Apkujung Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

*Revised Review as of June 2024: Rating Adjusted from 5 Stars to 1 Star

Recent Experience: Regrettably, I've had to revise my previously glowing review of this Korean restaurant, which was once a favorite of mine in Toronto. Despite the owners' commendable effort in employing young Korean staff for ordering and translation, there seems to be a disconnect that has affected the dining experience.

Over time, I've frequented this establishment with various friends and, while often enjoying the meals, I've noticed an inconsistency in the quality of the food. Nonetheless, it continued to be among my preferred Korean dining spots.

Incident of June 2024: On a recent visit in June 2024, my friends and I ordered the renowned chicken soup for two—a dish we've savored many times before. Upon its arrival, the portion appeared larger than usual, accompanied by a single bowl of rice, typically indicative of a meal for two. Considering we were the last patrons of the evening, I assumed it was a generous gesture from the owner to utilize remaining ingredients.

To our surprise, the bill reflected the price for a chicken soup intended for four, not two. We promptly addressed this with the waitress, who insisted that since the food was consumed, payment was obligatory. After settling the bill, we sought to discuss the matter with the owner. In the owner's presence, the waitress altered her account, claiming that despite our request for a soup for two, the Korean text on the menu indicated "two chickens for four people," leading her to place an order for four, thereby doubling the cost. Our protest that we couldn't read Korean was met with insistence on payment for the consumed food.

Exhausted by the back-and-forth and feeling sympathy for the owners, we ultimately departed.

My advice to future patrons: if you're fluent in Korean, you'll likely enjoy the food without issue. Otherwise, exercise caution with your orders to avoid misunderstandings.

Original Comment: Delicious food with good portion. Employees (grandpa & grandma)...

Experience Racism/bad service

Came in on a busy Saturday night, three of us(Chinese) and a Korean couple was arranged at the 2 tables side by side close to the kitchen. The Korean couple was seated right before us (like 1-2 minutes apart) but we are treated extremely differently. We ordered the same signature chicken soup. But the Korean couple got their chicken soup 20 minutes before us.

I was waiting for a waitress to come by and ask for stuffs(ordering, tea, refill of dishes) but they keep passing our table without making eye contact. But the Korean couple beside us was served proactively by the waitresses at a fast speed. At the time their table is at the last congee stage of the chicken soup, our chicken soup just arrived. I had to say “Excuse me” a couple times to grab the waitress’s attention when they were serving the Korean couple beside our table. But still I was being really polite, using multiple “thank you” and “can I” at the time of asking.

After the 3 or 4th times of “excuse me”, which I got ignored, I hear a waitress mocking my “excuse me” from the kitchen area. Which I feel is extremely disrespectful and we confronted them, the waitress with pink hair clip denied but I think it's her. After that the skinnier waitress with a ponytail was nice and come by a couple times to accommodate us but the other waitress with the pink hair clip ignore us and never showed up again.

When the Korean couple is done paying the bill, which is 1 hour after both of us got seated, our second stage noodle just came to the table and we have to cancel our other seafood pancake since it’s too late and we just want to finish the meal and get home.

I understand the restaurant is busy and it’s hard to accommodate everyone at the same time. But being treated so differently comparing to Korean customer and being mocked by the waitress is really...

I recently visited Apkujung Restaurant with my friends to enjoy some authentic Korean cuisine, and I must say, the experience was outstanding. Although I hadn't been here in a while, their food and service exceeded my expectations. We ordered their signature whole chicken course meal, which I have always loved. Shortly after ordering, we were served an array of Banchan (side dishes), all of which were delicious. The kimchi was a bit saltier than usual, but the other dishes were perfectly seasoned. After a brief wait, the server brought out a large pot containing a whole chicken in broth, along with various condiments. She first served us pieces of the boiled chicken, which had a mild, pure taste, allowing the natural flavour of the chicken to shine. For those who prefer a bit more spice, a small bowl of spicy sauce was provided to keep your taste buds engaged. The chicken also had ginseng, adding a subtle bitterness and health benefits. Following the chicken, we were served green noodles cooked in the chicken broth. The noodles, which I believe contained mugwort, were fragrant and perfectly cooked, showcasing their signature recipe perfected over decades. The meal concluded with a rich, flavourful rice porridge made from the thickened chicken broth. Although the server got busy and couldn't finish the porridge, it was still delightful. The final touch was a refreshing yogurt drink, which was a perfect end to the meal. Overall, the whole chicken course meal was exceptional, and my friend found it equally satisfying. The clean restaurant, great service, and delicious food reaffirmed my pride in being a long-term regular at this place. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend it to anyone seeking authentic...