Chez Bong — Restaurant in Montreal

Interesting place to try some traditional style Korean food!

The weak point of this restaurant was actually some of the food. It was very disappointing and unappetizing. However, some meat dishes looked great! Dietary restrictions were not their strength.

The freshness didn’t stand out to me either in the side dishes or the main dish I tried, Japchae Bab. I did appreciate them making the dish with tofu as there were only 2 options for vegetarians to eat, off the menu.

Although some dishes were made as soon as the order went in, there were a few that sat and cooked all day long.

Some of the food that could be easily altered to suit guests, couldn’t be remade due to using the same big stew they cook all-day long; Particularly, the kimchi stew which can be made fresh in 5-10 mins and is not normally a stew that sits ‘all-day long’.

It was unclear, why did they not decide to cook all the food fresh?

Not only would fresh dishes ensure the quality and taste, it would elevate their restaurant.

Fresh food would make dealing with any dietary restrictions easier. Having flexibility with their guests is important for any food establishment, and it was unfortunate I didn’t see that this time.

The atmosphere reminded me of a seniors home - The decor seemed outdated with no particular theme connecting to the restaurant. I could see some elements of Korean culture but it was in the background rather than the foreground representing what type of restaurant it was.

The highlight, was definitely the staff as they were absolutely exceptional! They easily explained the menu and helped with any concerns I had with the food.

Overall, it was so-so. I think fresh food would bring more traffic to the place along with...

I think they provide very authentic and tasty Korean food, but I'm Japanese so I cannot tell for sure. However I could tell that I was going to have good food because I felt that nice smell of food right after I opened the restaurant's front door.

I ordered kimchi jjigae, which was very very tasty. The server provides me three tiny courtesy dishes and the (sweet) potatoes was really tasty (the other two dishes were good, too. Normally I need rice to eat kimchi but the raddish kimchi they provided was spicy but at the same time had the sweet taste too and I really enjoyed it eating independently. But again that potatoes were just exceptional). She asked if I want some more of those tiny dishes, which itself was quite nice, so I asked her to give me more of those potatoes.

I saw some people writing that the inside of the restaurant was too dark. Perhaps it's true, but when I visited around 3pm, there was plenty of sunshine coming in from the window so I didn't have problem. I kind of liked it for it creates somewhat calm atmosphere to concentrate on just enjoying the food.

If I visit Montreal again I'll definitely revisit this restaurant....

Came with four people and ordered K-F-chicken and 4 other plates to share. We left quite full and almost finished it all. If you come here, like many Asian restos, this is the best way to experience it if your 2+. Forget the COMBOS, make your own.

Very delicious and fair prices for the most part. Some things did seem a tad but more then they should be, but if you stay away from the "For 2" items you can easily create your own spread and share happily with others.

Limited on the alcohol, but they have the appropriate ethnic booze ....{soju etc}.

Good water service. Fast kitchen despite warning it may be delayed/slow coming.

Atmosphere typical of the area being in a old, period MTL town house.

If you are seeking give it a try. Longstanding place, more modern options nearby, but still hold value. Not many free tables; post x-mad so good sign generally.

ENJOY...