM17.95 for large, RM11.95 for medium). It’s cooked with minced beef and a special type of oak mushrooms known as Pyogo. A low calorie item, the mushroom is claimed to be good for preventing diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer—also for healthy skin and bones.

While Koreans prefer their porridge made with black sesame seeds, sweet pumpkin, red beans, pine nuts, mung beans and black beans, these types take some time to get used to for the Malaysian palate as they can be quite bland. Some can also be sweet like the sweet pumpkin porridge (RM15.95 for large, RM10.95 for medium) that tastes more like dessert.

Although some types of porridge tend to be on the bland side, you can pair it with the variety of kimchi made from beef, seafood and cabbage served on the side for flavour. The thick porridge also comes with a topping of toasted sesame seeds and seaweed that can be mixed in. A large bowl of porridge makes quite a substantial meal and if you wish to have a lighter meal, choose the medium portion.



Contact:
18 Ground Floor,
Jalan 25/70A,
Desa Sri Hartamas,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2300 2302

Website:
N/A

Operating Hours:
10am - 10pm (Close on second Mon of every month)

Cuisine:
Korean