7 delicious kimchi dishes you have to try
Over the past few years, I’ve witnessed the culinary scene dig past its Southern roots and transform into an international metropolis. Named as one of the best food cities in America by Zagat in 2016, Charlotte is a melting pot that specializes in highlighting conventional global cuisine with a modern twist.
[Related: Growing number of options shine in Charlotte]
Today’s focus is on sauerkraut’s hot Korean cousin, kimchi. This dish has been popping up at some of the Queen City’s best restaurants, adding a kick to menu options and shocking taste buds into the next dimension of awesomeness.
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish composed of fermented vegetables (most commonly cabbage) and a variety of spices and fish sauce. It can vary in heat level and pickled vegetables (some places use radish), depending on the chef’s personal style and preference.
If you’re looking to cook with kimchi at home, check out my Kimchi Cheeseburger Tacos here.
But first, here are a few of my favorite menus that include kimchi around Charlotte.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
When I’m seeking unique sushi options in a fun atmosphere, I make the trek to SouthPark and order The Angry Lobster ($20) from this fusion restaurant. This flavorful combination comes with tempura lobster and cucumber on the inside and is topped with premium salmon, fried kimchi, green onion and honey kimchee sauce.
4310 Sharon Road
Wu’s Cajun Seafood
Chef Troy Gagliardo’s Chicken Sandwich ($8) is more than a show-stopping handheld item to gaze upon. This sandwich is composed of a crispy chicken thigh, cilantro, and kimchi-beer mopped, charred slaw. Bring your appetite with you, folks.
1714 South Blvd.
TIN Kitchen
With multiple food trucks roaming around the city, make sure you stop by and try their Korean BBQ Sliders the next time TIN Kitchen pops up in your neighborhood. These sliders are $3.50 each and come with BBQ beef brisket topped with 30-minute kimchi and hoisin glaze on a brioche roll.
Good Food On Montford
Though there is a plethora of delicious items to choose from, I recommend trying Chef Bruce Moffett’s Korean Beef ($12) that’s served with crispy rice, scallion kimchi and gochujang.
1701 Montford Dr.
Avenue Market
There’s a hidden Korean takeout counter inside this small convenience store in Uptown off of Church Street. Particularly known for their massive Bulgogi Sub ($7.99), this spot will often run kimchi specials that are super tasty. Make sure to check their Instagram account for their weekly highlights.
210 N. Church St., # C
Essex
The patio here is the perfect place to people watch during the mid-day rush and they have an eclectic menu to choose from. The Korean Style Pork Bun ($13) is one of my go-to plates and comes with kimchi, garlic aioli, Szechuan sauce, and cilantro-cucumber salad on a steamed bun.
Bonus: They also have a Kalbi Beef Plate that comes with parsnip puree, kimchi slaw, pickled cucumber, sweet chili sauce, bulgogi glaze and micro cilantro greens.
101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 14
eeZ Fusion & Sushi
Since I live up in Cornelius, I have to include a lake-friendly restaurant on my list! The Korean Vegetable Spring Rolls ($6 for two rolls) here are fantastic. They come with Napa cabbage, ginger, bok choy, snow peas, carrots and red kimchi. They’re served with both sesame sambal and kimchi sauce. Dip your rolls in both.
16925 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite F., Huntersville
This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 12:00 AM.