Order Kjun Takeout or Delivery
Kjun Photos
Business Info
KJUN ATMOSPHERE
You might also consider
More like Kjun
Recommended Reviews - Kjun
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
I came here dinner with one of my friends one evening and thought that it was pretty good! This Korean-Southern fusion spot is intimate and seating is limited, so be sure to book reservations. Service had that Southern hospitality that was so friendly and kind, and food came out extremely quick. My friend and I got their boudin balls and their fried chicken. Although both were good, I wish there was a bit more of a Korean-Southern highlight within the dishes--either through the seasoning or the sauces. Maybe it would have been better to try one of their entrees, such as kimchi jambalaya. They finished off the meal with complimentary yakult, which I loved. I would love to come back with a bigger group and try more of their menu items.
They changed the menu such that you can only get some of the entrees such as the signature brisket and grits if you do the tasting menu. Since we weren't so hungry, we did a la carte. The green tomato kimchi was crisp and the brine was a nice offset to our dishes. The cod beignets were enjoyed by all but I didn't think it is a must do. The kimchi jambalaya was good but has a similar flavor profile as kimchi fried rice for me to get it again. The seafood jjajangmyun was a surprise hit. I'm not the biggest fan of glass noodles but they absorbed the sauce so thoroughly. There's no broth to this, and the seafood didn't necessarily complement it so well especially the shrimp which was relatively unseasoned. I'd come back for the tasting menu when I'm really hungry to try other entrees.
I went to their newest location on 334 Lexington Avenue with a few friends & the restaurant is actually not too far from their OG spot, but this one is much bigger so better for bigger groups! (I would say 5 or 6 ppl max) We were a group of 4 and they were very accommodating when I had to call and change the reservation a couple times I really liked the vibes in the restaurant , it was very cozy and i loved the art on their walls. it's a very interesting concept of korean and NOLA-style cuisine. We ordered à la carte , we did the hushpuppies and the fried chicken thighs ($68 for 5 thighs) that come with 2 sides (watermelon salad and kimchi green tomatoes) & the green tomatoes were my personal favorite- very flavorful and crispy! They were pretty busy, so our food took a bit longer than usual and they gave us complimentary pecan pie bites and the hushpuppies :) They were very apologetic but it was unnecessary, we were willing to wait for good food! Our server was very accommodating and checked on us a few times, which was nice We did à la carte mainly bc my husband and i were with friends but next time, i would def do their tasting menu! I would recommend!
I liked the gumbo and fried oysters. However, I don't think the oysters are worth it for the price. It's $20 for 5 little pieces when I've had oysters just as good for half this price and more quantity. The gumbo was flavorful with the pork and sausage, however the portion is pretty small for a $30 entree. The catfish nuggets were also really bland. Our server refused to split our checks by item when there was only 2 of us. I also tried calling the restaurant and it went straight to voicemail. Overall, not worth for the price or food.
It was an ambitious trek to the city with a toddler but we made it. That was after going to the original spot only to be told the restaurant moved and the ole mister walked right into the metal gate, knocking his noggin, and was nearly concussed. Anyway, the eatery is up the block, sitting at the corner of the street. If we had known, or if they've updated their address online, maybe my husband wouldn't be sporting a bruise on his shiny forehead. On to the food... It was an interesting take on several items. The only thing I would consider ordering again is the seafood jajangmyeon. The jambalaya was underwhelming to say the least. I liked the corn over the rest of the apps. Then again, who can screw up corn?? The establishment have two floors but their first floor requires descending a few steps to access so one would wonder is that a basement. Top floor have the huge windows so every guest wanted to be up there. Toilet is in between the floors, in the middle of the staircase. Better watch your step, or else you would be rollin' with your Kjun!
KJUN is a really fun spot if you want something a little different. The menu mixes Korean and Cajun flavors, which you don't see often, and there are plenty of options whether you want to order à la carte or go with the chef's menu. The chef's menu includes a salad, first and second courses, and dessert, and I liked that the servers took the time to explain everything. The two level space is quiet but still inviting, and it works well for both a date or a group. Prices are reasonable for the experience, service was attentive, and I'd definitely come back!
I already thought Kjun was such a clever name for a Korean Cajun restaurant and then I learned it's also a play on the chef's own Korean name. I ate at her pop-up at Essex Market at the start of the pandemic and then when she opened her first brick and mortar in Murray Hill and am so pleased to have dined here last weekend at her most built out space to date. I've mostly enjoyed her dishes a la carte but she insisted on taking us on a culinary journey of her choosing, so of course we said yes. After the chef took note of our group of 6's dietary restrictions, out came gumbo, kimchi stew, a very delicious umami flavor bomb that was a marinated boiled egg topped with creme fraiche and caviar. Korean fried chicken, watermelon salad, a shrimp and black bean shrimp noodle dish, and lots of steak. Some dishes were evidently a fusion of Korean and Cajun flavors, but others felt strictly Korean. Everything I tried was flavorful, though I found some of the portions a bit precious, particularly since we were sharing as a group. The meat eaters in the group left full because there was so much steak brought out to the table, but the tofu alternative brought out for me wasn't quite enough to leave me sated. We were all willing to be spendy for this meal, but I think I would have gotten more if I had just ordered a la carte. We paid about ~$80 per person and I don't feel like I got $80 worth of food. I would gladly return but would personally opt out of the tasting menu journey.
Loved the ambiance. Exceptional service. Delightful flavor combos. A wonderful dining experience. (Lunch). So happy to have this in my neighborhood.
Stopped by on a whim and it was a great decision!!! The place was full so we sat at the bar stool area ... this place it small but the staff was very friendly. We ordered a kalbi burger with gumbo and a kimchi jambalaya. The flavor was just amazing. I had the burger and the combo of burger and the sauces and flavors it has combined with the gumbo was just perfection! The patty was perfectly cooked. A medium cook on the meat was so juicy and very well seasoned. The gumbo was just perfection. My husband had the kimchi jambalaya and I will say, for someone that doesn't like kimchi this was so well made. Not too over powering ... I liked it when I tried it. My husband loved it!
This was one of the more unique fusion cuisines (Korean + Creole) I've had in a great way. Free Amuse-Bouche (1/5): I forgot the name of it, but it was free so it won't count towards the rating. Was a bit too acidic for me, and needed to wash it down with water after. Chicken Liver Pate (5/5): This was pretty much my favorite dish and one of the best sourdough's I've ever had. The chicken liver was very rich and flavorful, and the melon/plum was a solid contrast. Seafood Jjajangmyun (5/5): Almost like a squid ink-infused japchae. Has a unique flavor profile, and the shrimp + calamari were a nice compliment. The decor stayed true to its menu as the walls contained traditional Korean folk art, while the general interior felt like I was in New Orleans. I would definitely come back to try the Kimchi Jambalaya, Japchae Boudin Balls, and Kjun Chicken Sando.
Having been to New Orleans in the beginning of the year I was excited when I found out about this restaurant that has Korean food and Cajun food fusion. We got the $77 menu set. The banchan has watermelon rinds, okra and potatoes. It was my first time trying the watermelon rind! It was salty, sour and crunchy. It opened our appetite on a hot day. From the menu, we watermelon salad, chicken and andouille gumbo, oysters, japchae boudin balls, for main course we got galbi brisket &grits and blue crab curry and blueberry smash soju cocktail. Loved the blue crab curry. Sad that there is no ac on the top floor where we sat. Has only 75 minutes to dine which was a bit rushed. The waiter told us about 6 minutes prior the limit ended. It would be better to let us know about 10-15 minutes ahead of time because we were rushing to eat the dessert. I didn't eat much of the dessert. It consists of a strawberry cream cake, pecan pastries and yakult drinks for each guest. Food were great nevertheless.
I wanted to have a nice meal during a very transformative time in my life in one of my favorite places in the world. I was able to get a solo resy and I was seated at the counter when I arrived. The space is very small and cozy; the staff makes use of all the space. I ended up having a reasonably priced prix fixe meal with 5 courses and enjoyed almost everything. The catfish was good but would much rather preferred more of a hard fry vs a pan fry. The grits were insanely creamy and rich, solid take on BBQ shrimp, and loved the Korean flavor profile of the greens. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the pecan pie/tartlet; very hard and dry. Despite that hiccup, I would love to return and give the rest of the menu a try. As one who lives in the Gulf Coast, this is probably some of the best cajun/creole I've had in NYC.
Made reservations and were promptly seated. We ordered a bunch of dishes and while the initial shock was great - delicious fusion flavors mixed together, I don't know if I'll come back. The price point was high but the presentation isn't it.
Reviews are largely positive. Diners highlight the creative fusion dishes, attentive and friendly service, and cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Read the full review summary in the app
This place is the perfect place if you love both Cajun and Korean food! They take fusion to the next level. Almost every dish we got wowed us and we vow to be back. We did the set menu since price-wise it made the most sense as we wanted an appetizer, side, and multiple entrees. The only thing that was disappointing was the dessert as it's supposed to be for two people but when it came out it was the size of one person (not even)! The place is really small so I might want to come back in a day I don't have work or I'm not wearing a heavy coat as there's really no room to put anything anywhere. They offer to put your coat in a bin which helps but the place really is super tight. read more
9 days ago
Overall for a fusion restaurant that always leaves me skeptical, it was surprisingly well done! Some dishes were more of a hit than others but I think overall the ones that worked, worked. The ones that didn't as much- I think it can be better executed. We opted for the tasting menu which showcased all of the dishes, and with that the corkage fee was waived for us due to the size of our party. So I have to say I do appreciate the restaurant for making that accommodation. We traveled to New York for my fiancés bday and this place was recommended by one of our friends and since we're Korean and getting married in NOLA, this was a no brainer. It was almost meant to be that we came across this spot. The restaurant is verrryyy small and so small in order to get to the bathroom, you have to go through the very small kitchen. With that said it is a nice touch that you can see the kitchen as I've always been a fan of open kitchen concepts. The service I have to say was 50-50. The person identified as a chef and owner did not seem as welcoming as she was the one manding the front door. I realize that her and her team were getting our table ready however we have been to other restaurants in New York City that were just as busy and the owner or manager was willing to take a few seconds to welcome us. On that note when we made the reservation, we were told over the phone to come earlier which we still ended up waiting about 20 to 25 minutes longer than our reservation time. However, I will say the service was made up by the wait staff because they were amazing. They were energetic, attentive, prompt, and very engaging. Now let's move onto the food. Some of my most favorite dishes was the take on jajangmyun with squid ink, collard greens, pork ribs, and the honey butter chips. The star of the night was the okra which I do not like but in this application was delicious, a little sweet, tangy and crunchy. No dish was disappointing per se as they all tasted good, it was the fusion aspect that was lacking in some. read more
9 months ago
Third time here, first time at their new location (not officially open yet). Had a set family menu and, as usual, loved everything. The honey chips, fried chicken, ribs, gumbo, and galbi grits were standout in taste. The japchae balls, fried catfish, seafood jjangmyun were amazing too. Everything was creatively executed as Korean Cajun fusion recipes, while also mouthwatering delicious. The pecan pie and strawberry cream desserts were good too, but the strength was definitely in the savory dishes. read more
a unique restaurant thats definitely doing their own thing and doing it well. they have a fun menu of korean-cajun fusion dishes served in a festive but still refined space. however, despite being fully sold on the concept i didnt end up being that impressed by the flavors of anything we ordered. i felt that dishes either heavily leaned cajun (the fritters) or korean (galbi and grits) with only a tiny influence from the other cuisine (sauces for fritters or the grits) which can be enjoyed with most things. the grits also had large pieces of dried corn in them which was likely intentional but not to my preference. one of my favorite parts of the meal was the watermelon rind pickles. got the chicory old fashioned as well which tasted nice but had a lot of ice which melted quickly and watered down the taste. read more
Korean Cajun fusion done pretty well! so tiny inside you def need a reservation, and they will hustle you to finish all your food in under an hour. lovely but a bit cramped ambiance. they gave you some freebies like butternut squash with pickled radish in a spoon to start and yakult at the end. the galbi grits was my fav dish. so rich, perfectly buttery and cheesy with tender slightly sweet and savory beef. seafood jjajangmyeon was decent and the jambalaya was just okay, not much kimchi flavor. hard pass on the green tomato kimchi. too salty and crunchy. read more
Very cozy place! Make a rez or be ready for a bit of a wait. We got a table inside but switched to outside bc it was very loud. The mix of high-low is interesting. Fusion high cuisine with low ultra casual interior setting. I was curious to try as many things as possible because of Korean Cajun mix at play, so we went with a dinner set where you pick a snack, two sides, two mains and a dessert. I also got a chicory drink Misugaru and it was soooo delicious. The taste like a coffee latte but there's no caffeine! We asked for recommendations but our server was struggling so we just picked whatever. For the set we got Japchae Boudin Balls. For sides, green tomato kimchi and okra kimchi. For mains, of course KJUN fried chicken and seafood Jjajangmyun. And dessert Strawberry Yummy. The Boudin balls are ok..I was expecting noodle nests but it's all grinded up so it's just deep fried balls that are mushy inside. Kimchi was pretty good! Fried chicken..the chicken skin was so light and crispy I loved it! And I didn't feel greasy after eating it. And my fav was the Jjajangmyun..it's not like the original at all..the sauce was creamy and rich and with a good amount of seafood. The dessert - the cream and strawberry were great but the weird cookie inside was super hard and overpowering the rest of the desert. Overall it was a really good meal. But is it worth the money? Bc it was not cheap.. I'd say if you want to treat yourself then it's worth it. They definitely are more experimental and for someone who enjoys food, this is a fun place to experience unexpected flavors. But on that note, if you're going to charge this price level, having sauces in to-go plastic containers feels a middle finger to the customers. I'd love to see some fun experimental dinnerwear to match the vibe of the food. read more
TL;DR: Korean-Cajun fusion at its finest. A mind-blowing tasting menu, flawless service, and a BYOB perk made for an unforgettable 4th of July dinner. Chef Jae Jung is the real deal. We scored a July 4th reservation at Kjun for their full tasting menu experience, aka "The Carnival" and I can say this was one of the most exciting meals I've had in a long time. As a lover of both Korean and Cajun food, I was curious how this fusion would play out, and chef Jae Jung (Top Chef alum) nailed it. Our group of 10 came prepared: we brought a dozen bottles of soju (yes, we finished them all), and the staff was kind enough to waive the corkage fee, a major plus. The space is tiny, maybe 30 seats max, so the fact that they accommodated our whole party was awesome, especially on a packed holiday evening. We waited about 15 minutes past our reservation, but considering the logistics, totally understandable. Once seated, service was attentive and organized. Our drinks were chilled and served quickly, and the staff walked us through what to expect from the Carnival menu. Then the parade of dishes began, and what a ride it was. We kicked off with Low Country banchan, a Southern take on Korean starters. The kimchi okra was a standout: crisp, spicy, and addictive. The collard greens also had depth and flavor that screamed comfort. Boudin balls followed, giving pure Louisiana vibes, while crispy catfish with gochujang brought the perfect Southern-Korean heat. One of the biggest surprises was the mayak egg, elevated with pork skin and Creole seasoning, hands down one of the best bites of the night. The honey butter chips were also a fun nod to Korean snacks, with indulgent flair. The gumbo delivered exactly what you'd want: hearty, flavorful, and warming. The gochujang spare ribs had a great balance, tender but still with bite. Then came some more big brain fusion, LA galbi short ribs over cheesy grits, umami heaven meets Southern soul. The BBQ shrimp was a perfect one-bite creole hit, paired with crusty baguette. Then came the crowd favorite: Korean Cajun fried chicken. Kjun somehow fused the ultra-crunch of Korean double-fry with the soul of Southern spice. A+. But when we thought we were finished, they brought out their take on jajangmyeon. With squid ink, shrimp, and daikon, leaning into coastal Creole flavors while nodding to Korean comfort food. Dessert was nothing to slouch at, a pecan pie tart and strawberry cream parfait closed the meal with sweet balance and a refreshing finish. At $110 per person (with BYOB), this was a steal for what felt like a chef's table experience. The creativity, the flavors, the hospitality at Kjun is the real deal. It's mashup of two bold cuisines, and I can see why it's become one of NYC's hyped restaurants. read more
1 year ago
I will dream about the food at Kjun. I would go out of my way to eat at Kjun. It is just that f-ing amazing. My husband wanted to wing our trip to NYC and not make any dinner reservations. I know, I know. So as I was trying to make last minute reservations I saw that we could put on names on the wait list at Kjun so we decided to walk that way and hope for the best. Chef was out front running the show when we walked up and asked if could wait about 20 minutes. I don't think it was even 10 minutes until she got us seated at a cozy table on the sidewalk just outside the front door. Our server brought us water and a frozen towel to help keep us cool and someone else brought us a container of ice as well. We started with a simple marinated watermelon bite and ordered "dinner for two" which was one snack, two sides, two mains, and dessert. For our snack we had the cod beignets, our sides were the okra kimchi and potato daikon salad. For mains we had the kimchi jambalaya and BBQ shrimp. We also added a piece of chicken. Dessert was the strawberry yummy. First, let me say I couldn't walk away from the table, I wobbled because I felt so full. I knew I was eating too much but didn't want to stop because it was so wonderful. The flavors are outstanding. The textures are amazing. I want to go back with a group of people so we can order more and try more. Hands down an outstanding meal! Let me take a few lines to talk about service. You're not going to get fine dining service with someone wiping crumbs between each course, but you are going to get real people who care about their guests making sure you get everything you need and leave happy. Everyone knows what the job is and they hustle to get it done. If I could give Kjun more than five stars, I def would! read more
1 year ago
Fusion flavors that I've never had together before and we loved it! The only reason I'd not give 5 stars is because it was the most rushed meal I've had of my life. We came with a group of 6 so we couldn't do a la carte. We had the option of choosing our own set of apps, entrees and dessert for $300 or having the chef's choice for $55. We went with the latter and was really happy we did. We probably wouldn't have even know what to order. They started with some small amuse buche style bites on spoons, brought out ban chan and then started with the main dishes. Ended with small mini desserts. Only misses were the poboys which were complete salt bombs and the dessert which seemed pretty basic in contrast to the rest of the dishes and the layers inside were way too hard/crunchy. read more
It's pretty "cozy" spot - only seats about 20 in a comfortable and fairly sedate environment We did the family style meal, which was really ideal. They ask you at the beginning if you want any preferences and of course, I piped up about the. " fried chicken."! They started out with a small squash amuse bouche, then we had some fritters, followed by a meatball "boudin ball". We also had cooked okra and a really unique potato salad. They followed with a delicious gumbo with homemade sausage. Then we had the fried chicken! Wow. Came with hot honey and one other sauce. The squid in pasta and mushroom with radish on top was last before dessert. The person waiting tables knew the food backwards and forwards and was a real treat to work with. (Eli!) They finished the meal with a very small dessert which was kind of a strawberry and cake and whipped cream specialty. We really love the meal. I found the flavors on every course just exploding in our mouth. Really enjoyed this experience and it's a must do! read more
KJUN is one of those spots that feels small and intimate, which is nice if you're looking for a cozy vibe. But heads up, if you're watching your wallet, this probably isn't the place for you. Granted... it is New York. What do I know, I'm just a tourist? But I felt the prices lean toward the higher end, and this was the most expensive meal on our New York trip. I left feeling like I paid a premium for something that didn't quite hit the mark. Don't get me wrong, I really wanted to like this place. I really did. I think the concept is great, I really want to encourage Asian American owners to try their hand at something. Perhaps we should have come in and gotten the Chef's set, or a tasting menu? Though we did ask for recommendations. I'll try to break down constructively where I felt there were misses. We went in expecting bold Cajun flavors, or spicy, fermented soy Korean flavors, but the food didn't quite deliver on that front. The dishes weren't spicy enough for my taste, and the seasoning felt a bit muted--like it was trying to be Cajun but just didn't quite get there. Korean food can be really spicy, and same with Cajun. But each dish we ordered felt like it was Cajun, or Korean. If we take the fried chicken thighs, for example. I was hoping for that satisfyingly crispy, crunchy breading that makes Korean fried chicken legendary. Instead, I felt the batter was thin, and it felt decidedly more like american fried chicken. The chicken sure was juicy, so it was cooked well, but I have a hard time calling this fusion. The gumbo was fine, we did like the okra kimchi that came as a side, but I think that the dark gumbo came out as a very cajun dish. The okra is a good korean twist, but didn't seem particularly fermented and so the spicy flavors did not stand out from the okra. Service was friendly and the space felt intimate, but the food is really the star here, and I was left wanting a little more kick and authenticity. read more
Wow, blown away by this meal. Cozy atmosphere with very few seats and very kind attentive service. We ordered: - cod beignet: instead of beer batter they use makgeolli, very creative. Also got hints of hot sauce. Not sure how I felt about the wasabi aioli. Honestly if we could skip one dish it would probably be this one. - gochujang andouille and grits: This. This dish was fantastic. Beautiful presentation and flavor details, kind of felt like fine dining but big and southern style. Sauce was superb, meat was superb, grits amazing. Subtly sour profiles from the radish and crunch from some celery/radish was superb. Lot of rich flavors from andouille and grits and freshness from the various toppings, this was harmony in a bowl. - NOLA shrimp: also blown away by this. Very rich bc it's bathed in a skillet of butter but soo much flavor. Comes with a side of buttery toasted sourdough. Shrimp was full of flavor from the rich murky sauce, we were literally spooning the sauce after we ate all the shrimp. The onions inside are pickled so there's bits of freshness amidst all that butter. Amazing dish. Portions are pretty large so I would recommend family style so you get a taste of everything!! read more
I've been wanting to try this place for a bit. Highly recommend making reservations, I never made reservations but I'd try my luck whenever I was in the area and I'd see a line and the waitlist would be 45 minutes. Finally made reservations and went, I did same day reservations on resy but it was dying opening time so there were a few reservations open. It's a BYOB spot and they charge a $15 corkage, it's listed on the beverage section of the menu. Free corkage included with set menus! We did the set menu combo for two people. I wanted to try a little bit of everything and was eyeing the tasting menu but the server was quite transparent and said that it might be too much food for us. They were very kind and recommended the combo set for two but said they would do smaller portions for the snacks/ sides so we could try a few more things from the menu. They also recommended adding a piece of the fried chicken which ended up being my favorite- it was just decadent and perfectly marinated and cooked. Juicy and tender on the inside, and hot and crispy on the outside. I loved everything but the stand outs were the gal I brisket and grits, pickled vegetables(green tomato and okra kimchi), soy marinated egg with cracklin( on the house), and of course, their fried chicken. One thing to note is that seating is very limited. It is not a place you order food and sit and chat for 3 hours. There are six two-seater tables and a bar that seats 4 inside. They have a few tables outside as well. Not sure they could seat a big group together due to how limited the space is but I think groups of 4 or 6 are manageable by putting the tables together. The staff is very efficient, regularly checking in and cleaning up to keep the table from being too cluttered. read more
1 year ago
I do not pretend to be an expert in Korean or Cajun cuisines. So this is the dummy approach! We came with high expectations. It didn't disappoint. Very busy place. High turn over. Only the main waiters know the dishes everyone else just nodes yes. Cosy, old neighborhood atmosphere with 1 and only bathroom accessible through the kitchen. Yes you read that right. -The service was very quick, polite and accurate. The food ! -normal size portions -the watermelon salad was okay. Coming from a watermelon and feta background I cannot say that this was that exciting. -pork ribs were different and interesting. Maybe flavors we had not tried anywhere else. -seafood dish: very flavorful with deep (yummy) seafood taste. Was that ink on the noodles? Great -kimchi J Dish: that was expected to be on the spicy side and it was. Big portion. Great combo of flavors. -white fish marinated w dips. That was interesting. We contemplated taking the 300$ deal for 4 of each type of dish but that would have been a lot for a dinner of 4. We went for a couple of apps a salad and 4 mains instead. Will we be coming back? Mhhmm dunno. Maybe for that chicken :) read more
I came here for my birthday dinner and absolutely loved everything I ate! The honey butter chips were a huge portion but very addictive. The soy marinated eggs were perfectly cooked and had such a pleasant combination of flavors and textures. The gumbo was a super classic and well made gumbo, with okra kimchi that provided the perfect acid to complement the rich dish. The kimchi jjim had tender pork and was well seasoned. The place is very small but the service is very friendly and accommodating. I was very happy with my meal. read more
While I didnt get the chance to dine in I did order to go and so happy I did! I ordered the gumbo, and tried catfish nuggets as well as the chicken and I only bit into some of items because I was sooo full from the gumbo omg the food was great! Also just ordering to go I received water while I waited and the host was super nice and attentive. I look forward to dining in next time read more
What a unique place! Korean and Cajun fusion. So flavorful. Amazing food!!!!!! Wow!!!! I had the BBQ tofu and grits and it was a phenomenal and perfectly balanced dish. Best grits and tofu I've ever had. Topped with pears. The lemon tea I had was truly the best cup of tea I've ever had. Filled with fresh lemon and ginger. And the mugs were so cool! My boyfriend enjoyed the kimchi jambalaya and I tried it too and very tasty. It's a very small restaurant so reservations are necessary. We sat in the enclosed outdoor patio. It has a heater but still a bit chilly in winter since it's by the entrance, but lots of privacy so that was nice. The inside of the restaurant is very cute, warm and cozy. I highly recommend! read more
Definitely a great location for a unique fusion. The Korean and Cajun mix is unique and well balanced. Every bite is different in its own way. The seafood jjangjangmyun is my favorite with the fried catfish nuggets being a close second. Everyone working there is very nice and attentive. The place is a bit cozy so be mindful of the space. You will have Manhattan prices and you're better off taking the subway than driving here but if you're in the neighborhood, it's so very worth it. read more
a solid spot if you're looking for some fun fusion food - the food itself i would say is a 4/5 for me but the SERVICE! wow, unbelievably amazing!!!!!!!! the food: green tomato kimchi may have been my second favorite, super acidic and delicious. hush puppies weren't my favorite, but the chicken was great! extremely crispy and big portion, and it becomes worth the price considering the two sides it comes with also has a large portion. the strawberry cake was on the house and by far my favorite bite of the night - it's almost like a tres leches vibe! the space: very small!!! i recommend for a smaller group the service: the best i've experienced in forever. they are KIND and also so on top of it! my friend spilled a bit on his shirt and immediately the server dropped a tide to go pen. amazing read more
We were able to make a same day reservation on a Friday. I had made the reservation and didn't realize that Google Maps said it closed at 9 and only noticed on my way over, but it ended up being okay! It's important to note that they had available reservations for 9:00 PM, but the restaurant closes around 10:00 PM and we were asked to leave just before 10. We got there around 8:30 PM so we had enough time to enjoy our meal. Although most people can finish a meal in an hour, I prefer not feeling rushed. The restaurant is very small and dimly lit and the tables are close together. The tables have lamps on them, but our table did not have one until one of the waiters brought us one halfway through our meal. The service was friendly. We ordered the beaucoup fried chicken, which comes with 5 pieces and rice and beans, and we chose the side of collard greens. This was plenty of food for 2 people. We each ate 2 pieces of chicken and also had sides leftover. The chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. My friend really liked the honey that came with the chicken. The rice and beans and collard greens were also good. For dessert we got the goguma pecan pie. It was very creamy with just the right sweetness, and the sweet potato flavor wasn't strong. The tofu bite at the beginning and the yakault at the end of the meal was a nice surprise! read more
Kjun has been on my list ever since it's pop-up days two years ago, so what a treat that I had the opportunity to check it out finally while I'm back in New York. My friend was able to snag a last minute reservation for brunch/lunch, and we were quickly seated inside the small compact modest dining space. If you're a party of two like we were, you'd most likely be splitting a table for four with some neighbors, but everyone was very respectful. Our waitress was friendly and knowledgeable and gave recommendations of the most popular dishes and her own personal favorites, which was appreciated. You can order off the menu a la carte or choose a dining set - since we weren't too hungry we chose to split the Cornbread Hushpuppies, Kimchi Jambalaya and NOLA BBQ shrimp. It was a treat getting to see chef Jae Jung and her team work in the open kitchen right behind the bar - the food came out quickly and served in succession. The hushpuppies were light and paired amazing with the fermented plum butter. The shrimp came already peeled and was smothered in rich garlic and butter, with accompanying sourdough bread to soak up the extra sauce. Finally, the jambalaya was cooked to perfection - the kimchi taste stood out wonderfully on its own without overwhelming the original Cajun dish. Our lunch was topped off with some complimentary Yakult - no better way for a perfect end to an amazing meal! read more
2 years ago
I came here with friends for early dinner on Saturday night. The space is pretty small so I definitely recommend making a reservation. That being said, we were sat and given the complimentary appetizer which is fried tofu with pickled radish and a vinaigrette. It was a nice refreshing starter. It's a Korean Cajun fusion spot and the menu definitely reflects that. We got the soy marinated eggs, honey butter chips, Bbq shrimp, seafood jajangmyeon, and gem lettuce salad. Pecan pie for dessert. Soy marinated eggs - like deviled eggs but using soy marinated ones. It's 4 pieces and comes with fried chicken skin as well. These were probably my favorite bites of the night. BBQ shrimp - came in a rich sauce with tons of shallots and they give sourdough for dipping into the sauce. While delicious, definitely on the heavier side. Honey butter chips - these came out first and were fresh from the fryer with a really distinct honey butter taste. Pretty oily but that's to be expected. Gem lettuce salad - really good and has great textures from the crunchy lettuce, pear, and nuts. The vinaigrette is on the more tart side so if you don't like that, I'd maybe steer clear of this. Seafood jajangmyeon - this is more like a squid ink pasta. Great flavor and had shrimp and squid. Since it's more like a squid ink pasta, it's rich and tasted great. Pecan pie - we got the last slice. It had a short bread crust and nice creamy custard like filling with candied pecans on top. This is a nice dessert to share as well. Seems like it was a popular one since they ran out already by 6:00 PM. Overall, the food tasted great but we felt the portions were small for the prices. Everything is meant to share so going with a group is nice so you can order lots of things and try a bit of everything. The ideal group size would probably be 4 since the space is small. The food is also quite heavy so just be aware of that. Service was excellent, the waiters were knowledgeable about the menu and really nice. They also give each person a yogurt Yakult drink at the end which is a nice touch. Also, I'm not 100% sure but I don't think they have a restroom for patrons so just be aware of that as well. They provide hand sanitizers and hand wipes at all the tables though. It's also BYOB!! read more
Shared the fried chicken and 2 sides for lunch. The chicken is flavorful, juicy and the batter is tender and crispy. The potato salad has a nice crunch from the daikons with a little kick. The cheesy grits was a nice touch. We also got an amuse-bouche of a watermelon cube with a tangy dressing and a mint leaf; quite refreshing. It's a small restaurant where reservations are recommended, but we didn't have one. But we were lucky to grab a seat at the bar. Our server was pleasant as well as the other server. Is the chicken (5 pieces) plus 2 sides worth the $60, maybe not. I don't often eat in NYC, so I'll chalk it up to city prices. You can get the fried chicken sando, which is the same chicken if you're interested in what it tastes like. I may want to try the other dishes if I ever find my way back to NYC. read more
Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. I came to eat last May because I was a fan of the chef from her season on top chef and was so excited to eat her food. She even came to the table to check on us. It was an intimate and casual little spot, with limited seating. My friend and I sat outdoors with my one year old. We had the watermelon salad (super refreshing and delicious), my friend had the crawfish kimbap, we shared deviled eggs, and I had the seafood noodles. Everything was well seasoned and delicious. Highly recommend and would definitely be back to try other items. read more
1 year ago
This is a restaurant full of creative and well-made food. The service is also excellent. Food: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Experience: 5/5 read more
My delivery order was excellent. I must admit that I was skeptical of the concept of a Korean and Cajun blended style. I will also admit that I am not a big fan of fusion restaurants. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the food from here. I will also add that most foods will degrade to varying degrees when delivered, but this food held up better than most. I started with the cornmeal crusted fried oysters with Tabasco + yuzu aioli dipping sauce and homemade radish pickles. This was still a little crispy on the outside and nice and soft on the inside...very tasty with a spicy, creamy dip and more crunchy delicious pickles. The potato daikon salad was fresh, a little spicy, perfect consistency...overall, just right. The shrimp and catfish poboy was great...fresh bread, packed with nicely fried fish, a little lettuce, ? mint leaves and mayo with pickled radishes on the side, which I added to the sandwich for extra texture and flavor. The complementary bottles of a smoothie drink were delicious. (They were not labeled so I'm not sure what they were. Someone called them a "probiotic" which I don't really believe in anyway.) This was a great delivery meal, that I highly recommend for a nice lunch at home. read more
Heard this place was pretty good so gave it a try while I was in the area. My friend and I walked in without a reservation for a late lunch and luckily there was a seat at the counter. Service was friendly so no complaints there. Food was really good. Maybe it was cause I just worked out so also worked up an appetite! But actually everything was really flavorful. I had the sausage and grits as my main and it was quite good with good depth and mix of flavors. It's a cute spot that I can definitely tell may start to feel tight when full and busy. Thankfully we weren't there at peak time so was able to enjoy the interior, design, and the overall vibe. Recommended! read more
Service 2/5, food 4/5. First, you are not told it is only BYOB until 30 minutes before your reservation. Thus, you are left scrambling while on your way to the restaurant to pick up anything to drink. Our table of 6 got the family set meal. We were extremely rushed start to finish. The first 3 appetizer courses came out within 3-4 minutes of each other. It didn't feel like a dining experience, more like we were having food shoved down our throats to get us out of the door faster. Third, we were asked to leave before the waiter even looked on our table to see our credit card waiting to be swiped so that we could pay. When have you ever been asked to leave before paying...? We were also charged for extra banchan until we noticed it and had to ask for it to be taken off the bill. The food overall is interesting and unique. The squid ink pasta is very flavorful. The fried chicken was rather bland and dry. The dessert course was overly sweet. Overall, I would not recommend until the operations side of things are a more well oiled machine. read more
very tight space. nice intimate ambiance. good for two people at a time. the dishes i tried felt somewhat lackluster. everything was a fusion dish and fell somewhat flat. the ideas of the dishes felt very intiguing but by the time they reached my mouth all the excitement faded away. especially give then price this place feels somewhat gimmicky. read more
2 years ago
Food 5/10 There were simply a lot of flavors that I personally disliked, so this meal just wasn't one I particularly enjoyed. Specifically, I when we got the fried chicken, the dipping sauce just was not my cup of tea. The green tomato kimchi was a little too sour, while the kimchi jambalaya tasted too mushy. The soup that came with the fried chicken also came with a lot of beans, which I do not find to add any value to my life, so that was a miss too. I think the concept is exciting, and I recognize that this place does have very polarizing reviews, but overall, it's just not a place that I would recommend. Atmosphere 4/10 It's a very small space both inside and outside. Unfortunately, the table is tiny and the path to each table is tough to get to, so the server accidentally dropped a used fork on my friend's shirt :/ Service 8/10 Really friendly service and I really respect what the chef is doing by bringing together two cultures of her upbringing read more
7 months ago
Both KJUN locations are excellent. We recently went to the new location at 334 Lexington which offers a $78 pp set menu. The new space is much larger and it may be a little easier getting a reservation these days with the added seats. Service is great. Most importantly the food is fantastic. For our set menu we chose; Fried Oysters - very good. Catfish - very good. Fried Chicken Bites (additional) - excellent, these are the best in the city. Honey Butter Chips (additional) - since the Korean restaurant Ouiji doesn't offer them any more Kjun's butter chips are the best and are a must get. Eggs & Caviar (additional) - a fancier take on the soy marinated egg from the original KJUN, very good. Oysters & Rice Cakes - not a huge fan of raw oysters, but the combination of the rice cakes and sauce made this enjoyable. Kimchi Jambalya - a staple from the original reastuant that is just as good. Galbi & Grits - hands down the best thing on the menu. Get this as your main, it's a great mashup of Korean BBQ cooked Cajun style. Strawberry Cake - a nice cap to an excellent dinner. Chef Jae has been killing it since her pop up several years ago. You can't got wrong with either spot, but the new location is more of a dinner spot and the best place to try her high quality food. read more
1 year ago
Food was good. I wasn't blown away, but also didn't hate it. I will say though, the service was slightly disappointing towards the end since we felt a bit rushed to finish our meal. As we were wrapping up with dessert, our server said by the way, just so you know I have people coming in 5-10 minutes. By this point, we had been there for just about an hour, which in most restaurants you usually get at least 90 minutes. Honestly, 1 dessert to be shared between 2 people wasn't going to take that long, so not sure why the server felt the need to say that. Left a sour taste in our mouths for the first time trying this restaurant. We noticed the same server was saying the same thing to the people before us as well. If time is a big concern, then let people know about a time limit before the meal starts. read more
1 year ago
Hands down loved the jambalaya and galbi and grits. The galbi and grits changed my impression of grits entirely for the better. Everything was good. Friendly staff and very small cozy, upscale casual ambiance. Good for a date night or close friend dinner. Wish we could've gotten the fried chicken thighs but comes in 5 pieces so will have to try another time! read more
1 year ago
Been wanting to try this place out after hearing so many positives - from the atmosphere to the food! Service was amazing with the wait staff being friendly and attentive! I loved the interior decor as it felt rustic, retro, and cozy. However, I was pretty disappointed with the food. I ordered the green tomato kimchi, seafood jjajangmyun, and kimchi jambalaya. As a Korean person, I'm used to bold sour, spicy, and "addictive" flavors. But the dishes tasted pretty safe. Green tomato kimchi: Refreshing and tangy. Wish the tomatoes were cut more to be easier to eat. 8/10 Seafood jjajangmyun: The seafood jjajangmyun tasted like regular jjajangmyun sauce (not much seafood flavor) and the noodles were too overcooked as they mushed together. It was hard to pick up noodles without it breaking into small strands. The shrimp was cooked well but having 2 pieces of shrimp doesn't make the dish seafood. It didn't really taste of New Orleans cuisine. 4/10 Kimchi jambalaya: NOT enough kimchi!!! As you bite down on the meat and rice, you want that crunch and tangy sourness that comes from kimchi. I think there were less than 10 pieces of it. There were also many bones in the meat which made it uncomfortable to eat. The flavor of the kimchi jambalaya overall just tasted like bland kimchi fried rice. 4/10 Overall, the dishes had flavor but lacking in key elements that should make the dish unique to Korean and New Orleans fusion. I really wanted to like this place as all reviews on Google are 5 stars, but ultimately the flavors were not strong enough and difficult to eat. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
KJUN was such a unique and amazing experience! I have never seen a Korean/Cajun restaurant and I was very pleasantly surprised. I came with a group of 6 and we did the Carnival dinner which comes with 4 snacks, 4 sides, 4 mains, 4 drinks, and 4 desserts for $300 (which is a great price point in my opinion). The service was incredible. The chef personally walked around to each table to check on their food and for the snacks we ordered (which typically come with 4 pieces), she gave us 6 pieces for each dish so that each of us could have a piece instead of splitting 4 pieces among 6 people. Here's what we ordered: Snacks: - Fried Oysters (one of their specials for the night): 4/5 Crispy and juicy! - Japchae boudin balls: 5/5 This was my favorite of the snacks. A creative and flavorful dish that perfectly combines Cajun and Korean flavors. - Catfish nuggets: 5/5 Perfectly seasoned and fried. - Shrimp toast: 4/5 Delicious, though not as standout as the other snacks. Sides: All the sides were beautifully prepared, highlighting a Korean take on classic Southern sides! The grits and green tomato kimchi were my favorites! - Green tomato kimchi - Collard greens - Stone-ground grits - Potato-daikon salad Mains: - Seafood Jjajangmyun: 5/5 So delicious, m favorite dish of the night! - Chicken & Andouille Gumbo: 5/5 Comforting and hearty. The chicken was nice and tender. I loved the flavors of the dish. - Kimchi Jambalaya: 3/5 The rice was fragrant with a slight tangy flavor from the kimchi. The flavors were balanced, however, this dish was not as memorable as the others. - Beaucoup Fried Chicken: 3/5 The meat was tender and juicy, but I don't think this is a must-try here. Drinks: - Go-Go Juice: 4/5 This was more on the sour side if you're a fan of sour, this drink is for you! - Misugaru: 5/5 Such a rich and nutty flavor. I could drink this forever. - Pear Cider: 5/5 Loved this drink, you could really taste the asian pear flavor. Definitely on the sweeter side compared to the other drinks Dessert: - Goguma Pecan Pie: 4/5 Great flavors and not too sweet. You could really taste the sweet potato and pecans. The crust was a little on the drier side. - Strawberry Yummy: 5/5 Light, fresh, and the perfect ending to an indulgent meal. Overall, I had a great experience at KJUN and I highly recommend trying KJUN if you're a fan of Korean or Cajun food or just curious about this fusion cuisine! read more
More info about Kjun
154 E 39th St
New York, NY 10016
Murray Hill, Midtown East
Directions
(347) 675-8026
Call Now
Visit Website
https://www.kjun.nyc
Full menu
Hours
Payment methods
Food & Alcohol
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Other Amenities
More Info
Health Score
Kjun Reviews in Other Languages
Ask the Community - Kjun
Are there any gluten-free menu options?
Yes! And the chef also asks if there are any dietary restrictions in your party
You might also consider
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
17 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
4 months ago
2 months ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
5 years ago
1 year ago
5 years ago
2 years ago
2 years ago
