Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea and the name of a chain of restaurants operating outside of the country. I did not know what to expect from a restaurant run by the infamous North Koreans complete with North Korean staff. I've always wondered why there were North Korean embassies and ambassadors when emigration is prohibited and travel of its citizens are restrictive, but they actually have real live North Koreans living abroad. Some work for restaurants in Pyongyang and we have one here in Jakarta!
A large red sign with "Pyongyang" written in white lets you know that you are in the right place. Inside a pink rumah makan on Jl. Gandria lies a piece of North Korea. It is therefore not surprising that there was a lack of windows and when the windows so that the metal bars existed diagonal welt. There is room for three cars parked outside a parked car leads me to believe that Rolf and I were not the only curious-Georges today, or maybe the food is just good. We entered and two ladies greeted us in Korean, we talked back in Bahasa English was not an option based on the conversation we had made the booking. One of the ladies wore wear polished and conservative office while the other wore jeans and a casual shirt combo. They were polite, friendly and spoke softly. We looked around, but we were the only guests there, the car must belong to a member of staff.
We looked through the menu with lots of great pictures subtitled in English and Bahasa. We ordered a mixed Mushroom, Roast Pork and Bibimbap . Then came four plates of something that we had not ordered. Our host told us it was our appetizers and named each dish, in Korean, as she laid them. I tried a pancake shaped diamond that had strings of onions and carrots which was good, as Bakwan extra dough, but too oily. Radish Kim chi was Giulia and had sesame oil with lots of garlic. Soy beans stewed in soy sauce was delicious, my favorite dish of the day. We could hear our host running to serve our food when she knew that we could not see it, but running in heels is not a silent affair. She was back bearing more gifts of food and remove our empty plates. The Noktumuk was appreciated by Rolf if I found sticky, bland and did not try to love after my third attempt had failed. Coleslaw was an odd surprise that it comes from the Netherlands / Germany and has famously planted roots in the kitchen, but apparently it is a favorite and part of the international North Korean cuisine. A plate with what looked like beautiful tasted twigs, I asked our host what was and she said "North Korea" and I asked him what vegetable was, she said, "Ubi"; tapioca probably comes. The starters were generally tasty, a good start.
The pipes were hazardous. Mixed mushrooms were a disappointment. Shiitake mushrooms were delicious, but the rest of the "mushrooms" had a resemblance to the animal fat in texture and taste. It was inedible. The roast pork was a strong gamey flavor and accompanying kecap was tasty. The Bibimbap was not very good. There was too much paste Black Bean who delivered pickled vegetables and in conflict with the egg. Salty and acidic waste.
Being so quiet, I wonder if the rumors on foul play are true. It is expensive, amounting to Rp 466.000, - for three meals and two small Aquas, but to get the income you need people to come. paying customers. He does beg questions of legitimacy and motivation. But all in all it was an interesting experience that I appreciate that I would not come back.
Pyongyang restaurant
Jl. Gandaria 58
Open daily for lunch (11:00 to 3:00 p.m.) and dinner (6-10 pm)
phone: 62 21 72800889