Korean food is having something of a moment in London right now. Don't believe us? Enter the words 'Korean' or 'kimchi' into our search bar. The results are vast and varied, ranging from traditional offerings such as Linda Lee's new restaurant On the Bab through to more playful concepts like Hanna Soderlund's Kimchinary pop-up currently running in Shoreditch.
Traveling chef Stevie Parle has also been captivated by the flavours and ingredients of this unique cuisine. Inspired by an intense four day trip to Seoul, he has announced a new menu at Dock Kitchen, his restaurant in Notting Hill. There's a lot to take in here, but standout dishes on the three week menu are drawn from a range of styles of cooking which Parle witnessed first-hand whilst in Korea.
A 'snack' of raw beef and egg yolk served with slices of pear had a lovely texture bound with a lick of sesame oil. Fresh urchins from Norway, an ingredient which seems to be currently featuring on a number of seasonal menus across London, came next. This exotic looking delicacy was served in their spiny shells along with a bowl of warm rice to scoop them into. The result was a slick, velvety porridge which finished with a saline, iodine kick.
For the main event, a trio of meats including grilled onglet, steamed pork belly and shucked oysters were placed in the centre of the table. The proteins were then wrapped inside Korean (shiso) and English (lettuce) leaves and topped with powerful sauces and toppings such as fermented squid, a duo of kimchi and 'ssamjang' - a thick spicy paste popular in Korea. The desserts have also been given special attention with yuzu ice cream and black sesame crisp an Eastern take on a familiar dessert. It was just what was needed to quell the heat of the previous course.
Parle is well known for his efforts to explore foreign cuisines and his new Korean menu is a continuation of the frenetic pace he has set which sees him change menus every few weeks to focus on a new country. The announcement that Parle will be opening a new restaurant on Kingsland Road, Dalston doesn’t seem to have slowed him down. Based on the quality of food coming out at Dock Kitchen, we’re confident that whatever he chooses to do in his new site will be fresh, innovative and eclectic.
The 'Seoul Food' menu will run for three weeks from 3rd til 22nd February. The menu costs £45 per person, there's also a special three course version available on each of the three Mondays for just £24.50 including a glass of wine.
The Dock Kitchen is at Portobello Docks, 342-344 Ladbroke Grove, (entrance on Kensal Rd), Ladbroke Grove, W10 5AH. For booking information see our Dock Kitchen page
Prices were correct at time of writing. Hot Dinners ate as guests of The Dock Kitchen.
