5842 Main St
Center Valley, PA 18034
Center Valley, PA 18034
However, the real deal is the Korean food in on the second shelf of the case and back in Kim's kitchen. My visit with a friend tonight started with a nice conversation with the vivacious, diminutive Kim. We didn't look at a menu. We told her to just feed us Korean food. She readily complied.
The meal started with a thick, curried soup-like dish replete with diced carrots and other veggies. It was pleasantly spicy but not overly hot. Kim followed that with Kim Chee soup, which incorporated chunks of cabbage swimming in a broth. The typically pungent, fermentated Kim Chee was diluted just enough to impart the flavor of the signature Korean dish. Minced chili peppers throughout the bowl awakened the palate just enough, though the soup might be judged a bit salty by people not comfortable with assertive flavors.
Kim moved to solid foods: Korean dumplings. Stuffed with a piece of pork and nicely pan-fried, they were served with a chili sauce that added punch. Again, delicious. The entree plate had Korean barbecued pork tenderloin and chicken, sticky brown rice (with a fish sauce?) and colorful stir-fried veggies -- an unexpectedly exquisite plate for a "deli." Everything was cooked to perfection. The dish was a study in balancing texture: the silky barbecued meat, the almost glutinous rice and the toothsome veggies. We devoured it all. Fresh pineapple and a dish of walnuts and yogurt-covered raisins completed the meal with a subtle touch of sweetness.
I'm not sure if this is a typical meal that Kim serves, so I'm not going to say what I was charged. (It could easily change the next time I show up.) I will say that it was probably the best restaurant bargain I've had in years -- a fulfilling, authentic meal for a fraction of what you'd pay at a predictable American chain.
Be advised: Kim's closes at 7:30 on weeknights. And it's BYOB. But to my knowledge, it's the only Korean game in town. Whether you want to have some homecooked Korean food or experiment with something new, you can't do much better than Kim's.
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18 comments:
I have driven past this place over a
hundred times, and had no idea it
severed Korean food.
My first experience with Korean food
was in NYC at Sura. I found it delicious and quite different from other Asian types.
Thanks greatly for the info, I will
give them a try.
This is exactly the reason I pop in on this blog at least once a week to check for updates. Never knew this place existed and I've been desperately looking for some Korean cuisine in the valley since Kimchee Express closed.
Thanks, Ultra. Glad I could be helpful. I forgot to mention that I remember seeing a sign at Kim's about grilled beef for large parties, probably on the communal tabletop grill similar to what Kimchee Express had. You might want to inquire about that -- it might be catering only. Please let us know about your experience. And thanks again!
Been a regular at Kims for 3 years now, and always make the effort to bring the family there for lunch or dinner. Our children love her chicken low mein, and we come for the flavorful korean fare. Always a warm feeling, and never have to order, Kim always just serves. The best kept secret in the Valley.
So glad to have stumbled across this review (and this blog)! I too have been missing Korean cuisine (my favorite) since Kimchee Express closed.
I work close to Kim's Kitchen and eat at Kim's often. I think this is the best food I have had. Kim's has a nice cozy feel and terrific food. The best part is that the food does not leave a heavy feeling in your stomach and is very healthy. Kim's pumpkin soup and Kimchee soup rock!
Anyone know if "kalbi" is on the menu? Beef short ribs, barbecued?
Please say yes.
Thesan,
The Korean portion of the menu is relatively sparse. I don't remember seeing kalbi. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Kim would make some for you with advance notice.
Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse (on Catasaqua Rd) has some good Korean dishes listed as "chef's specials". The grill tables are fun occasionally, but we like it because we can get sushi, japanese, and korean dishes all at once, and the staff is helpful and kid-friendly.
Both Kim's and Ichiban's food are tasty. Kim's is better, but the Korean part of the menu is sporadic--although if you call ahead and ask, she might make it. What both places lack is the traditional assortment of half a dozen "appetizer" dishes (various sorts of kim chee, etc) that to me is the hallmark of a Korean restaurant meal. I still miss Kim Chee Express because of that, though I am glad to have the other options!
Husband and I are thrilled to have discovered your blog. We are missing Kim Chee Express, too, and would like to try Kim's Kitchen. Just tried phoning them on a Saturday late afternoon to see if they are open, but got an answering machine. Any idea what their hours are on weekends?
We might go to the back-of-the-menu at Ichiban for Korean food tonight. (Either that, or I'll have to cook it myself.) We aren't fans of teppanyaki, either, but we enjoy Ichiban's unlabeled Korean dishes, as well as the more-authentic Japanese selections -- there are some. (Would be interested in hearing your take on it, if you ever try Ichiban again.)
Thanks for all the great info --
Kim's is my favorite restuarant. Her food is fantastic and at a very reasonable price. She also does catering/pick-up for your events and nights at home. She's pretty flexible with her hours too if you have a special occasion.
Brought the kids with me today to try Kim's Kitchen. Enjoyed it very much. I had the Korean chicken with brown rice, and the kids bailed out with American food. Sampled daikon radish kim chi and napa cabbage kim chi, as well as some Korean seasoned bean sprouts -- all good, bought extra of all to bring home. Kim chi soup was good, too, although it isn't a particular favorite of mine. We got dumplings (mandu) to go but haven't tried them yet. Very good experience -- only wish there were enough customers that the owner could branch out into more exotic Korean offerings. Still, we will go back, and soon. Glad to have found the place.
Just went back for my second meal at Kim's--first one was in January '08. In the intervening month, Kim has changed her hours so that she is now open Saturday nights until 8. And this time, we did get an array of appetizers (dumplings, kimchee soup, a butternut squash melange that was incredible, seaweed salad, beansprout salad, two types of daikon kimchee) as well as a main course with spiced chicken, beef, and pork with sticky rice, and a plate of oranges, grapes, and small wrapped chocolates for dessert. Everything was delicious, and very fresh, and amazingly inexpensive given the quantity and quality of food. Even my boyfriend, who did not particularly like the Korean food at Kim-Chee Express raved over Kim's food. We'll definitely be going there again!
I go to Kim's all of the time, and I have to say that it is delicious. I adore her kimchee soup almost as much as I adore Kim herself. She is always smiling and more than willing to please. I am sure that if you have a special request, she would be happy to make it. She often tries new dishes, allows people to try them out, and then will make them on a regular basis if they're really popular.
Yes, Kim does prepare excellent "Kalbi" (Korean-style short ribs).
I have been a regular customer of Kim's Kitchen (aka "Kim's Deli") since the day she first opened for business. If you like Korean food, there is none better than what Kim prepares. And if you don't like Korean food, Kim has a full line of excellent deli sandwiches, soups and other dishes.
Please note that Kim also does catering for business and private events!!
This is an excellent dining option in the Valley. Kim's range from Korean dishes to more standard American fare provides something for everyone. The care that she places into her dishes, coupled with the attentive dining experience is something unmatched.
You can pay multiple times the amount at other establishments, and they still will not approach the genuine interest Kim takes in making your dining experience an enjoyable one.
At such reasonable prices, and with such a varied menu, Kim's is a great alternative to any fast food or sandwich place.
We've featured this article on the Kim's Kitchen website.
Thanks for all the support!
You can visit Kim's Kitchen online at www.kimskitchen309.com.
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