I read good things about Jin jin Soo Ra, so Jien and I decided to pay them a visit over the weekend – since we were in the area with the kids. It was 6.30pm on a Sunday when we walked in, and the lady owner told us there “wasn’t an available table” despite some empty tables inside.
Given our weather, we decided to go elsewhere (read: inside the mall) for dinner instead when the lady boss told us she would “clear a table” for us. We agreed and soon after, were seated and placed our order.
This was when things went downhill.
Beef Bulgogi Hanpan (RM115)
For 2 adults and 3 kids, I ordered a beef bulgogi hanpan (for 2-3 pax), a pork kimchi jjigae with rice (RM36), extra rice (RM5) and a bottle of soju (RM33). The ahjussi owner remarked, “Is that all you’re ordering?”, before telling the lady boss whom I presume is his wife rather loudly in Korean – they’re only ordering this.
Mind you, I’ve watched enough K-drama to understand what he said, and personally, I feel what I ordered was enough or rather, slightly more for our party of 5. The banchan arrived in soy sauce dish sizes, and I was told customers are only allowed one refill.
Only one refill allowed per table
I don’t expect a banchan buffet or endless refills, but the scarcity was glaring. Especially for a culture where banchan is given and replenished. To be fair, the banchan was decent. Nothing mind-blowing or unique, but decent enough to go with our food.
The beef bulgogi was alright – it came with some melted cheese, egg, sliced garlic and chillies. I have to highlight how “rough” the presentation is because you get a large chunk of garlic rather than slices, so it’s quite harsh on the palate.
Portion for 2-3 pax
Lettuce wrap is provided scarcely and when requested, the staff would refill it reluctantly. We refilled it once since the initial portion was so scant – again, not what I’m accustomed to when going to Korean restaurants.
Kimchi Jjigae (RM36 – pork), extra rice (RM5)
Kimchi jjigae is tasty – Jien likes how rich the broth is, and the tanginess of the kimchi is balanced between broth, tofu and pork. Our little ones enjoyed this as well (they can tolerate spicy food).
Soju (RM33)
Because they were so cold in demeanour, I wasn’t interested in opening another bottle of soju because it was a mood killer. We paid the bill (RM223.40) which includes 10% service charge that they don’t deserve and left. As we exited, there was no warmth, no thank you, no goodbye.
They’re better off hiring foreign workers if they’re going to be this uptight with their service. Overall, I don’t think I’ll come back. Especially when there are plenty of Korean restaurant options in Sri Hartamas, Mont Kiara and Solaris. This is just not worth the visit.
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Ambiance: 6/10
Price: 6/10
Food: 5.5/10
Verdict: Average food, small portions and shitty service.
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Jin Jin Soo Ra
Block C-G-02,
Plaza Mont Kiara,
No2, Jalan Kiara,
50480 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-6206 3115
Business hours: 11am – 10 pm
(Closed Monday)