By Lauren Bens
When it comes to serving up authentic and refined Korean fare, no one can keep up with Oiji, a contemporary and cozy restaurant in the East Village. This scrumptious and stylish spot is creating unique plates of Korean cuisine using both traditional and innovative methods.
From intimate interiors to very palatable plates – and plating – Oiji offers an elevated dining experience. With artful techniques and seasonal, fresh ingredients, their dishes are just as decorative as the décor. Their mouthwatering fare served in a modern setting, is both reimagined and comforting. With an open kitchen concept, reclaimed wood, exposed brick and ambient lighting with factory sash windows overlooking downtown streets, you can enjoy an appetizing meal with ambiance.
This unique spot with tasty bites is brought to you by co-chef and co-owner team Brian Kim and Tae Kyung Ku. Both were born and raised in Korea and eventually went on to work in numerous restaurants in Seoul before attending the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. These two talented chefs wanted to bring their own take on Korean food to the Big Apple which diners can now take a big bite out of. Kim and Ku each wound up working at the famed gastronomic gem Gramercy Tavern before opening Oiji and realizing their delicious dreams.
Enjoy their inventive menus, which include chicken, seafood, vegetarian and meat options. Sample different dishes, including Korean Fried Cauliflower with Greek yogurt and finger musket grapes, the Oiji Bowl, comprised of sea urchin, sweet shrimp and seaweed rice, Baby Octopus, made with butter gochujang and chayote, Jang-Jo-Rim, beef shank with buttered rice and soy marinated egg and Chili Lobster with chilled rumyun, scallion garlic sauce and sugar snap peas. Their most innovative dishes include the Long Island Duckling with kimchi fried rice, asparagus and eggplant, Oxtail with glass noddle and rice vegetables and Bone Marrow, tender short rib with maitake and crispy rice cracker. Please your palate with the Ssam Platter, spicy port and Gang-deon-jang for two.
You won’t find such Korean inspired fare like this anywhere else.
