Fairfield County’s culinary scene is heating up with the arrival of Ginger’s Seoul, a new restaurant bringing authentic Korean flavors to the forefront. Opened quietly last January on High Ridge Road, where Kit’s Thai Kitchen once stood, Ginger’s Seoul is poised to showcase the rich and diverse dishes of Korean cuisine.
A Menu for Every Taste
While many are familiar with staples like Korean barbecue, fried chicken, and kimchi, Ginger’s Seoul offers a deeper dive into Korea’s culinary traditions. The extensive menu caters to vegans, vegetarians, and meat-lovers alike, with dishes that highlight bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Chef June Seo, trained in Japanese cuisine, now brings the tastes of her Korean heritage to the table with dishes like hot stone bibimbap, kim bap rolls, and teteokbokki (sticky rice cakes).
Start with a Flavorful Appetizer
The appetizers at Ginger’s Seoul are designed to awaken your taste buds. The homemade cucumber kimchi, sprinkled with sesame seeds, is fresh, crunchy, spicy, and garlicky—a perfect start to the meal. Vegan summer rolls, filled with avocado, cucumber, and carrot, are wrapped in either rice paper or pickled radish for a refreshing bite. Kim bap, a traditional Korean roll made with seasoned rice and seaweed, comes stuffed with a variety of fillings such as grilled sausage, egg, cucumber, and pickled radish. Diners can choose between white, brown, or dramatic black rice for their rolls.
Another standout is the fried shrimp bao, featuring a crispy tempura-battered shrimp nestled between a soft lotus bun, along with cucumber slices and a spread of spicy mayo.
Comfort Food Done Right
For those seeking comfort food, Ginger’s Seoul doesn’t disappoint. The rose teteokbokki, a dish of chewy rice cakes served in a sweet, spicy, and creamy red sauce, is a must-try. Its rich texture and flavors make it a dish you’ll crave long after you leave the restaurant.
Bibimbap, a classic Korean comfort dish, is served sizzling in a hot stone bowl. Diners can choose vegetarian or meat toppings, and once the dish arrives, they can mix in gochujang pepper paste, break up the egg, and toss the vegetables and protein together. The dish is a delightful combination of textures, from the crunchy rice at the bottom to the julienned vegetables and tender bulgogi (beef ribeye), all complemented by Chef June’s homemade pickled radish and kimchi.
A Twist on Pizza
Pizza is a global favorite, and Ginger’s Seoul offers it with a Korean twist. The restaurant’s dining room is equipped with a dedicated pizza oven, where chefs prepare three-cheese pies topped with pepperoni, vegetables, and even Korean-inspired options like kimchi and bulgogi.
A Comfortable Dining Space
The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere is as much a draw as the food. Owner and City Representative James Grunberger has outfitted the dining room with Honduran mahogany tables and comfortable seating. With 55 seats indoors and an additional 45 on the new patio, Ginger’s Seoul is perfect for lingering over a meal. The spacious layout, combined with attentive service, encourages guests to relax and enjoy the experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Korean fare or looking to try something new, Ginger’s Seoul offers a rich dining experience that promises to satisfy.
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