Review: Kimchee To Go
Kimchee, the hugely popular Korean eatery in Holborn, is extending its influence with two new take-out establishments. One is on New Oxford Street, and the other sits elegantly on the corner of Southampton Street and The Strand.
With the likes of Wasabi and Itsu in close proximity, the rice-based/fairly-healthy/quickly-purchasable lunch option is hardly a new idea, but Kimchee is approaching the challenge of appearing to the food and time starved masses with panache. The joint is bedecked in its characteristic wooden panelling and lime green hues, and is spacious and airy. There are also a few sleek tables so you have the option to eat in should you wish.
The ready-made meals are pre-packed so you really can grab and go, but they will also make to order. I opted for the chargrilled beef salad. This had ample quantities of sweet yet tangy meat, fresh salad and filling balls of delicately flavoured rice. I chose a chilli sauce as my condiment, the spiciness of which was offset nicely by my plum tea. This drink is a Korean speciality and Kimchee do it especially well: it’s syrupy without being sickly, and is great hot or cold.
A visit to Kimchee is not complete without a taste of the eponymous dish. Their fermented cabbage is pungent (if you’re eating in your office, beware) but oddly refreshing.
I was pleasantly full after my lunch, and it cost less than the usual foray into Pret A Manger. They even gave me a lovely (re-usable) wooden spoon to keep, which has been adding a Korean flair to my lunches ever since. Kimchee To Go is here to stay.
www.kimchee.uk.com
With the likes of Wasabi and Itsu in close proximity, the rice-based/fairly-healthy/quickly-purchasable lunch option is hardly a new idea, but Kimchee is approaching the challenge of appearing to the food and time starved masses with panache. The joint is bedecked in its characteristic wooden panelling and lime green hues, and is spacious and airy. There are also a few sleek tables so you have the option to eat in should you wish.
The ready-made meals are pre-packed so you really can grab and go, but they will also make to order. I opted for the chargrilled beef salad. This had ample quantities of sweet yet tangy meat, fresh salad and filling balls of delicately flavoured rice. I chose a chilli sauce as my condiment, the spiciness of which was offset nicely by my plum tea. This drink is a Korean speciality and Kimchee do it especially well: it’s syrupy without being sickly, and is great hot or cold.
A visit to Kimchee is not complete without a taste of the eponymous dish. Their fermented cabbage is pungent (if you’re eating in your office, beware) but oddly refreshing.
I was pleasantly full after my lunch, and it cost less than the usual foray into Pret A Manger. They even gave me a lovely (re-usable) wooden spoon to keep, which has been adding a Korean flair to my lunches ever since. Kimchee To Go is here to stay.
www.kimchee.uk.com