Kim's Family Restaurant

Had lunch with dad at Kim's Family Restaurant the other day. The last experience with Kim's Family was bad. I was there with the folks and jie and we waited super long for a table. The korean guy at the cashier couldn't even advice us on the waiting time and didn't bother to take our orders when we got a table. Their service was slow, unresponsive and down right bad. 

So what made me return? Frankly, I can't really answer that question. I just knew dad had to fetch Jo to Maju camp and we just decided on having korean there. I think that's the reason why some restaurants actually get away with bad service as human beings, in general, have bad memory and can't really bear a grudge with food... or maybe its just me.

I was surprised there were only 2 tables taken. Frankly, I expected more than that especially since its Kim's Family Restaurant. KFR is known for their wide array of Banchan (small korean appetizers) and so we decided to order as minimal as possible so as to not overeat. I thought the Bulgogi Set was pretty worth it and ordered the beef bulgogi set with spicy cold noodles. I decided to stop there but the waiter suggested we order something else as the noodles, he claimed, is a small portion. Heeding the waiter's advice, we ordered a pork Bibimbap. 

Top Left to right: cucumber, seaweed, sausage, mushroom, pickled cucumber, cabbage, long beans, bean sprout, egg plant, kimchi, fishcake and pickles

As usual KFR served a variety of 12 Banchan, the Banchan was the case of quantity over quality and only the eggplants stood out for me. The egg plant was nicely braised and well seasoned with fragrant sesame oil. Sadly, they didn't have their usual anchovies :( 

The Beef Bulgogi was done within minutes and arrived approximately the same time as the spicy cold noodles. The beef Bulgogi was average and tasted quite bland. I actually preferred the beef bulgogi from the Korean stall at Thomson Plaza Kopitiam (also available at Suntec Food Republic). Despite its big portion (enough for 2, the waiter lied), there is nothing great about this dish.

Beef Bulgogi

The Spicy Cold noodles were yummy. The noodles were the usual Q buckwheat ones and was nicely seasoned with sweet and spicy sauce. Frankly, I can't really tell good cold noodles from bad ones but the ones I've eaten so far tasted great.

Spicy Cold Noodles

The Pork Bibimbap was pretty good, damn I should have ordered pork Bulgogi instead. The pork was nicely seasoned and wasn't as fatty some other restaurants. Judging from the picture, you'll see how our minimal order ain't so minimal after-all. Damn these waiters lie...

Pork Bibimbap

I would probably return to Kim's Family Restaurant for lunch as its way quieter and food comes a hell lot quicker however, I would definitely stop at 1 lunch set and indulge in the Banchan given. Just keep your fingers cross and hope that day's Banchan is to your liking :)