2.220

13 (Sat) August 2011

Shrimp Fried Rice

3.5

at Hong Kong

-Namyangju, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea-

with W and DJ

In absolute terms, it’s not a great fried rice but deserves 3.5 by simple virtue of coming closest to Cantonese-style Chinese fried rice that I’ve had in Korea.  Whereas typical fried rice dishes in local Korean-Chinese restaurants are extremely bland, thus necessitating a side of jjajang sauce – conversely, one theory holds that the fried rice is intentionally made bland because of the extra sauce – the rice here was perfectly seasoned with a touch of soy sauce, giving it deeper color and flavor.  It also had that essential fire-licked smokiness from the wok, another characteristic that’s often missing at other restaurants.  A bit expensive at 7,000 won, considering its simplicity.

(See also FOODS.)

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