By Honorary Reporter Eftychia Dovletoglou from Greece
Photo = Eftychia Dovletoglou

Scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled on an intriguing post on a restaurant in Thessaloniki, Greece. It went from a Levantine eatery to a dynamic pop-up store featuring Korean food. This innovative approach features a new themed section every month, with the latest being Hansik (traditional cuisine).

Yiannis Balafoutis, the visionary behind this concept, said he is committed to continuous improvement and exploration of new trends. Running through Dec. 30 (with the possibility of an extension), the pop-up store was opened amid high demand for Korean cuisine in Thessaloniki.

These foods are what I had at the pop-up restaurant in Thessaloniki, Greece.

I promptly made a reservation for Nov. 28 with my friend and fellow Hallyu enthusiast Kostas at the pop-up Kim Pushed The Button. We were excited to try the foods featured in K-dramas, and this presented the perfect chance to explore new flavors. The vibrant atmosphere and fully booked restaurant featured the integration of Korean cuisine with the diverse gastronomic landscape of Thessaloniki. 

Sundubu (tofu) vegetable soup (right) and Korean-style fried chicken (right)

My culinary expedition at Kim Pushed the Button kicked off with a lychee-flavored soju, sundubu (tofu) vegetable soup and gochujang (red pepper paste). The Korean-style fried chicken, a star of the menu, lived up to its reputation through a delightful combination of sweetness, crispiness, and hint of honey and orange. The aromatic presentation and unique flavor profile made it a standout dish. 

Kimchi fried rice

Kimchi fried rice, using handmade kimchi and complemented by vegetables, provided an authentic taste of Korean flavor. The sweet and sour feeling was unfamiliar but paired well with the right ingredients. Greek cuisine typically doesn't include fried rice but I found the unconventional taste was intriguing. I took home the leftovers of this dish to share with my discerning parents, and they gave it their stamp of approval.

Kkwabagei (twisted donuts)

The grand finale was kkwabagei (twisted donuts) with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. While similar to Greek loukouma, this dish had chocolate and ice cream added for a creative twist. 

Among the popular choices among customers, I learned that samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) with gochujang and lettuce, Korean fried chicken and tuna tartar were among the favorites. This highlighted the restaurant's success in not only introducing Korean culture but also adapting it to the region's taste.

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.