Sonamoo Restaurant Review: The Best Place in Town for Authentic Korean?
Table Of Content
- About Sonamoo Restaurant:
- The Menu
- About The Owner: Who Owns Sonamoo Restaurant?
- Sonomoo Review: My Detailed Experience
- What Did We Eat?
- How Much Did We Spend?
- Our Bill Break Up:
- How Was The Service?
- How Was The Overall Ambience?
- What Are People On The Internet Saying?
- What Did We Love About Sonomoo Restaurant?
- What Did We Hate About Sonomoo Restaurant?
- Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time And Money?
The uptick in people going gaga over Korean food and culture is here to stay. K-dramas and K-pop are household favs now. Same with Kolkata. The latest example of the city’s love affair with Seoul and its culture is the Sonamoo. Restaurant.
“The food is just amazing! The lovely lady who cooks herself is a brilliant chef.”- guests said. The eatery is indeed Jeongsun Noh’s labor of love.
The souvenirs and memories surrounding the cozy diner also culminate with Sonamoo’s food. The restaurant is Madam Noh’s first tryst with this city, which thrives over good food!
About Sonamoo Restaurant:
K-dramas inspired many people in the city to gather a little liking towards Korean food. I am also on the same page. After watching “Oh My Ghost” and “Dinner Mate,” I was left craving desperately for a good Ramyeon, an authentic gimbap, and a Korean BBQ on top of everything.
My tastebuds drive took me to a cozy Koran place in the New Town area of Kolkata- SONAMOO. When I learned a South Korean lady ran the place herself, I couldn’t resist myself anymore.
Address: 3rd floor, GALAXY MARKET, GREENFIELD HEIGHTS, Galaxy Mall in, New Town, West Bengal 700156
Hours: 12 noon to 10 pm
Branches (If Any): N/A
Contact Details: +91 8336998681
The Menu
You must visit Sonamoo for some authentic kimchi and bibimbap. Madam Noh is also a master chef of bulgogi and jjajanmyeon. If you want to try some more authentic Korean delicacies, here’s what you can try from their menu.
| Beverages | Price |
| Bori-Cha | INR 300 |
| Korean Ginseng Tea | INR 350 |
| Starters | Price |
| Kimchi (Cabbage/papaya/cucumber) | INR 150/100/150 |
| Main Course | Price |
| Tteokbokki (veg or non-veg), the popular Koran rice cakes, slow-cooked and cylinder-shaped | INR 800/850 (veg/non-veg) |
| Haemul-Tang (Spicy seafood soup with crab meat, shrimp, prawn, and more) | INR 1500/3000 (half/full) |
| Korean Signatures | Price |
| Kimchi Bokkeumbap (classic kimchi fried rice) | INR 600/700/800 (veg/chicken/pork) |
| Bulgogi (choice of meat in bulgogi sauce and sticky rice) | INR 800 |
| Kimchi Ramen (noodle soup with veggies and choice of meat) | INR 500/600/700 (veg/chicken/pork) |
| Jjajanmyeon (Korean-style noodles with chunking sauce, diced pork and veggies) | INR 850 |
** This assorted selection is the list of the best Korean you can try at the Sonomoo. The real menu goes way beyond these.
About The Owner: Who Owns Sonamoo Restaurant?
Madam Noh, the sole owner of the place, came to Kolkata in 2007. Reminiscing her early days in Kolkata, she asked, “Am I crazy to have brought my kids here?” She was overtly worried about the weather. After all, it’s cold in Korea.
So, why Kolkata? She had a genuine reason. The place is more affordable than the rest of the metros in India. She knew people would take time to adjust to the authentic Koran tastes. So, she had to make her food affordable.
It was our day 1 at Sonamoo. We ordered Korean Ginseng Tea. Indeed, it took us time to register the high price. Madam Noh is a sharp woman. She got us there and said promptly- “We source the beans from Korea.”
We understand in that moment that her quest for authenticity kept people coming in here. Later, she revealed that most of her ingredients, including some authentic crockeries, are from South Korea.
Sonomoo Review: My Detailed Experience
I feel Sonomoo is the sole Korean joint in town serving unadulterated Korean food. My palette recalled the kimbap and Tteokbokki I saw in the K-dramas I watched.
I hardly knew the warm reception of the hostess and her palatable food would take me directly into one of the scenes from ITAEWON CLASS. Haven’t you watched it yet? Rush now!
What Did We Eat?
We started with Kimchi and Korean fried chicken. Our heads rolled! Now, we wanted to explore the menu. We ordered Tteokbokki, Bokkeumbap, Pork Kimbap, and Classic Prawn Tempura Maki. Just one heads up, guys! Please sort out what you’re gonna eat and order at least a week ahead.
Ms Noh is the heart and soul behind all the dishes served at Sonomoo. So, it’s better to inform her beforehand.
1. Must try: Koran Fried Chicken, Kimchi RamenJjajanmyeon, tteokbokki
2. Must Avoid: You can ignore Tangsuyuk, Dak-Galbi and Gonggi-Bap.
How Much Did We Spend?
We spent ₹4300 at Sonomoo. But I feel it’s not only the food you’re paying for. The bonuses are Ms Noh’s exceptional hospitality and the reality check!
When you enter Sonomoo, it feels like an authentic Koran eatery, where you always hang out for a quick ramen or some soju with friends!
Our Bill Break Up:
| Items | Prices in INR | GST |
| Kimchi ramen | 700 | 35 |
| Frid Chicken | 450 | 22.5 |
| Bokkeumbap | 800 | 40 |
| Tteokbokki | 850 | 42.5 |
| Pork Kimbap | 700 | 35 |
| Classic Prawn Tempura Maki | 900 | 45 |
How Was The Service?
The service is unique. You can’t miss the cozy vibes and the homely aura at Sonomoo. To top it up, Ms Noh is particular about what her guests like and how they like it. But, I suggest booking in advance for a good experience.
The lady prepares the food herself. So, if you order prior, it’s easier for her to sort things out. If you pre-order, Ms Noh often charges an advance if the order is significant. People may find that tacky, but I find it normal.
Many home-run eateries in the town have similar cultures. Sonomoo is just one of them.
Not considering these, let’s focus on the best things about Sonomoo’s services. The host will come to you and explain how to enjoy each dish traditionally.
How Was The Overall Ambience?
You can’t ignore the Seoul-ful atmosphere here! With stunning yet simple decor, the space is enough for cozy seating. The place sells authentic Korean food. The bonus- you get to eat out of assorted Korean wooden dishes.
If you order the Royal Gujeolpan, you can witness the magic.
If you’ve been to Korea and had food at local joints. The place would feel relatable to you. A lady sitting at a counter, serving cold kimchi on her own, and more similar scenes will hit you, once you enter Sonomoo.
What Are People On The Internet Saying?
When asked how they liked Sonomoo, people had these to say:
What Did We Love About Sonomoo Restaurant?
Pro 1: The food it’s authentic and tasty for sure
Pro 2: Ms Noh’s hospitality
Pro 3: The traditional decor
What Did We Hate About Sonomoo Restaurant?
Con 1: The long waiting time
Con 2: Some dishes are way too over-priced
Con 3: Connectivity is a challenge. New Town is at the end of the city.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time And Money?
Sonomoo is an experience worth it. In conclusion, I would recommend the place. Here’s the trick. If you want a smooth experience, order what you wanna have at least 1 week before.
I’m going to visit again. Hope to see you at Sonomoo!!
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