Balwoo Gongyang
Photo Credit: Michelin.co.kr
Balwoo Gongyang changed the way Korea (and the world) looked at Korean Buddhist Temple food. The cooking style was thought to be bland and flavorless as it was vegan, and stayed away from ingredients like garlic, onions and chives. Doesn’t sound like fun, does it?
But consider this: they use local organic ingredients, some grown by monks in Buddhist temples across the country. The meals come out in 20+ course meals, with porridge, lotus leaf rice, soybean paste soup and desserts being some of the mainstays in the course meals. These gastronomic monks, who dedicated themselves to the art of temple food, also have more values than just making money; they want to preach the Buddhist principles of about temple cuisine. Through the food, they want to install principles of eating in moderation, at the right times, and a balance of ingredients, while avoiding meat. It’s gastronomy with a higher purpose. But even if all that’s going to fly over your head, Balwoo Gongyang also offers a great experience with private rooms, beautiful plating and delicious food.
No wonder Balwoo Gongyang is one of the most popular Michelin star restaurants in Seoul. Because of its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
Note: The same monks offer an everyday man’s version of Buddhist Temple cuisine downstairs at Samsoo, which is a more affordable than Balwoo Gongyang.
Seasonal meal menus
