From a Home in Kfar Saba to a Korean Culinary Embassy

Korean films, Korean cosmetics, and of course, Korean food have become trends in recent years around the world and in Israel. Yet, authentic Korean food, like what you might eat in Seoul, is hard to find in Israel. However, the answer hides in the sleepy city of Kfar Saba.

Kim (Tajin) Doron came to Israel over 20 years ago as part of her father’s diplomatic mission, who was a senior officer in South Korea and was appointed the military attaché in Israel. As part of his service, Kim’s mother would prepare authentic Korean food for various guests at their official dinners in their Herzliya Pituach home, and it was there that Kim learned everything.

Just before the family was set to return to Seoul, something happened - Kim fell in love with an Israeli. She stayed in Israel, raised a family, and decided to introduce Israeli people to Korean culinary culture.

Kim Doron. Photo: Matan Hetzroni

Kim had earlier founded a company meant to connect Israeli businesses with Korean companies, offering translation services. The company gained momentum after raising investments, but then the COVID-19 pandemic struck and disrupted everything. About two years ago, she decided to realize a long-held wish - to introduce Koreans’ cuisine to Israelis and start hosting at her home.

"I was hesitant to bring people into my apartment, into my house, to be around my family, but it was a dream I had to fulfill," she says. "I was not sure people would come, but it spread by word of mouth." Recently, she moved to a new home, where she hosts tastings for almost 20 people nearly every evening.

Around two large tables, 20 guests dine out, and every 10 minutes, another unfamiliar dish comes to the table. There were quite a few tastes I experienced for the first time, and the menu refines with each iteration. She named the business Begopa, which means "I’m hungry" in Korean.

Korean Curry and Kimchi. Photo: Matan Hetzroni

Each meal includes about eight dishes, finishing with Korean wine and tea, all for 500 ILS (approximately $140). What’s on the menu (which varies over time)? Fried tofu cubes with spicy sweet Korean sauce, cucumber rolls with spicy Korean tuna, and a dish of rice triangle, avocado, fried chicken with Korean sauce.

After several dishes, Kim takes a moment to pause, and the guests get to hear her fascinating and unique story in the Israeli context. Then it’s back to the food: Tteokbokki, considered the number 1 street food in Korea, chicken hedgehog, soba noodle broth, Korean curry, Korean asado, and more.

Tteokbokki - the number 1 street food in Korea. Photo: Matan Hetzroni

For dessert, a treat called Hotteok is served, a sweet Korean pancake filled with peanuts, black sesame, cinnamon, and brown sugar, alongside traditional Korean tea rich in ginger and cinnamon flavors. Due to the success of the dinners, she also occasionally hosts Korean barbecue nights and evenings for returning guests featuring more diverse dishes from the unique Korean kitchen.

The experience at Kim's includes a compelling personal story and Korean flavors you have likely never tried before. It’s not just another restaurant but a personal, homely experience that immediately makes you want to book a flight to Seoul and embark on a culinary journey there.

Matan Hetzroni is a Content Creator in the realms of lifestyle and luxury Matanhetzroni@

Korean Curry. Photo: Matan Hetzroni