Kimchi Slap is a new Korean pop-up by a group of chefs, created in response to the province's current state of "lockdown." As Ontario reintroduced tighter restrictions just over two weeks ago putting indoor dining on pause, many in the food and hospitality industry were again left feeling defeated. Instead of letting the news drag them down, a group of chefs over at IKUNE by Après Wine Bar decided to act on how upset they felt by announcing a new pop-up -- Kimchi Slap.
Chefs Jeff Kang, Wonkeun Lim, Daniel Shin and Robin Wang are dishing out weekly menus set to rotate that will focus on shining a light on largely underrepresented Korean comfort food staples that are hard to come by in Toronto, created with their own twist.
"When we heard the news, it felt like a slap to the face," says chef Shin. "In direct response to that feeling, we created Kimchi Slap as a fun challenge to our situation."
Shin shares that their name is also inspired by an iconic scene from the 2014 Korean drama Everybody Say Kimchi. In the viral clip, two characters argue, leading to one slapping the other across the face with a whole head of kimchi, while in hysterics.
"The visuals of this scene perfectly captured our disbelief," he says.
Offering a set menu for two available for pre-order pick ups only, this week Kimchi Slap presents Bloody Sunday. Here, you'll be able to feast on and potentially be introduced to four different classics.
"The majority of us are Korean, so it felt organic to construct a menu revolving food from our roots," says chef Shin. "Our goal with Kimchi Slap is to highlight and showcase lesser represented Korean comfort food in an unapologetic and tasty way. We want to bring the masses food that 'slaps' — something new and original amidst the countless takeout options."
On the current menu, they've got Gukbap, a rice-based dish topped with a generous portion of pork belly, swimming in pork bone soup; Prawn Pajeon, a crispy and savoury Korean pancake made with green onions, paired with a soy salsa; Soondae, Korean Blood Sausage and of course, their namesake is on the menu -- house made kimchi.
Though each dish is special and delicious in itself, of all their current offerings chef Shin says Soondae is one they're particularly excited to share. Soondae is a popular Korean street food variation of blood sausage made with preserves, vegetables and pork blood, which gives it its distinct flavour and texture.
"We think it is a very underrated Korean dish," says chef Shin. "Adventurous foodies may have seen variations in Korean restaurants or supermarkets, but we added an elevated Kimchi Slap twist."
Despite only launching in response to the Provincial government's closure of indoor dining, chef Shin says that this isn't just another pandemic pop-up set to disappear again once restrictions lift. A good thing, as Ontario restaurants are set to reopen indoor dining at limited capacity soon.
"We are fully committed to Kimchi Slap," says Shin. "If it excels with the support of the people, we will certainly continue to grow this as a bigger venture."
Kimchi Slap accepts weekly pre-orders through Instagram or via email (kimchislap.to@gmail.com) until they're sold out, accepting e-transfer payments only at the moment. Pick-up is located at IKUNE by Après Wine Bar at 1166 Queen St West, between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Keep in mind that the menu will rotate to include other under-appreciated Korean dishes tough to find in Toronto, so you'll want to follow Kimchi Slap on Instagram to stay up to date on all their offerings.
