Fiery flavours from the Orient

Spicy Surprise

If god’s garden had to be an eatery, it can only be Thran, located in HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar. In fact, the word ‘thran’ literally means ‘god’s garden’ in Korean. The brightly-lit interiors of the joint are inviting and its ramen — a variety of Korean noodle mixed with soup — is the highlight of the menu.

Thran was started by Byung Gi Ra, a Korean, when he and his family relocated to Bangalore almost a year ago. He soon made a circle of friends, who prompted him to introduce the City to the real flavours of Korea. Byung says that he has a loyal customer base that includes Korean students and families, Americans, Indians, Chinese and even a few Japanese, who are regulars at his eatery.

And supporting Byung in this venture are his wife Jeong Hee Kim and her friend Jung Mee Jung — the two main chefs, who work tirelessly to dish out the best of Korean cuisine. Koreans love spicy food. They like dishes that are soupy and enjoy every meal with kimchi, a kind of pickle that’s mixed with chilli and cabbage. Thran does not have an elaborate menu but the handful of dishes they serve comprise of original Korean stuff. Most of the ingredients are shipped from Korea. “All the sauces, noodles and other essential ingredients that we use in our dishes are brought in from Korea. We don’t buy local ingredients. This ensures that the taste is not compromised,” explains Byung. Thran has some very exclusive dishes such as dak bulgogi in chicken, beef and pork, where the meat is first mixed in a Korean sauce and then cooked in medium spice. The glass noodles are boiled and mixed with vegetables sauteed in sesame oil. Ham bang dakjjin is steamed chicken, which is mixed with medicinal herbs. “This dish prevents stomach problems and controls the weight,” explains Byung.

First-timers at the eatery always choose the ramen. “Every Korean’s favourite is the ramen, which is usually had in a soupy form. They either like their food too spicy or less spicy. Later, out customers move on to the more complicated dishes,” explains Byung. There’s the Korean style momo, which is stuffed with minced chicken and cabbage and a sprinkle of sugar and a pepper to balance out the taste. Then there’s the omelette, that’s wrapped with steamed rice and a variety of vegetables. The pork dishes are a treat — the meat is first tossed in Korean sauce and later blended with Korean ingredients. The food is made only after an order is placed and nothing is stored in advance. Isha, a student who frequents the joint, confesses that she visits the place at least six times a month. “I usually come here for the rice omelette and bulgogi. The food is tasty, light and the prices are reasonable,” she says. Soumya, another youngster, says she likes trying out different cuisines. “This is my first time here and I am told Korean food is cooked in a healthy way and is tasty too. I like exploring various dishes,” she avers.

Thran is located at No 507, ground floor, 4th cross, 2nd block, CMR Road, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar Post. For details, call 8884180113.