Chosun’s Spicy Pork: Heaven on Rice?

Chosun ( or 조선 /”Joseon”, to be most accurate) is a small Korean restaurant located in the heart of the opulent student’s paradise of HUB Mall. Being granted its namesake from the former Kingdom of Korea, which existed between 1392 and 1897 across the Korean peninsula, you can expect a rich gastronomic experience which transcends many generations beyond our own. From this wonderful establishment, I am pleased to review what is possibly one of the best dishes being served on campus: the Spicy Pork Rice Bowl.

The price of the dish is $14.65 ($13.95 + taxes), which has increased from last year to my subtle dismay. While the restaurant does possess a cute tucked-away seating area across two levels, I opted to eat this dish in an environment where I often eat my lunches: the GAPSS room (3-87 in Tory). Under the comforting glow of the string lights and pleasant conversation, I am able to garner a better look at the meal in front of me:

The titular Spicy Pork, or Jeyuk bokkeum (제육볶음),  is stir-fried with peppers and served on a bed of sticky rice with a side of bean sprouts, along with the optional toppings of sesame sauce and a dash of kimchi. I personally recommend getting all the fixings provided for the best experience, and using chop sticks as well. Within the first bite, the rich, tangy and SPICY flavours of the pork begin to melt in my mouth. The pork alone is so mouth-wateringly delicious, however it is the combination of the pork with the other components that truly makes the dish shine. The cool crunch of the watery bean sprouts, paired with the flat savoury taste of the sauce, tames the flavoursplosion of the pork and extra tangy, vinegar-y kimchi. It is almost entertaining to analyze the interplay of these diverse flavours, making the dish a true, enriching experience which triumphs over any chain-based plainness to be found around most of campus. 

The Spicy Pork has truly ascended above any fast-fried cholesterol specials or corporate-coded “health” bowls I have consumed at the U of A. It is safe to say that Chosun has me hooked, captivated even, by their exquisite culinary art. I would recommend this dish to any of my friends, family, colleagues, or strangers on the street. 10/10.

Written by GAPSS Media Committee Member Luka Z.