Pepper Garden (Duluth)
There are so many new Korean places in Duluth I can’t keep up. This one opened a week ago and I’m so happy to see they’re already busy everyday. First, let me tell you how to get there. Although the address says Pleasant Hill, the storefront faces North Berkeley Lake (across from Super H). So, to get there, take North Berkeley Lake Rd away from Super H Mart (if you go the other way you’ll hit Super H). It’s the free standing building in the Walmart plaza next to the gasoline station.
Best deal for $3.50
Now the food. I liken the quality and taste of food here with the fast casual concept. If you want a quick, no-frills meal then this is your spot. They’ve got different kinds of kimbap (maki rolls) that cost $3.50 an order and comes with 12 big slices. Served with a bowl of spicy soup and daikon kimchi, they make for a good snack or appetizer. I suggest the bulgogi kimbap so you get a little protein but the fish cake one is also good (if chewy is your thing). There’s also a cheese kind that was actually okay.
$7.99 and it’s not even full
I’m a huge fan of yukgaejang because it’s my favorite Korean soup. I can proudly say I’ve had it at almost all the Korean places in the metro that serve it. The version here is ordinary — no depth of flavors, just flat beef broth. There are a good amount of beef pieces in the spicy soup although they needed a few more hours in the pot to tenderize. I do like that it didn’t come piled high with bean sprouts (a turn-off and a no-no) and that it came with lots of fernbrake (or fiddleheads, a black, noodle-like veggie that’s a major component of this soup). It’s a good deal for $7.99 if you’re not particular with your yukgaejangs. Unfortunately, I am and I’d rather spend that money next door in either direction of Pleasant Hill for amazing yukgaejang that even comes with handmade noodles. But that’s just me.
They have two kinds of ramen: one with veggies and egg and another one with cheese. (Really, cheese?) The menu says “instant noodles soup” so I wouldn’t even dare order that if I were you. Besides, you have better use for your $5.99. They have quite a selection of rice cake dishes — tteokbokki — chewy rice cakes resembling solid tubes of pasta in spicy tomato-based broth. I am an equal opportunity tteokbokki eater so the ones here are okay to me (although a bit pricier than most places).
There’s one thing, however, that you must get here. The Chicken Juk (rice porridge) is really pretty good. Flavorful minced chicken swim in delicious porridge. It has the perfect balance of sticky and soupy. Comfort food, yes!
Overall, a pricey place. Nothing spectacular overall but hits the spot when you’re in the immediate area and craving for something quick.
Pepper Garden
2605 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Suite 600-A
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 497-9010
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6 responses so far ↓
1 Blanche // May 15, 2012 at 2:22 pm
I’m also a *major* fan of yukgaejang, getting my usual fix at Jun Ju on Buford Highway. Do you have a favorite? Please share!
2 Chloe // May 16, 2012 at 8:27 am
One of the best versions I’ve had is from Cafe Toh Dam in Suwanee.
3 Blanche // May 16, 2012 at 10:18 am
Thanks! I’m heading there for lunch today.
4 Blanche // May 16, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Had their fabulous hukgaejang for lunch just now. Definitely my new favorite rendition in town: lots of vegetables, just short of incendiary, pronounced beefy umami. The dregs at the bottom of the bowl were miraculously delicious. Thanks for the recommendation! Too bad I was the only one in there for the hour I was there. Hope they’re busier nights/weekends.
5 Chloe // May 16, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Blanche, you make me so proud
You and I need to get together and have a Korean meal soon.
6 Blanche // May 16, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I am up and down Buford Highway at least three times a week and up near Gwinnett Mall at least once weekly (if only to shop Assi or Great Wall). We should drum up a group!
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