KEN HUNTS FOOD: Hanjan Eatery Soju Bar @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Friday, March 1, 2019

Hanjan Eatery Soju Bar @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

There are plenty of Korean joints in town but nothing unlike Hanjan... a newer spot on the list that embodies Soju (or alcohol) with classic Korean delights. Probably the first and only Korean Soju Bar in town, Hanjan welcomes its guests with an impressive entrance... a huge wall with displays of alcohol on the right and classy-elegant seats right in front. The proprietor pays great attention to details and greets guests promptly. He would also suggests some recommendations to guests as to what they could offer, such friendly gesture certainly adds some marks. The food menu features an array of Korean delights... as light as Kimchi Pancake, Korean Rice Cakes or heavier options like Noodles, Rice or Fried Chicken; most of the dishes and small bites are designed to go particularly well with Soju and Beer. The drinks menu are more extensive- with a list of Korean-influenced Cocktails and Mocktails, Beers, Wines and hard liquors. Excellent atmosphere with delicious Cocktails, not so much for the food but it certainly adds credits to an evening's merriment.

Tteokbokki- Stir Fried Korean Rice Cakes (Rm 20)

Japchae- Stir Fried Korean Glass Noodles (Rm 22)

Buldak- Fire Chicken with Mozzarella (Rm 28)

Jogae- Clams in Soju (Rm 22)

Buldak... Bulgogi-styled Chicken meat served on hot platter blanketed with a layer of Mozzarella Cheese, was a show stopper. The Chicken was surprisingly tender with flavorful marination. It gets pretty addictive and would go perfectly well with any form of alcohol. Jogae... Clams cooked in Soju was equally good, the Clams were nicely popped and they were all fresh and plump.

While the Tteokbokki- Stir Fried Korean Rice Cakes possessed the ideal chewy texture, the sauce was less-authentic. We did not like the introduction of Tomato sauce, though it cuts through the sweetness a little but the acidity felt somewhat odd. Japchae- Stir Fried Korean Glass Noodles was a disappointment... there was simply too much of Sesame Oil and that was not my cup of tea (too greasy as well).