There aren’t a lot people around who enjoy Korean food. It’s just not as well…, universal as Chinese food (i.e. not as greasy). It’s also pretty spicy. Most people who enjoy Korean food like “Korean Barbecue,” which is romanized roughly as Bulgogee (or Pull-go-ki). Arirang doesn’t really specialize in Bulgogee, instead it specializes in a sort of Korean hot-pot which is a kind of spicy soup with various ingredients in it. If you have a cold or are congested, there’s nothing better.
The side dishes, which are a staple at all Korean meals, are not so good here, and the kimchee is lacking in freshness, but the main event is worth the price of admission. The oyster hot pot and the pork hot pot are both excellent. If it’s too spicy to handle, you can always take a little soup and eat it with the rice. This restaurant is frequented almost exclusively by Korean families, so if you know someone who wants a real Korean experience, then I recommend Arirang strongly. It is small and intimate and the staff are polite and helpful.
Although a basic knowledge of Korean food would be nice, the menus are in English so a newcomer to the world of Korean cuisine will have no trouble making a choice. If you’ve never eaten Kimchee, it’s an acquired taste, and it takes about a year to acquire, so don’t expect to immediately love it like you would your trusty phallic egg roll.
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