Jang Review: A Korean-Japanese Fusion Gem In The Heart Of The City

Found in the City of London, Jang had ignited my curiosity far before it had even opened last July – Korean and Japanese fusion food? I couldn’t think of a better combination. Here, Chef Dana Choi (previously of two Michelin-starred The Square and Jinjuu Soho) celebrates the flavours and techniques from cities like Seoul and Kyoto, using the very best of British produce to showcase everything from Korean barbecue to a raw bar featuring nigiri and sashimi. In fact, in a recent article for DesignMyNight, Erin Niimi Longhurst (a British/Japanese author and expert in Japanese culture) even recommended Jang for some of the best sushi in London. With those credentials behind it, I just couldn't wait to taste the result of Choi's culinary creativity over at Jang.

Combining The Royal Exchange's neo-classical architecture with vintage Asian style, Jang is undoubtedly eye-catching.

DesignMyNight Review of Jang London

You’ll find Jang in the City's beating heart: The Royale Exchange. With a long, fascinating history (it was a 16th century trading centre-turned-England’s first shopping mall, which burnt down not once, but twice, before being designed into its third and current state in the 19th century), the Grade I-listed building is now a luxury shopping and dining destination. Here, neo-classical architecture (including limestone walkways and Roman-style pillars) surrounds a central courtyard, with upmarket shops and restaurants lining the four walls – and the entrance to Jang is at one of the far corners, up a red velvet-clad staircase to the first-floor mezzanine.

I highly recommend trying the nigiri, sashimi and courgette flower and tofu jeon.

You have to give it to Jang – it’s quite the sultry spot. It wasn’t just the staircase that was a rich, oxblood red, it extended to the chairs, sofas, pillows, lamps, decorations and even the carpet. Paired with the ornate coves around the balcony seating and the detailed, grand ceilings, this gave off a very vintage, regal effect, with subtle nods to the restaurant's Asian inspiration. My only qualm would be that, sitting at one of the balcony seats, we could hear a bit of a distracting din from the courtyard below – although this was helpfully drowned out a little by the funky, soulful tunes playing through the restaurant's speakers.

Taking inspiration from Longhurst's recommendation, we ordered the Chef’s Sushi & Sashimi Selection (£47 for 12 pieces). We nibbled through a range of buttery soft, beautifully prepared bites, from salmon with miso and Hamachi with truffle mayo to scallop, seabass, sweet prawns and spicy tuna. I was also keen to try their Jang KFC (£13), which came drizzled in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, complemented by coloured ssam mu (essentially pickled radish). Though it had an incredible crunch and rich flavour with each bite, the coating and meat were both a little dry. However, we found the courgette flower & tofu jeon (£14) to be an absolute delight. The outer batter was light and crispy, while the inside was delicate and soft – it was gorgeous dipped into the sweet, salty garlic soy dressing.

Both the lobster kal-guksu and duck breast K-BBQ (both pictured) were upmarket takes on classic, warming dishes.

Next up was the lobster kal-guksu (£39). I recently read the novel Butter (IYKYK), and now I really understand what devilish foodie Kaji was on about with her obsession with butter – this buttery, rich bowl of umami was indulgent and comforting, something I can imagine eating on a cold, winter's day. The sweet, juicy slices of lobster tail rested on the bed of kaf-guksu noodles, bringing an extra edge thanks to a moat of rich chilli butter and a perilla soy vinaigrette. Wanting to try something from their K-BBQ section of the menu, we ordered the duck breast (£38). The succulent, pink carves of duck came sizzling on a live BBQ, which was set down on our table for us so we could take pieces freshly off the grill. Paired with a few sides (rice, kimchi, cucumber salad and broccoli), this was a warming and delicious meal that we ate together family-style.

Overall: What We Thought Of Jang

The setting for Jang is definitely a remarkable one - where else can you dine among such grand, historical architecture in London? I was mesmerised by the impressive neo-classical design mixed with Jang's own unique vintage, Asian style - what a beauty. If you're a little sensitive to noise and distractions like me, I would recommend not seating at one of the balcony seats; sit further within the beautifully designed restaurant instead and immerse yourself in the rich, sultry tones. The food was delicious and unique (make sure to try the courgette flower and tofu jeon, and something from the K-BBQ menu), and I would recommend Jang for anyone who loves Asian fusion food.