(This article was published in the August issue of Groove magazine. A magazine geared towards the ex-pat community (of Korea) filled with information on entertainment events, food and dining, and other news information. They print approximately 13,000 copies per month)
by Chalica Pack
As a vegetarian living in Korea, I have been pretty lucky thus far
finding restaurants that serve non-meat dishes alongside their
meat-based staples. . I've only had to walk out of one restaurant (Who
knew the Turkish weren't vegetarian friendly?) after finding nothing
more than a paltry side salad as my vegetarian option.
Last week, I visited my first all-vegetarian restaurant in Korea. The
Loving Hut is a (fairly) new vegan chain restaurant that has locations
all over the world. At 6pm, the restaurant was already filling up
quickly, so it was clear that Loving Hut is no secret to those looking for tasty vegan meals.
My dining partner and I ordered the Noble Spaghetti, Soy Cutlet, and Fried Dumplings.
Even my meat-eating dining partner thought that were worth going back
for. The Soy Cutlet was the texture of tender cooked eggplant and the
red sauce was a great accompaniment. As a life-long vegetarian, I've
never been interested in “faux meat” products, but I was impressed
with the taste and texture of the soy cutlet. Meat-eaters take note,
my dining partner, who is a self-proclaimed meat eater, loved the Soy
Cutlet. And for anyone looking for a hardy Italian pasta dish, the
Noble spaghetti is for you. The sauce was thick and filled with
veggies . The next time I miss Italian comfort food, I will remember this dish.
We finished off our meal with a peach tea and a Red Bean Sherbert. I
am a lover of beans in any form, and having them mixed with fresh
tropical fruit and a dairy-free whipped cream and chocolate sauce was
right up my alley. Vegans in Seoul, you can get your ice cream sundae
fix at The Loving Hut.
Our entire meal of one appetizer, two main dishes, a specialty tea and
a dessert was just shy of 20,000KRW. An outstanding deal, especially
considering the portions sizes were large.
The Loving Hut is located 4 blocks from Sinchon Station exit #2 near Starbucks.
www.lovinghut.kr
Chalica Pack is a lifelong vegetarian that is living in Seoul with her
family. You can visit her blog at http://www.vegetarianinkorea.
