Korean Food USA is a new series that showcases Korean and Korean-inspired eateries all around the nation.
While Korean BBQ and bibimbap have been welcomed and enjoyed by all, there are a lot of unique Korean foods that people may not know of. Sik Gaek, known for their affordable prices and extensive seafood options, is a great place to discover different Korean dishes that you may have never tried before. With locations in both Woodside and Flushing, NY, Sik Gaek is furnished and made to give a pojangmacha vibe. When you walk into this restaurant, the wooden stools and graffitied walls really make you feel like you are eating at a street stall in Seoul.
Assortment of shellfish to grill
There are different combinations of assorted shellfish that you can order and grill right at your table. Some of our favorites are mussels, clams, shrimp, and abalone. Everything is extremely fresh, and the taste is exceptional. Within the combination of shellfish, there are some clams with cheese and vegetables placed on top that melt together as they are grilled… and let’s just say that the creaminess of the cheese and the freshness of the clam work perfectly together.
San Nakji – a dish that star chefs Anthony Bourdain and David Chang have raved about
One of the dishes they serve that is not often seen on Korean menus is their Bool Dak Bal, which translates to Fire Chicken Feet. This dish will literally feel like a burst of flames in your mouth from the spiciness of the marinade, but the delicious flavor and tenderness of the meat have customers ordering it all the time. Another, somewhat controversial, item that you rarely see at Korean restaurant in the U.S. is Sannakji, live octopus. Though some people are hesitant to try the squirming tentacles, when dipped in cho gochujang (sweet & spicy Korean chilli sauce), it is truly delicious.
Sik Gaek does not provide a traditional banchan (side dishes) spread but give fried egg and ddeokbokki, spicy rice cakes, as appetizers.
Sik Gaek – Woodside
49-11 Roosevelt Ave
Woodside, NY 11377
http://www.sikgaekusa.com
Sik Gaek – Flushing
161-29 Crocheron Ave
Flushing, NY 11358
[Photos: Deborah Yoon, Yelp]
