Westport restaurant to ‘push the boundaries of what people know about Korean cuisine’

Chef Keeyoung Kim has been on a mission to educate consumers about authentic Korean cuisine.

In 2016, Kim and his business partner, David Son, started Sura Eats as a pop-up in coffee shops and restaurants. It was so successful they opened a kitchen in the Parlor food hall in the Crossroads in 2018.

But all along they planned for a permanent brick-and-mortar spot, a full-service operation where they could serve their food on ceramic plates instead of paper plates.

Chingu, meaning friend in Korean, is scheduled to open in July at 4117 Pennsylvania Ave. in Westport.

“We want to create an immersive experience — from music to interaction with servers, bartenders and hosts, to the food, of course,” Kim said. “Education is the foundation for our company, and we want that to be woven throughout Chingu.”

The menu will be inspired by three Korean elements: street food, sit-down barbecue and mom’s home cooking.

It will have main dishes and shareables, as well as seasonal side dishes, including: Golbaengi-muchim (buckwheat noodles, veggies, and moon snails mixed in a gochujang pear vinaigrette); Korean fried chicken with a gluten-free batter and a choice of a mild soy-citrus glaze or spicy sauce; dolsot bibimbap (mixed rice bowl served sizzling in a traditional Korean clay pot); galbi (thin strips of grilled beef short ribs in a soy-ginger sauce served over onions in a sizzling plate); braised pork ribs finished on the grill with a gochujang sauce served over onions in a sizzling plate; bossam (braised pork belly served with radish kimchi, fermented shrimp, ssamjang and lettuce for DIY lettuce wraps); and Kimchi jjigae (kimchi soup served in a rich, spicy broth with an option of pork belly or tofu).

It also will have spirits, beers, wines, soju and rice wine.

“We want to walk people through and bring them to a place of comfort, to be welcoming and hospitable,” Kim said. “We’re just excited to finally have a home and really push the boundaries of what people know about Korean cuisine.”

It will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays.

Kim has an economics degree from Northwestern University and also worked as a manager at Pinstripes Bowling & Bocce in Illinois, as a Kansas City barista and as a pastor.

Chingu has launched an investment campaign through Mainvest.

Doughnut Lounge and then Sweet Combforts/Wingman Kitchen formerly occupied the space.

This story was originally published May 17, 2022 at 11:59 AM.