GAON Korean Cuisine — Restaurant in Burnaby

Center of a new Korean spot or off the middle a bit?

I was going to do up a reservation to invite all my good friends for some tasty Korean food but backed out last minute after reading some not so stellar reviews. However after reading a recent review on how good their gamja tang is, I just have to give them a try myself. Yes I am a sucker for a good Gamja tang in a Korean restaurant.

This restaurant took over Potter’s Korean restaurant which has been around for quite a long time. It is conveniently located on Kingsway with a decent amount of parking at the back parking lot. Inside is simple with a clean renovation; One side with divided sections for bbq’ing and one side for diners who preferred dining without bbq’ing.

I opted out of the bbq’ing section after scanning their bbq menu, somewhat a bit limited compared to most Korean BBQ places.

After being seated and a cup of tea served, here were the food I ordered;

7 complimented side dishes. Pretty good and fresh. But, let’s not overly exaggerate like a couple of noobs said, it came with sooooo many side dishes that couldn’t take a pic of them all with one shot. What are you? A midget with a midget camera? (Roll eyes) Tako wasabi. The tako could improve on a better seasoned wasabi sauce plus a more appealing look too. Corn cheese. The top layer of cheese was nice but once lifted that up, you can see the corn swimming in an ocean of mayo. Rule# 1 please drained the excessive water or moisture from the corn! Or maybe I am wrong, this is the Korean Chinese version of cream corn soup? Steamed dumplings (made in house). I like dumplings whether it’s Chinese, mangolian, Korean, etc… but these little deflated guys were quite flat, dry and wrinkly. They need to sign up for the senior home. Deep fried creamy shrimps. They were okay, taste wise wasn’t bad and the batter was a bit stretchy to prevent the sauce from making the shrimps soggy. The shrimps were also filleted in halves to maybe make it easier to eat or looked like a bigger portion (hehehe, it’s a little trick by the Chinese Western restaurants back in the days). Galbi tang (beef rib soup). The meat on the beef rib was a bit dry and tough. And the soup was quite light. Gamja tang. I can see all the ingredients I like in the Gamja tang, the meat was very tender and fresh. The soup was really tasty and came steaming hot as it should be. I really love how fresh the meat was. I would say meat is better than Jang Mo Jib but the broth itself, Jang Mo Jib is better. Overall, this was the saving grace of the entire meal.

Overall, the place is pretty clean and well ventilated with a comfortable casual atmosphere. The only thing that bugs me and I am sure others too; the inside of the men’s washroom is literally in your face when someone opens it if you are sitting at those tables have a view of the washroom area. Perhaps add a door or something to the entrance of the washrooms? I am not interested in seeing what lil jim is doing inside the men’s washroom while eating.

The food can be improved according to what I have tried so far. I know sometime it takes time to adjust but keep in mind there are quite a bit of choices when it comes to Korean cuisine

As for the service, I think it needs to step up its game a bit such as engaging with the customers more; asking how are the food, everything okay, NEED MORE TEA, saying thank you and please come again. Maybe during this cold winter, hot water and tea are scarce? Only got a cup of tea from the start till the end. And I did tipped 18% which I think it was okay.

In conclusion, I would say 2 stars is fair given my experience here, where its a bit...

Venturing into Gaon, I did so without any set expectations, driven merely by curiosity and an appetite for genuine Korean cuisine. On the recommendation of a cheerful server, I decided to dive into one of the most beloved staples - Gam Ja Tang, opting for the communal pot over the individual serving. It was a decision I didn't regret.

The dish itself was a delightful surprise. The pork was tender, effortlessly parting from the bone, a testament to the hours it must have simmered, absorbing the rich, spicy broth's complexity. While the broth was heartily satisfying, a tad more creaminess, perhaps a hint more bone marrow, would've elevated it to perfection. Yet, this is a minor note in an otherwise delightful culinary symphony.

The array of side dishes was another high note, ensuring the palate never faced a dull moment.

The ambiance of Gaon, influenced heavily by the owner's welcoming presence, felt genuine and devoid of pretense. The service was efficient, with our waitress ensuring our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable, reflecting the overall good vibes of the establishment.

I've noticed a trend in reviews, a rather harsh critique that seems misplaced. Some voices, tinted with expectations of authenticity from South Korea, seem to miss the beauty of what Gaon offers. Yes, the barbecue may not mimic your last trip to South Korea, but the value and quality presented, especially considering the pricing, are commendable.

It's a curious case, this penchant for focusing on the negatives, especially among my fellow Greater Vancouver diners. Perhaps it's a reminder to appreciate the culinary diversity and effort right in front of us, rather than lamenting over an idealized taste memory.

n a city bustling with culinary options, Gaon stands out for its sincere attempt to bring a piece of Korea to our doorstep. And for that, it deserves recognition, not scorn.

I'm already looking forward to my next visit, eager to explore more of what Gaon has to offer. To those swayed by skepticism, I urge you to experience it firsthand. You might just find a...

First-time visit to Ga On Korean Cuisine – pleasantly surprised!

I’ve driven past GAON countless times but never thought to stop in. The plain exterior didn’t exactly draw me in, so it never made it to my “must-try” list. But after reading some great reviews on Google and YouTube, I decided to give it a shot—and I’m really glad I did.

The interior is clean and inviting, with a nice, cozy ambiance. The restaurant has two sections: one for Korean BBQ and another for regular dining. We chose the regular dining side and ordered two dishes to share: Gamja-Tang (pork bone soup) and Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake).

As with most Korean restaurants, they served complimentary side dishes (banchan), but what stood out was the variety—7 different types, while most places only offer 4 or 5. Even 6 is rare. A great start to the meal!

Now, the food: The Gamja-Tang was outstanding. The pork bones were generously meaty and fall-off-the-bone tender. The potatoes in the soup were soft yet held their shape—cooked to perfection. This dish had an authentic, hearty flavor that I haven’t even found at some well-known spots in Korean Town on North Road. Truly comforting and delicious.

The seafood pancake was also very flavorful, packed with oysters, squid, clams, and scallions. The top was perfectly crispy, though the underside was a bit soft. If the serving plate had been hotter, I think the bottom would have crisped up better for that ideal texture. Still, a very enjoyable dish overall.

The service was another highlight. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Three different team members came by to check on us and even offered refills on the side dishes—something that’s definitely not common in most Korean restaurants. It made the experience feel warm and welcoming.

All in all, we had a great dining experience. Delicious food, thoughtful service, and a relaxed atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back to try more...