Ye Nal Bab Sang (Bamboo House) — Restaurant in Waitematā

I used to live in Korea, so for me it's hard to find Korean places here that are more than just average. A few weeks ago, we were walking down Commerce St and I noticed this place, and most importantly that they had 두부조림 (pan-sauced tofu)! Which is pretty much my favourite Korean dish, and I'd never seen it other Korean restaurants in the CBD. Then I noticed the name, "옛날밥상", and it made sense that they had different dishes to other places as 옛날 means "the old days" and 밥상 "dining table".

My partner had the 소불고기 (beef bulgogi), which he loved, we shared the tofu dish and I had 야채잡채 (vegetable glass noodles; not pictured), which was also good. We thought the side dishes, especially the radish kimchi (I think it might actually be 무생채?) were good too. The older couple who run the place were really friendly and service was quick. I had a chat to the lady in my awful Korean and it turned out that where I lived in Korea was her hometown! So that was cool. Will definitely go back for more 두부조림 and to try some...

Came with a group and there wasn't a single dish that wasn't a winner. Even the two kids who don't like tofu liked the spicy pan fried tofu. The spicy rice cakes were AMAZING (we held onto the dish with the leftover sauce to use for our rice later). The spicy squid was demolished, as were the two chicken dishes. They had sold out of the vegetable jabchae but were happy to do a bibimbap for me without egg or meat. I also had the kimchi fried rice without egg, which was mild but very full flavoured.

And, as other reviewers have said, the staff here are delightfully welcoming, helpful and friendly. All up, this is going to be somewhere we go on a regular basis.

Update: I've been back many times and always been extremely happy with the service...

I don't normally go to Korean restaurants when I eat out (as I would think it's a waste of money to pay for what I can make at home), but this is one place I'll gladly go to and recommend for authentic taste. The owners there are kind people, too. I dropped by on a rainy night because I was craving for hot soup, and not only did they package the food with care so it doesn't spill, the man even held the door open for me so I didn't have to let go of the food bag. The portion is good for its price, not to mention the food itself is delicious. If you're looking for a taste of real Korean food that will warm both your taste buds and your heart, this...