I haven't had too much Korean food, I'll be honest, except for once in Birmingham at Topokki, and that set the benchmark quite high. Oh and another time at this dodgy underground place somewhere in South Kensington in London. And that made me ill. So I wasn't sure which way my meal with my ex-boss would go. Also, it didn't help that she'd taken us to the dodgy one last time around! I googled Tohbang feeling quite uncertain, but the menu looked very promising, so that made me feel better.
On the Tuesday we were meant to meet, I found myself at the restaurant, quite early. So I settled down with a glass of white, while I waited. The place was cozy and comfortable, dimly lit, and with pictures of Korean life on the walls. The staff was very friendly and smiling, and came over with some nibbles on the house. A plate of kimchi, and some spicy sauteed potatoes. I took my time with the menu, and decided to order a Korean pancake (since I'd enjoyed it very much in Birmingham). There were several to choose from, and I decided to get the one with assorted vegetables - Kimchi Jeon. It arrived quickly, piping hot and smelling delicious. And I was delighted that it tasted even better than the one at Topokki. Beautifully crisp on the outside, and warm and soft inside, I loved every bite. They hadn't been stingy with the filling at all, so there was plenty of kimchi in each mouthful. I really enjoyed it.
My colleague, having been to Tohbang on several occasions in the past, did not fuss over the menu too long, and ordered her usual. I finally decided on Bokum Guksu - egg noodles with shrimps and vegetables. It was a tasty main, but I wasn't as taken in as I was with the Jeon. The noodles hadn't been separated, so they sat at the bottom of the bowl in a big lump. I suspect, however, that this is how they're usually served. The shrimp, veg, condiments, and soup on top of the noodles were great.
All in all, a very tasty meal. I'll definitely be experimenting with more Korean food now.