GoGung Korean Restaurant, The Gardens

Whenever we walk past GoGung in The Gardens, we assume that it is one of those expensive restaurants which we cannot afford to do our everyday dining in. It has an exterior and interior very different from Ko Hyang, situated on the Lower Ground floor. Whereas Ko Hyang is a Korean food outlet, this is a proper restaurant with a rather posh looking interior.

They have proper stainless steel cutleries and plates here

Prior to this visit, we have actually browsed through GoGung's a la carte menu and found it a little heavy on the wallet. But then again, decent Korean meals are never cheap. However, to our surprise, GoGung also offer an extensive set lunch menu ranging from RM18 - RM25. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

While waiting, 4 types of ban chan (side dishes) is served. The kimchi (pickled cabbage) here is slightly more mature, so it tastes much more sourish than the ones u get at Ko Hyang. Usually the spinach used in making the Sigeumchi namul (lightly parboiled spinach) is quite young, but the ones here were a little older and had super thick stalks. The other 2 ban chan dishes were pickled green chilli (first time I've tried this), and kongnamul (cold boiled bean sprouts with sesame oil). I was surprised that the ban chan served here were pretty big portions, and we got 4 each, so there was no need to ask for refills.

Pickled green chilli, kongnamul, kimchi and Sigeumchi namul

Banchan galore

The Unc being a meat lover and all, ordered the beef bulgogi (RM25) from Set Meal #3, which included steam rice, soup, and pajeon. Have you ever had something off a set lunch menu and ended up severely disappointed because they use lower quality ingredients to make up for the cheap price?

Well, this was DEFINITELY NOT the case.. the beef was actually marinated very well, so this dish was extra flavoursome. The beef was also tender and not tough at all. Served with lettuce , ssamjang and whole garlics to wrap your beef in. The portion was also huge, so I got to partake in finishing this dish!

I fancied a hot stew, so I went for the Doenjang Jigae (RM20) from Set Meal #2, which includes a steam rice and pajeon. There were peppers, zuchinni, onions, tofu and la la (clam) in the stew. I found it very savoury and delicious!

Each set came with 2 slices of thin, crispy pajeon (Korean pancake). Nom nom nom!

Verdict: The set lunch here is excellent. Too bad it is only available Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Compared to Ko Hyang, dining here is definitely more refined for almost the same price. Would definitely come back to try some of their a la carte items.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday 10.00am - 10.00pm

Location: GoGung Korean Restaurant, Lot T-212, 3rd Floor, The Gardens, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.