Chapter 85: Kimchi Stew

As Kang Jin inspected the restaurant interior, the staff member guided him to his seat and handed him a menu before leaving them alone.

When Kang Jin opened the menu, Bae Yongsoo spoke up.

“There is no need to look at the menu. You should try their kimchi stew.”

“Kimchi stew?”

“It’s made with properly fermented kimchi aged for two years. They cook it with Jeju Island black pork belly. The spiciness of kimchi blends well with the rich fat from the pork, resulting in a delicious dish.”

“But…do they serve kimchi stew here too?”

“Kimchi is fundamental to Korean cuisine, so of course.”

Kang Jin glanced towards the staff after hearing Sung Yongsoo’s explanation. A female server was observing them from afar, having left the menu on their table earlier. As soon as their eyes met, she approached them.

“I’ll have the kimchi stew,” said Kang Jin.

The server smiled warmly in response.

“I’m sorry, but kimchi-jjim is for two or more people.”

“Oh…”

Kang Jin glanced at Bae Yongsoo after hearing this. Seeing her look, Bae Yongsoo pursed his lips.

“Right.” It seemed he was already aware of this limitation. However, since it was his first time considering menu options as a ghost, it hadn’t crossed his mind earlier.

A slight unease crept onto Bae Yongsoo’s face.

Noticing this, Kang Jin addressed the waitress.

“Apologies, could we have another moment to review the menu?”

“Please take your time.”

As the waitress walked back to her original position, Kang Jin turned to Bae Yongsoo.

“Can you recommend something?”

Bae Yongsoo hesitated briefly before responding.

“Try the galbi jungseok.”

“The galbi jungseok?”

Kang Jin’s question made Bae Yongsoo lick his lips with anticipation.

“Hmm… I didn’t think about this before… Most of our dishes are meant for two or more people.”

“Really?”

“You’ll understand once you try cooking them. In food preparation, quantity matters. Some dishes taste better when prepared for two rather than one.”

As Bae Yongsoo somewhat defensively explained, Kang Jin unfolded the menu. It was easy to choose as each dish had accompanying pictures.

[Royal Hotpot]

[Jujulpahn]

[Mountain Herb Jungseok]

There were quite a few options available. However, most required a minimum order for at least two people.

“People dining alone can only choose between these two.”

Only the galbi jungseok and yukgaejang jungseok dishes were marked for two or more people, as mentioned by Bae Yongsoo earlier.

“Why did you choose galbi jungseok?”

“We had yukgaejang just a few days ago,” replied Bae Yongsoo, causing Kang Jin to nod his head. He had cooked yukgaejang because Kim Sohee was coming over. Moreover, yukgaejang tastes better when made in large quantities, so he had prepared plenty of it. Consequently, they continued eating yukgaejang until today.

“And galbi is delicious too,” added Bae Yongsoo with another nod from Kang Jin. As the female server approached their gaze, Kang Jin placed his order.

“I’ll have the galbi jungseok, please.”

“Certainly. The preparation will take approximately 20 minutes.”

“Yes,” replied Kang Jin. The server then turned and pressed her earpiece to relay his order, “Table fifteen, one galbi jungseok for an adult male.”

As he heard this, Kang Jin glanced at Bae Yongsoo.

“Why did she specify ‘adult male’?”

“We adjust portion sizes and cooking styles based on our guests. It varies depending on whether they’re men or women, elderly or children, etc.”

“I see.”

Indeed, it was considerate towards their customers. However…

With so many dishes available, not many people come here alone.

Bae Yongsoo noticed Kang Jin looking at the menu and explained, “Very few guests dine solo at our restaurant.”

“Oh really?”

“Mostly families or groups visit us.”

Kang Jin understood immediately. Typically, people wouldn’t come to such places alone, as traditional Korean cuisine is more suited for gatherings than individual dining.

A traditional Korean restaurant was more suited for gatherings than individual diners.

“But you said ‘almost,’ which means there have been some solo customers, right?”

“That’s true. That’s why I offer two menu options.”

“What if someone wants something else?”

Bae Yongsoo pursed his lips slightly before responding to Kang Jin’s question.

“It might sound embarrassing, but…I can’t make dishes individually per order. It’s not just about quantity; it doesn’t align with my pricing structure either.”

Hearing ‘pricing structure,’ Kang Jin didn’t press further. Every establishment has its reasons… Indeed, requesting only one portion of jukpyeon seemed unusual from the start.

While Bae Yongsoo could provide it upon request, making just one portion would likely increase the cost. For example, instead of 30,000 won for two portions, it might end up being around 20,000 won for a single serving.

“And once you taste it, you’ll agree that their galbi jungseok is delicious.”

“I’m not worried about the taste since it’s from your previous workplace.” Sung Yongsoo chuckled at Kang Jin’s remark, causing her to glare back.

“Don’t laugh; it’s creepy.”

Bae Yongsoo nodded and glanced around the restaurant.

“Mi-jung is still working here. Oh? Is Chef Kang pregnant?”

Kang Jin responded as Bae Yongsoo observed the female employees serving customers.

“It seems like everyone knows each other well.”

“We’re like family, so we know one another quite intimately. Plus, we often eat together,” said Sung Yongsoo with a smile. “It reminds me of when I was a newbie, preparing meals for the staff.”

“Aren’t rookies supposed to do dishes?”

“Not just dishes, but also lunch and dinner for the staff.”

“So even in a renowned restaurant, the staff doesn’t get to enjoy gourmet meals?”

Bae Yongsoo laughed and shook his head at Kang Jin’s question.

“Even the new hires at Woonam Restaurant have three to four years of cooking experience. They can easily prepare meals for employees.”

Kang Jin nodded at Bae Yongsoo’s explanation. Someone with that much culinary experience could be considered a seasoned cook.

As they continued their conversation, a female staff member arrived pulling a small cart laden with food. She began placing dishes onto the table.

Galbi (grilled beef short ribs) and various side dishes were served on attractive ceramic plates. The meal looked exquisite, and there was quite an assortment of side dishes. There was kimchi, water kimchi, savory pancakes, and boiled greens…

Although it was technically a set lunch menu, there were plenty of dishes for one person.

“There is quite a variety.”

“And delicious too,” said Bae Yongsoo.

Nodding, Kang Jin picked up his chopsticks and started sampling the side dishes.

Crunch! Crunch!

The blanched vegetables were tender yet crisp. It was difficult to cook greens properly. If cooked too long, they would become limp and lifeless; if not cooked enough, they would be tough and chewy. However, these greens had been perfectly cooked and seasoned deliciously.

Kang Jin smacked his lips appreciatively before sampling each side dish one by one.

Indeed, this restaurant deserves its reputation as South Korea’s best traditional Korean cuisine.

Each side dish was refined and flavorful. And the galbi…it was simply outstanding. The meat was tender enough for toothless people to enjoy while still retaining some texture. With every bite, the juices burst inside his mouth.

“It’s delicious.”

“Yes, it is. Ah…I want to eat this too. Let’s have galbi tonight.”

“I didn’t expect it to taste this good.”

“Let me tell you about it.” Kang Jin nodded at Sung Yongsoo’s words and smiled while chewing his food.

‘The rice is delicious too.’

The rice had a glossy sheen with a hint of sweetness, making every bite truly delightful. Watching Kang Jin enjoy the meal, Bae Yongsoo nodded contentedly.

“Yes… This is Woonam Restaurant’s signature rice dish.”

Kang Jin acknowledged Bae Yongsoo’s statement with a nod.

“You have every reason to be proud.”

“I want to try it myself.”

At Bae Yongsoo’s remark, Kang Jin glanced sideways at him between bites.

“Wanna possess someone?”

Bae Yongsoo shook his head upon hearing ‘possession’ and then subtly looked towards Heo Yeonwook before speaking again.

“There’s no need for possession; I already know how it tastes.”

“But they say that familiarity is the world’s most dangerous flavor.”

Bae Yongsoo nodded at Kang Jin’s remark.

“That’s true.”

As they engaged in light conversation, Kang Jin enjoyed a delightful lunch with delicious rice and galbi dishes. After finishing their meal, green tea and a piece of dessert were served. Once Kang Jin had savored everything, Bae Yongsoo spoke up:

“Please tell the staff that we thoroughly enjoyed our meal and would like to personally thank Sungsu-nim.”

Kang Jin nodded and glanced towards the female server, who noticed his gaze and approached them with a smile.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

“Yes, it was truly delicious.”

“Thank you.”

“May I personally thank Sungsu-nim?”

“Of course. If you wait a moment, Sungsu-nim will join us shortly.”

As she spoke, the waitress glanced at their table.

“Would you like more tea and snacks?”

“Thank you.”

The waitress turned and walked away after Kang Jin’s response.

A little later, an elderly man with white hair, appearing to be around seventy years old, approached them wearing traditional white hanbok attire.

“Did you enjoy your meal?”

This man was Kim Bongnam, the owner of Woonam Restaurant and South Korea’s foremost Korean cuisine chef.

“It was absolutely delightful.”

“I’m grateful that you enjoyed it so much.”

“I should be thanking you for providing such exquisite food, Sungsu-nim.”

Smiling, Kang Jin glanced at Heo Yeonwook while conversing with Kim Bongnam. Sensing this cue, Heo Yeonwook subtly approached them.

“You’ve aged more than I remember, Sungsu-nim.”

During his lifetime, Heo Yeonwook had visited Woonam Restaurant and met Kim Bongnam before. He began observing Kim Bongnam’s complexion and breathing patterns closely.

Meanwhile, Kang Jin continued their brief conversation.

“I also run a small restaurant.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it’s located in Nonhyeon, and my customers often rave about the food here at Woonam Restaurant.”

“I’m always concerned whether our dishes can meet such high expectations.”

“Oh no, they exceed them!”

“That’s reassuring.” Kim Bongnam nodded contentedly, then lightly bowed.

“Well then…”

Kim Bongnam’s words prompted Kang Jin to glance at Heo Yeonwook, who responded accordingly:

“It seems like your liver is acting up.”

Kang Jin echoed Heo Yeonwook’s observation: “It appears you’re not feeling well.”

With these words, Kim Bongnam turned and smiled.

“At my age, there are more places causing trouble than those functioning properly.”

“You might feel drained, fatigued, and bloated, right?” Kang Jin continued as per Heo Yeonwook’s guidance.

Kim Bongnam chuckled in response.

“As one ages…

“But it’s unusual for such symptoms to suddenly manifest due to aging alone,” Kang Jin countered.

Kim Bongnam looked at him and asked, “Are you a doctor by any chance?”

“No, I’m not a doctor.”

Hearing this, Kim Bongnam laughed.

“I appreciate your concern.”

Kang Jin pursed his lips at Kim Bongnam’s words.

Since he’s not even a doctor, it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask for a pulse diagnosis…

As Kim Bongnam turned away, Kang Jin hastily spoke after spotting Bae Yongsoo nearby.

“I’m…a friend of Yongsoo.”

Kim Bongnam paused mid-turn and faced Kang Jin again.

“Yongsoo, you say…”

“Bae Yongsoo,” clarified Kang Jin.

Kim Bongnam hesitated briefly before responding. “Then we must share a cup of tea inside.”

He then looked toward the female employee, who approached him upon receiving his gaze.

“Please charge everything to me.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“No parent charges their son’s friend.”

At the mention of ‘son’, Bae Yongsoo let out a small sigh.

“Ohhh!” He seemed touched by this gesture.

“This way, please.”

“All right.”

Kang Jin hesitated momentarily at Kim Bongnam’s words before following him.