Ossek Garden Review

Ossek Garden is a Korean restaurant situated in close proximity to the renowned Place de la République in Paris. My wife and I were yearning for a Korean barbecue experience.

Ever since we departed Vietnam, we have not had the chance to come across a place akin to Gogi House. Ossek Garden is purported to be a traditional Korean restaurant, so we anticipate that the barbecue there will resemble the authentic version.

The location

Ossek Garden can be found in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, France. Despite being owned by Chinese proprietors, it remains a beloved spot among the French population, which may explain its abundance of Google reviews.

The location is surrounded by streets and spacious boulevards, making it relatively easy to find a parking spot. However, it’s important to note that parking prices in Paris have soared. You may need to budget an additional 15 euros if you plan to stay for an extended period.

The venue offers ample space and is primarily crafted from wood. Inside, you’ll find a plethora of decor elements evoking South Korea, notably the bar adorned with numerous soju bottles and traditional fermented wines.

They also offer a selection of standard red wines, which is to be expected given that we are in France, where red wine is popular worldwide.

The tables primarily consist of wooden banquet setups designed to accommodate four people at a time, a configuration popularly suited for barbecues.

Unlike some other places that use charcoal, the barbecue here operates on gas, promising a distinct flavor profile for the meat.

The menu

Surprisingly, this establishment includes sushi on their menu. However, the majority of diners were enjoying traditional dishes like bibimbap.

The menu is well-presented with clear illustrations, making it easy to comprehend. It includes standard appetizers, main courses, a section dedicated to barbecue plates, as well as a variety of beverages and desserts.

What I appreciate is that the dishes are authentically Korean, with the exception of perhaps the Gyoza. However, the downside is that these dishes tend to be relatively pricey compared to similar offerings in other Asian restaurants, even though they likely use the same ingredients.

Japanese and Korean restaurants have always had a reputation for being more upscale compared to other Asian restaurants and this can largely be see on the bill.

The main attraction for us was barbecue and since we were used to eat in places like Gogi House or Sumo Yakiniku BBQ. We were expecting a lot from this place.

They provide a diverse selection of meat while maintaining a predominantly classic approach. For instance, you won’t find options like fancy Wagyu beef or various cuts beyond the ribs.

An interesting feature is the availability of seafood options, although personally, I find the prices to be rather steep. We didn’t sample them, but given the price, I expect they should be fresh rather than frozen.

Once you order a barbecue, they will offer you the fermented vegetables, a bowl of rice and a miso soup, which is a very good thing.

There are also menu options available with starters and desserts, which are appealing at 40 euros. However, my wife and I primarily came for the BBQ, considering the rest as merely supplementary.

Our experience

Initially tempted by the ravioli as an appetizer, our curiosity nudged us toward a traditional Korean dish, prompting us to order the vegetable crepes instead. Additionally, we anticipated that our son would readily enjoy some fried food for lunch.

The crepes proved to be satisfactory, and the soy sauce was notably refined compared to the Kikkoman we are accustomed to.

Although they weren’t as satisfying as some gyoza and were not something we would order again in my opinion.

The barbecue plates arrived shortly after, presented neatly with some seasoning, or at the very least, onions on top.

Not long after, the fermented vegetables arrived, and they were honestly crafted exceptionally well. They exhibited a harmonious balance of flavors and were thoroughly enjoyable.

At first, the waitress and waiters began cooking the meat for us, providing some instructions. However, after a while, they left us to cook on our own, which we appreciated. We enjoy the experience of cooking our own meat to our preference and being independent in doing so.

The miso soup and rice were both well-received, offering familiar flavors. Personally, I’m not particularly fond of Korean and Japanese rice outside of sushi and bibimbap. Nevertheless, having rice is always a good complement when consuming a substantial amount of meat.

My wife’s preferred meat is the pork belly, evoking memories of Vietnamese barbecue. I must admit, this meat boasts the most fat and juice. It can be caramelized to a crisp perfection and rolled with salad for a delightful combination.

Asians enjoy wrapping meat in salad leaves along with vegetables and dipping it in soy sauce or lemon with spices. We requested lemon, and the spice they provided was fantastic.

It had a distinctive flavor profile, reminiscent of a blend of herbs, hot spices, and possibly turmeric or cumin. To me, it evoked the oriental spices commonly found in couscous. This unique combination, discovered during the meal, was remarkably intense and flavorful.

The traditional Korean marinated beef was exceptionally well-crafted, with a subtle sweetness. I can see why it’s considered a classic in Korean cuisine—it’s incredibly easy to enjoy and appreciate.

Simply mixing this meat with rice and vegetables creates a fantastic combination in itself.

The lamb, while somewhat unconventional on the menu, delivered a satisfying taste experience, especially when combined with the couscous spices and lemon. This combination resulted in some of the most memorable rolls I’ve had all day.

For drinks, we opted for a Coca-Cola and a grape juice, which essentially tasted like a standard Aloe Vera drink. They complemented the dishes nicely, and without needing to request, they also provided us with tap water.

Verdict

8.0 out of 10.

Ossek Garden is a charming Korean restaurant situated in Paris. The establishment boasts ample space and offers plenty of parking spots nearby.

The cuisine is notably delectable and refined, with the fermented vegetables exhibiting a well-balanced flavor profile. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our Valentine’s Day experience here.

While I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I prefer this restaurant over a buffet like Gogi House, trying this establishment has provided me with a better understanding of the authentic taste of traditional Korean BBQ.

Of course, the ultimate test will be experiencing it firsthand in South Korea. Nevertheless, we highly recommend Ossek Garden, particularly for barbecue enthusiasts.