Jubang Style: Authentic Korean Kitchen and Bar in Nali Patio

Jubang, the latest Korean restaurant to hit Sanlitun, alternates between comforting homestyle dishes and cheeky modern versions, while also doubling as a hip soju bar.

Located on the third floor of Nali Patio, Jubang is a return to owner Emily Long's Korean roots. Milly's Cakes, her custom cake and cupcake shop, is moving downstairs. Though you can order grilled meat at Jubang, this restaurant is meant to showcase non-barbecue Korean food.

I was particularly excited to find Korean-style fried chicken (RMB 68) on the menu. You can choose either a soy-based sauce or sweet and sour sauce to go with it. Now I don't have to go to Wudaokou or Wangjing for a fix.

JSA soup (RMB 58) recreates a traditional army soup, combining ham and bacon in a kimchi soup with instant noodles. Its unpretentious origins make for a simple dish, but it tastes really good.

Steamed pork belly (RMB 95) was amazingly flavorful after being cooked for hours. You can also get grilled pork belly (RMB 48), but I preferred the steamed version.

We liked that the Korean-style kimchi pancake (RMB 48) came in smaller individual cakes because it meant more crispy edges. Japchae glass noodles (RMB 50) and kimchi fried rice (RMB 42) were also quite good. Mini kimbap (RMB 38), Korean sushi with spicy anchovy, took us back to after-school snacks at our Korean friend's house.

For drinks, rice wine (RMB 60) goes down smooth. You can also get a rice wine-based banana cocktail (RMB 70) or lemon soju (RMB 60) with a refreshing zing.

Nali Patio might be more known for Spanish food, but now Jubang's going to put it on the map as a destination for great Korean food too.

Jubang. C308, 3/F, Nali Patio 81 Sanlitun Beijie, Chaoyang District. (5208 6071) 朝阳区三里屯北街81那里花园3层C308

Photos: Josh Ong