Restaurant review: The Joomak, Tsim Sha Tsui – value Korean fusion
It's not the best Korean fusion in Hong Kong, but good enough, and the harbour view is a bonus at this restaurant, whose decor and K-pop soundtrack are aimed at the younger crowd
The Joomak may not serve the best fusion Korean we’ve had, but its harbour view (don’t forget to book a window seat) and convenient location, especially after a hard day of shopping in Harbour City, are unbeatable. The edgy interior design and K-pop music playing in the background definitely appeal to a younger audience, and so does the menu.
Calling itself a Korean izakaya, The Joomak – like its original shop in Seoul – serves a good selection of snacks and drinks, including some colourful makgeolli, or soju cocktails, that come in jars. Honey-coated French fries, grilled corn with cheese and Grandma’s curry pork belly are just some of the popular fusion dishes they imported.
It’s also got you covered if you’re craving more standard Korean dishes such as kimchi jeon (pancake), hot seafood stews and grilled short ribs. Fresh clam soup (HK$78) and myeongdong gimbap (HK$88) are both on the light side. The latter is a satisfying seaweed roll with ham and a generous amount of crunchy vegetables.
The sauce of the carbonara chicken (HK$118), a dish exclusive to this branch, is thick and creamy. But even when we eat it right after the dish arrived at our table, the thickly battered chicken is soggy. Grilled Kurobuta pork (HK$168) is our favourite dish, thanks to its very appetising dressing, although the well-seasoned meat is overcooked.
The menu doesn’t come with any pictures, but the staff are helpful and friendly in explaining the less familiar items.
The Joomak, Shop 34, LCX, Level 3, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2111 0851. Open: noon-10.30pm
