Delightful Korean at Kung Jung Delight, PNB Darby Park

Korean barbecue is perhaps the most famous and popular form of Korean cuisine in Malaysia. I talk to my Korean friends and they sometime laugh about how stereotypical the Korean offerings are in KL - they tell me, if I ever visit Korea, there really is so much more to offer, in terms of unique Korean fare. However, after having taken them to Kung Jung Delight in PNB Darby Park, even the Koreans themselves had to agree it was good.

And if the clientele is anything to go by, then the huge number of Korean and Japanese patrons is also a fair indicator that Kung Jung Delights, is indeed a delightful place for Korean cuisine.

Korean BBQ is appealing because, if you are hungry, this has got to be the place that offers instant gratification. I am of course referring to the insane number of condiments (banchan) that come with the meal. Those dishes vary slightly from restaurant to restaurant but they might include fish cakes, glazed anchovies, black beans, marinated cucumbers, sautéed spinach, sliced potatoes, marinated tofu and chopped watercress. The highlight of the banchan is of course, the kimchi that is likely to be fiery hot but oh, so addictive.

As most diners do, we ordered the barbecue. We went of the Ox tongue, the beef and the legendary Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup.

There is this huge performance in the taking of your order, the placing of the charcoal and then the waiter asking you how you would like your tongue done. All very attentive and endearing really.

The waiter then uses tongs to place the meat on the grill top. Traditionally, waiters are responsible for the grilling in Korean restaurants. You will notice an almost manic attention to the progress of each piece of protein.. a lot of prodding with the tongs. If you like a little more char on that tongue of yours, announce that you’ll cook it yourself or just tell them how you like it done. No one will yell at you for teaching them how to cook. That's why I love Korean BBQ. Everyone is allowed to be an expert.

Now use your chopsticks to drag a piece of cooked meat through the mixture of sesame oil, salt and pepper. Place it on a piece of fresh romaine cupped in your opposite hand in the manner of a tortilla. Add to this some kimchi and perhaps a dot or two of bean paste or kochujang. Wrap and eat. Heaven in between your fingers! Korean Stuffed Chicken Soup with ginseng (Sam Gae Tang) is a delicious, fragrant soup that's good for the body.

Korean Stuffed Chicken Soup with ginseng (Sam Gae Tang) is a delicious, fragrant soup that's good for the body. In Korea, it is sometimes made as a restorative when people are sick or weak like chicken soup is used in the West, but it's more traditionally eaten and enjoyed during the summer months. Koreans like to drink hot soup or stews during the summer months in an effort to fight the heat with heat. Because ginseng and ginger are also “hot” spices according to Chinese medicine , you will sweat and detox after drinking a hot bowl of this soup on a hot day. Because of the medicinal properties of ginseng, some Korean mothers give this soup to their newlywed daughters or son-in-laws!

Verdict: The barbecue here at Kung Jung Delights is excellent. Fairly big portions of fresh, glistening red meats and oh.. the tongue! The Korean Ginseng soup is to die for as well. I have eaten here on separate occasions and can safely say that, whether the meats are served plain, for dressing afterward in a sheet of sesame oil run through with salt and pepper, with a dash of bean paste, or if it is served in marinades, such as a soy-based number that is almost reminiscent of teriyaki, or a garlicky take on kochujang , the food is great. We love this place and we have no qualms recommending it to our friends.