A seaweed-and-rice roll by any name would taste as all the same... or, would it? Despite their visually similar appearances, Korean kimbap and Japanese sushi have more differences than they share similarities. Both kimbap and sushi wrap sticky short-grain white rice and fillings inside of a nori seaweed sheet, using the same assemblage technique of cylindrical rolling in a bamboo mat. But, from there, these flavorful, tightly-packed rolls diverge - offering different fillings, different rice, and different accouterment.
The best Korean restaurants throughout New York City are a mix of old and new: Korean-American mainstays that have been barbecuing meats or slinging bowls of soups for decades, as well as imports of hot spots straight from Korea, plus modern restaurants serving innovative riffs on classic Korean fare. As a Korean American who grew up eating my mom's home cooking and visiting Seoul every summer,
The menu balances homey staples such as japchae, chive pancakes, and spicy tofu stew with more luxurious options like uni rice - which I ordered on a visit this past week. A bowl of sizzling rice comes beautifully topped with uni, tobiko, kimchi, pickles, and veggies. Mix it all up for a comforting side dish that has layers of flavors.
Shrimp burgers, 'shake it' fries, and unique Korean-inspired offerings differentiate Lotteria's menu, making it a favorite among local diners excited about its American debut.
Japanese fried chicken, or karaage, often uses boneless filets and smaller, bite-sized chunks for quicker cooking and easier eating with chopsticks, while Korean fried chicken utilizes familiar cuts like wings and drumsticks.
For classic Korean barbecue with some noticeable new tweaks: Baekjeong introduces colorful faux porcelain dishes and rotating seasonal banchan, while maintaining top-notch meat quality and an impressive grill experience.