Arirang (ABQ): Authentic Korean cuisine in the Duke City

Arirang.  The unofficial national anthem of Korea, this enduring folk song also lends its name to a Korean market on Eubank.  You can purchase rice cookers, stew pots, frozen and fresh goods, oils, sauces…just about anything a Korean native might be missing when so far from home. In the rear of the store, in a small but clean and bright area with just three tables and a counter, you can sample the best Korean food in Albuquerque.

Korean groceries

Start your meal with hyeonmi cha, a thin brown rice tea.  Our dining partner, Master Jaeshin Cho of Dynamic Tae Kwon Do Academy, told us that you will see this tea in every nearly eating establishment you visit in his native Korea.  It’s ubiquitous!

Next came the traditional side dishes, banchan, including another common sight on a Korean dining table: kimchi!

Banchan and hyeonmi cha

Bulgogi, grilled marinated beef served with vegetables and rice on the side, is one of the most popular dishes,.

Bulgogi

One of my favorites is dolsot bibimbap but today I felt like eating noodles so I ordered jap chae, chewy noodles with thin strips of grilled meat and vegetables in a light sauce.

Jap chae

Since my visit early last year, the intimate eating area has added a table and created new menus with English translations for those of us with little to no Korean language skills.  I keep forgetting about this place and I’m glad to have joined some friends today for some lunch.  I will add it back into my regular rotation.

I’ll leave you with a video of the Seo-Do Traditional Songs Institute performing Arirang and also a reminder to share your food with your table mates. It’s the Korean way! Mashikeh mogoseyo!