KuKu Korean Cuisine, a popular Queens-based restaurant, is set to open a new branch in Roslyn Heights by the end of 2025. Co-owners James Chen and Chef Chris Pak are bringing their expertise in authentic Korean cuisine to the area, aiming to offer a true taste of traditional Korean flavors to local diners.
Bringing Traditional Korean Flavors to Roslyn Heights
The new restaurant, located at 96 Mineola Ave, will offer a wide range of Korean dishes, from spicy pork with kimchi bulgogi to the classic bibimbap, a rice dish topped with seasoned vegetables and optional meat. The duo’s menu is designed to showcase the best of Korean culinary traditions.
Chen and Pak’s partnership began in 2021, after Chen became a frequent patron of a restaurant where Pak worked as a chef. When the restaurant closed during the pandemic, the two decided to combine their talents and open KuKu Korean Cuisine in Long Island City. Their shared passion for Korean food and years of friendship laid the foundation for their successful venture.
A Strong Partnership in the Kitchen and Beyond
Chen, who handles the administrative aspects of the business, and Pak, who leads the kitchen, say their complementary skills have been a key to their success. Chen emphasized their mutual trust and collaborative approach to running the restaurant.
“Because our specialties are different, there’s no conflict,” said Chen. “I trust his ideas completely. He can do whatever he wants without asking me for permission. Every time I say, ‘Hey, this is a new location, we’re going to work on this,’ he says ‘I’m ready.’ That’s the kind of partnership we have.”
Their partnership is also reflected in the growth of KuKu Korean Cuisine. Since opening in 2021, the restaurant has expanded to Forest Hills and plans to open another location in Huntington, Long Island, in the next two months.
Unique Dishes for an Authentic Korean Experience
When the new location opens, customers can look forward to a diverse range of dishes. Some of the restaurant’s popular offerings include Thai chili chi-bap, which features fried chicken coated in Thai chili sauce over rice, topped with spicy mayo and pickled carrots. Other items include beef tofu stew, kimchi bacon fried rice, and Japche, a stir-fried noodle dish.
In addition to these unique offerings, KuKu Korean Cuisine is known for its wide selection of chicken dishes, such as crispy wings, tenders, and poppers. However, Chen’s main goal is to provide an authentic Korean dining experience, which he believes is often overlooked compared to other Asian cuisines.
“I feel like Korean food doesn’t get the same recognition as other Asian foods,” Chen said. “Our food and tastes are completely different… but somehow we don’t get that recognition.”
Reviving Traditional Korean Cuisine
Chen is passionate about preserving traditional Korean cuisine, which he says is often overshadowed by more limited restaurant offerings such as Korean Barbecue or fried chicken chains. As older generations of Korean restaurateurs retire, Chen believes that the rich knowledge of Korean cooking is disappearing, and it is up to businesses like his to preserve it.
“The traditional, original Korean food is fading away, and we’re trying to bring it back,” said Chen. “That’s the reason why we’re unique.”
He also credits Pak with being instrumental in bringing this authentic culinary vision to life. “He is the master key of this restaurant,” said Chen.
A Personal Connection to the Roslyn Community
Chen, who moved to the Roslyn area a few years ago, said he has long been eager to open a restaurant in the neighborhood. His admiration for the community and its residents has motivated him to make this new location as successful as possible.
“I wanted to reinvest back into the neighborhood,” Chen said. “I wish I could have opened this last year!”
With plans for the new location underway, Chen and Pak are excited to share their vision for authentic Korean cuisine with the residents of Roslyn Heights and beyond. As they continue to expand, their commitment to offering traditional, high-quality Korean dishes remains at the heart of their business.
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