Last week I passed by the Arirang Korean restaurant for lunch and it turned out to be a pretty disappointing experience to be honest. It was such an unexciting experience I’m actually forcing myself to write this review.
Arirang has been open for nearly three years and they’re located inside the Swiss-Belhotel Plaza (inside Muthana Complex). The location at one point was an Indian restaurant, a Kuwaiti restaurant and possibly a Chinese restaurant before finally becoming a Korean restaurant. So far the Korean restaurant has lasted the longest but not really sure why.
The interior is fairly decent looking I guess, it’s very spacious and the booths look cozy although awkwardly large for just a couple to just sit in alone.
We were three people and so we ended up ordering the following:
Beef Dumplings x 2 KD2.500 each
Shrimp Teppanyaki KD5.500
Bulgogi KD7.000
Galbi Pot KD7.000
Now here is where things started going downhill. Firstly there was only one waiter for the restaurant which is fine considering we were the only occupied table. But, because of the way the restaurant is laid out, the waiter was always at the main entrance while we were all the way inside. That meant whenever we needed anything we would have to get up and walk down a corridor to call him. It then took 50 minutes for them to serve us our starters (the dumplings) which was absurd considering we were the only customers there. Finally when the main courses arrived, the only dish that was any good was the Shrimp Teppanyaki… a non Korean dish. I had the Bulgogi which was dry and bland while Galbi Pot although looked great presentation wise, the dish was just too fatty. Once piece of rib for example had fat the size of a golf ball on it.
Maybe I visited the place on a bad day I’m not sure but I do know I didn’t enjoy the experience. They also have pretty strong competition since the popular Koryokwan Korean Restaurant is located across the street from them. But then again, if they’ve bene open for three years it must mean they have a loyal fan base, I just don’t know why.
14 replies on “Arirang Korean Restaurant”
Should have tried Maki Kirkiri
Lawsuit’s on its way….
The hotel itself is run down, I was sent an invite for the old restaurant but never went because of the condition of the hotel. Does anyone actually stay there? With the prices they charge one would think it’s a 5 star restaurant but apparently not. Thanks for your sacrifice as to save us from the same bad experience.
Considering the ridiculously low labor costs in Kuwait, there is little excuse for the experience you had.
let’s hope Mark won’t get sued for this post. XD
I actually like their food
Are there any other decent Korean restaurants in Kuwait?
Yes, in Kuwait Hyatt hotel there is Korean joint…similar to Korekyan.
I don’t know why, but quite a few Korean restaurants in Kuwait seem to be like this.
Once I waited almost an hour for just 2 bowls of takeaway Tom Yam soup at Phuket Thai. They also have just one waiter who seems to be doing everything in the restaurant. The place is also not well kept.
I personally like Pattaya Beach in Dawliah Complex (in the shopping center opp. the old Kuwait Airways building). They are also pretty rundown but their food is good.
Man… they have Thai right in the name. THailand is not Korea. Come on
I think the restaurant was having a bad day. I’ve been to Arirang on more than one occasion, and that being said, their “non-Korean” menu isn’t their strength.
If you’re willing to give the restaurant another shot, sit at the table closest to the entrance and order the Bibimbap (crispy rice dish with great toppings- in a sizzling clay pot) and their Japchae (glass noodle stir-fry). Their kimchi selection is pretty good too, if you can stomach it.
Sorry about that. Somehow when I read the post I was thinking ‘Thai’ instead of ‘Korean’.
In the 1990s, hotel was called Kuwait Plaza way before the take over by swiss-bel. From the looks of interior in restruant most likey used to be Kuwaiti restaurant.
I visited a couple of times first and 2nd visit was with my wife and 2 kids, 3rd visit was just last week when I went to order for take away.
Our first visit we tried japchae, bulgogi, soon doo boo soup and bibimbap. We’re satisfied with their foods and I have to mention their kimchi. Yes, we ate a lot. 2nd visit was just the bibimbap since during our first visit I was not satisfied with the taste (need to add more tomoto/chili paste). And last week I ordered bibimbap, bulgogi and sushi. What I really really really like there is the kimchi. I spoke with the chef and he told me that he’s making those (mixing/fermenting, i am exactly sure) kimchi. and its FREE as starters! lol