Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Restaurants Cheap Eats: Jang Su Jang
Posted by Jennifer Zyman on Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 7:09 PM
I must have been Korean in a past life. I crave some form of the cuisine daily. My most recent discovery, Jang Su Jang (3645 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, 678-475-9170), has become a fast favorite.
The restaurant advertises Korean barbecue and tofu on its sign (the rest is in Korean). Both are good, but the tofu makes this spot worth the trek. More specifically, the Soon Tofu dishes, a bubbling tofu stew served in cast-iron bowls alongside a bowl of rice and the customary banchan (assorted side dishes). The beef and kimchee ($8.45) heartily mixes spicy broth with large chunks of fresh, silken tofu, green onion and other ingredients. You are given a raw egg that you crack into the bowl and stir to cook; it adds richness and body to the dish, which you then ladle over the rice.
Tender homemade dumplings (mandoo) that come in both regular and "king" sizes ($9) contain a mixture of pork, beef and kimchee. The king-sized dumplings have artfully formed pleats that prevent them from falling to shreds. The dipping sauce mixes common ingredients (soy sauce, vinegar, etc.), but a careful balance of tang and salt make it exceptional.
Bossam ($12.95) is an obscure dish that comprises chilled pieces of steamed pork belly arranged on a platter with strands of radish coated in thick chile paste, two styles of sliced daikon radish (one curiously spiced pink and the other wasabi flavored) and salted Napa cabbage leaves for wrapping. Eating a cold meat dish may be odd for those accustomed to the barbecued variety, but the crunch of wrappers against the soft pork is a texture lover's (and past-life Korean's) dream.
(Photo by Jennifer Zyman)
Comments (6)
Showing 1-6 of 6
How does the sundubu here compare to that at So Kong Dong? Also, bossam may be obscure here (although I know of at least two other places you can get it), but it is somewhat popular in Korea. It is a good side dish for soju.
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Both are good. But JSJ's version is denser, which I prefer. They also have more flavors vs. SKD. I imagine soju would be perfect with that dish. Too bad I was there at lunchtime.
Thanks, I'll have to try it. I think So Kong Dong's version is quite good. And there is never a wrong time for soju. ^^
If only cabs from my neighborhood to BuHi weren't so pricey. That stuff makes my eyes vibrate (in a good way).
Sounds good but check their health inspections. Man, this place has a very inconsistent inspection record.
Jennifer: Have you tried Village Tofu in Marietta? It is located at Hwy 5 and Sandy Plains in a strip mall with Tuesday Morning across from a huge WellStar Complex. They make their own tofu daily and they have all different combinations of soon du bu. The staff is extremely nice and they mostly speak pretty good english. They also use charcoal for bbq and now have added sushi to the menu the hwe du bap is great. Everything I have ever had hear is great. Very Clean. I believe they used to be on Buford Highway and moved to Marietta go figure. The only thing that disappoints me is the banchan, though good they seem to give different more authentic banchan to the Korean clientel than us non's. I have even gone on line and written down in Korean the banchan I wanted. They always if available acommodate but why have to ask. If you know something that you would like that differs from the menu if possible to serve your request. I give it a high 4 for taste. My husband and I try to go at least 1 a week. Ooops now 1 time a month since we are now both unemployed. Love this economy. Good Eats Ethnic Food Lover Toni
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