Jinjuu: A Modern Funky Korean Brunch in Lan Kwai Fong

Chef Judy Joo’s LKF resto launches brunch!

You know we’re big fans of brunch, so of course we couldn’t wait to check out the latest offering from one the coolest Korean joints in town, Jinjuu. Swapping the traditional brunch staples (goodbye Eggs Bene!) for creative Korean fare, this new brunch option is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for something different…

Read more about brunches in Hong Kong here and here. 

Stepping into Jinjuu, in the heart of LKF at California Tower, you can’t help but stop to take in the stunning interior décor: think high warehouse-style ceilings with dangling colourful, traditional adornments, a Korean dragon as wall art and warm wooden fittings. This place manages to be sophisticated and welcoming, the long bar and overflowing buffet counter just begging you to come and eat, as well as enjoy a cocktail or two.

Read more: Kitchen Tips and Tricks from Iron Chef Judy Joo

I didn’t know where to start at the Entrée Buffet Counter, with stations covering everything from Kimbap (Korean sushi), Seafood, Bagels with Korean-inspired cream cheeses, Fried Chicken and Tofu and of course a ‘Build Your Own’ Bibimbap.

I piled my plate up with the healthier options: Tuna Ceviche lettuce cups, a mix of beef, salmon and vegetable Kimbap (the beef was my favourite), and an assortment of colourful vegetables from the Bibimbap station (with lots of hot sauce!); I didn’t see any rice on offer for my bibimbap but it occurred to me after that it probably was being served by the staff behind the counter and I should have just asked…woops!

My boyfriend had all this too, plus the heartier options – he raved about fried chicken and I stole a bite of his fried tofu… silky and creamy on the inside, with a super thin, crunchy coating on the outside. He also gave the Home Cured Yuja Scottish Salmon two thumbs up; super fresh and not overly fishy at all.

We were getting pretty full at this point (hard to do just one round at a buffet!), but the mains just sounded too good and it was Sunday, so we splurged and split two: the Grilled Scottish Salmon with miso glaze and watercress and pear salad (no longer on the menu), and the Kalbi JJIM USDA Short Ribs, basted in a soy glaze with grilled vegetables.

The salmon was tasty but the short ribs stole the show. The slow-braised cubes were so tender, falling onto the fork as we dug in, and the perfectly cooked grilled vegetables balanced out the meat’s richness. A gorgeous looking dish as well, complete with a garnish of shoestring fries and garlic chips. Vegetarians will be happy here too with the Miso Grilled Vegetables, tempura shimeji mushrooms and yuja aioli (which I was tempted to order… I love anything miso!).

We were going to say no to dessert… until we saw the table next to us digging into the Dessert Sharing Platter. I liked that most of the desserts in this were fruity and light, without being too rich or sickly sweet after the heavy meal.

My favourite was the Strawberry Mess, served in two shot glasses with strawberry compote, yuja Chantilly cream, meringue, strawberry jelly and sorbet, a really refreshing dessert and the perfect palate cleanser. If you’re after something more decadent, the platter also had two generous serves of Jinjuu’s Hazelnut and Gochugaru Brownie with Salted Miso Ice Cream. I love brownies but this was a bit too sweet for me, although I loved the ice cream, which tasted caramel-y thanks to the miso.

We decided to skip the alcohol, but if you’re here to wine and dine, there’s an add-on option of free-flow Louis Roederer Brut NV Champagne, selected cocktails and house wines for $250. I’ve been back to Jinjuu since and let’s just say they do a mean Spiced Kimchi Mary!

If you don’t want to blow the budget, you definitely won’t go hungry with the Semi Buffet option only ($280/head). Or if you want to go all out, you’ll feel like you got your money’s worth with the Semi Buffet, Main Course and Dessert Platter option ($400/head). We both left feeling super satisfied and agreed we’ll definitely be coming back here for a special occasion (or just because!) group brunch that’s one of the better value and quality ones out there.

Jinjuu, UG/F, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3755 4868; www.jinjuu.com/hk

Brunch is served from 12-3pm, every Saturday and Sunday. Make sure to book, this place gets busy!