Traditional Korean BBQ – Berlin Food Fetish – A Restaurant Review of Kimchi Princess
We recently had a visit from a South Korean friend and after some sight seeing, he agreed to introduce us to authentic Korean food. After a little research, he chose the Kimchi Princess on Skalitzer Strasse in Kreuzberg.
We arrived around 4 PM in the afternoon on a Sunday; benches and tables were lined up outside for those who wish to dine al fresco. As we entered the restaurant, the first thing to stand out was the peculiar atmosphere. Red walls, highlighted with red lighting and long wooden tables and benches. No intimate dining here – a perfect barbecue atmosphere!
A server instructed us to sit wherever we like; as the restaurant was nearly empty at this time of day, we had a complete area almost to ourselves. She left us with some lunch menus as it was not yet 5 pm. There was a very nice offering of traditional Korean dishes which our friend patiently took the time to explain to us. In addition to appetizers and classic dishes, Kimchi Princess also offers 3 lunch combos which include a Miso soup and soft drink.
Definition: Kimchi is a spicy pickled or fermented mixture containing cabbage, onions, and sometimes fish, variously seasoned, as with garlic, horseradish, red peppers, and ginger. - Dictionary.com
Our friend had a craving for Kimchi Jjigae and excitely ordered it with a big smile on his face! We decided on the Dolsot Bibimbap combo and the Dak Deopbap combo, agreeing that we would all share of course. We ordered an extra side of Kimchi to help curb our Korean friend’s homesickness.
The spicy Kimchi Jjigae is a stew made from kimchi, pork belly and tofu; it was served with a side of rice. I think this was my favourite dish, although next time I would ask for it to be spicier.
The Dolsot Bibimbap consisted of rice topped with beef, vegetables, a fried egg and spicy gochujang chili paste, served in a hot stone bowl with a small miso soup on the side. This flavorful concoction was superb, albeit a little dry for my tastebuds.
The spicy marinated chicken dish Dak Deopbap also came with a side of rice and miso soup was delectably delicious.
Ordering a side of Kimchi was the perfect addition to the meal – adding a wonderful tang to the already savory food. For my taste buds, all three dishes lacked a sufficient level of spice, but that is easy to fix. Our friend from South Korea said the food was very good and authentic. The side of miso soup was a tasty addition.
I can not wait to go back to this culinary delight; looking forward to trying the Ojinger Twigim (battered squid rings deep fried and served with homemade soy sauce) and a So Bulgogki (thin sliced marinated beef) Korean Barbecue of which is grilled at your table.
Kimchi Princess – Website
Open: Monday – Sunday, Noon – 10:30 PM
Address: Skalitzer Str. 36, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Total cost for 3 People including a take home order of Kimchi: €34.50
