By Honorary Reporter Yuensub Murray from UK

Photos = Rami Bajjali

Bajjali & Ko, the first restaurant in Jerusalem, Israel, to feature Korean and Palestinian cuisine, was opened on July 1 in the Christian Quarter of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. In an interview on July 25, owner Natalie Bajjali described promoting Korean food to diners in her city. 

Natalie Bajjali with her chef Nadeen Jbara at her restaurant. 

Please introduce yourself. 

I was born in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates. My mother was a Korean nurse and my father a Palestinian banker. When I was 4, we moved to my father’s hometown of Jerusalem.

How did you start in the food business?

After graduating from school, I started working part time at a cafe. When the owner found out that I was half Korean, she asked me to make kimchi for a quesadilla dish. With my mother’s help, I made kimchi for the first time. After discovering a demand for it, I started selling kimchi to nearby supermarkets and online stores.

What made you decide to open a Korean restaurant?

Because I grew up eating both Korean and Palestinian food, my brother and I always talked about opening a Korean restaurant for our friends. We took over our uncle's restaurant as he wanted to retire and set up our own. I wanted to make it a gathering place for enjoying Korean food.

What are the similarities and differences between Palestinian and Korean dishes?

Korea and Palestine have similar culinary practices such as regular side dishes; Koreans have kimchi and Palestinians pickles and olives. Both countries have similar uses for sesame seeds and garlic and rice is the staple of main dishes. A notable difference is that Palestinian dishes use a lot more dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

What are your favorite dishes from both cuisines?

My favorite Palestinian dish is mulukhia soup, which is made with the leafy vegetable mulukhia and served with rice. Among Korean dishes, I love sundubu jjigae (soft tofu stew) the most. 

What do you think is the best way to introduce Korean food to people in this region?

We need to break the stereotype that all Korean food is spicy. Korean barbecue is a good place to start when introducing Korean food to Palestinians because it's not intimidating for those not used to spicy food.

What is your favorite restaurant in Korea?

I love eating at Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul. I had a great experience in choosing freshly caught seafood and having it cooked for me on the spot. Jerusalem also has fish markets but nothing like the ones in Korea.

What is your goal?

I want to continue offering a unique experience for people in Jerusalem through Korean and Palestinian fusion dishes.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.