As street food moves inside for the cold winter months, On The Bab in Shoreditch is London’s first Korean ‘anju’ restaurant, a popular Korean term for enjoying food together with drinks. Offering a wide variety of kimchee dishes, we were in heaven delving into On The Bab’s starter menu. The kimchee pancake stood out, going perfectly with their fresh tofu, though the main courses were definitely the big event. On The Bab’s name refers to the Korean word for rice – bab – and their larger dishes offer a choice of meats or vegetable fritters available with rice, noodle soup or in a bun. While the soup broth makes for a tasty option, spicy pork “on the buns” was the best dish of the night. If you go with friends, the pan fried tofu and kimchi is great for sharing too, complemented with a couple of bottles of plum soju. The close-knit seating means you’re a little packed in, so go for a table for four in the back if you can, though given how popular the restaurant has been since opening, getting any table is kind of a blessing. At around £20 a head, On The Bab comes heartily recommended.
On The Bab, 305 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LA
http://www.onthebab.com/