Pyongyang Restaurant

South Korean food is a regular occurrence in the city but rarely do we get to hear about North Korean restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. The Pyongyang Restaurant is, according to its manager Mr. Pak, the only North Korean restaurant in the city amidst about 120 South Korean joints.

The restaurant has been open for business since 15 April of last year, coinciding with Eternal President Kim Il-Sung’s birthday. Mr. Pak comments that the restaurant was opened to introduce North Korean culture to Malaysians interested in the Korean situation. In that respect, culture here is highlighted in two ways—through their food, and through performances.

The restaurant itself is similar to types found in North Korea—not so much a dining space but more like a banquet hall. Spacious and slightly intimidating upon arrival, any awkwardness is put to rest when the waitresses greet you. Dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, the staff is accommodating and eager to serve despite a slight language barrier. These multi-talented ladies not only wait on tables. From 8.30pm to 9.30pm daily, they put on cultural shows at the restaurant’s modest stage, singing Korean folk songs and performing traditional dances. They even karaoke-d to Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”!

A glance at the menu and you’ll find out that North Korean food isn’t that different from South Korea’s. There’s your kimchi and barbecued meats. But if we’re talking specialities, Mr. Pak recommends the Pyongyang noodles and Korean staple, bibimbap. Their kitchen is run by Koreans, so the food is authentic. With a highly eclectic clientele comprising of locals and expats, drop by Pyongyang Restaurant to sample a taste of North Korea. You won’t find it anywhere else.


Contact:
290A, Lorong Palas,
Off Jalan Ampang,
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-4257 9986

Website:
N/A

Operating Hours:
11.30am – 10.30pm (daily)

Cuisine:
Korean