The Only Korean Restaurant in Nepal - Himalayan Soje Restaurant
The only Korean restaurant in Nepal, Pyongyang Arirang, which was previously located next to the yak and yeti hotel, has closed. It has now moved to the other side of the city – Jhamsikhel.
Himalayan Soje Restaurant
Pyongyang Arirang is not the first Korean restaurant in Kathmandu; its predecessor was Pyongyang Okryu-Gwan, which was closed in 2011 and later reopened and renamed Pyongyang Arirang. It has now moved from Paryaatak Marg to Sanepa, where the sister café (Sister's Cafe and Beauty) was previously located.
You might wonder, why go to that restaurant? North Korea is a mysterious country, isolated from the world and largely unknown. To witness events beyond the 38th parallel north is a rare thing – even if only through food.
This new Korean restaurant has a new name: Himalayan Soje Restaurant. The new name is less distinctive than Pyongyang Arirang, but the faded pink tablecloths and wooden chairs have been retained, as have the restaurant's formerly bizarre and iconic decorations – why is there a Christmas tree in the restaurant? Why does a plush Christmas elf sit beside the bar? Why is there a panda painting on the wall? North Korea does not celebrate Christmas, nor does it have pandas.
Dance performance
Despite the many questions surrounding Himalayan Soje Restaurant, the most intriguing aspect is: what form of cuisine does it offer?
Impressive blood sausage – Koreans call it sundae – a key ingredient in blood sausage is blood, but the rest is left to the chef's discretion. Higher-end restaurants might add fat or meat to make the blood sausage appear more luxurious, but this version follows Pyongyang's consistent, understated approach – it seems to consist only of rice, blood, and offal. Slices of sausage are soaked in sauce, then dipped in vinegar, soy sauce, and a large amount of chili, it will sting your taste buds.
The server made every effort to scold us for taking pictures. Please note, this is not an Instagram-friendly restaurant.
Himalayan Soje Restaurant is not as challenging as people imagine. While Korean restaurants around the world clearly exude a luxurious atmosphere, this restaurant is quiet and restrained. Perhaps Himalayan Soje Restaurant is trying to remain discreet after the impact of last year.
Himalayan Soje Restaurant's average spend is 350-1200 rupees (approximately 30-80 RMB).
350-120030-80
