I have lost count of the number of people who have told me they were blissfully unaware that St Ives has its very own Korean restaurant – including several long-term locals. Kor.deli is easily one of the town’s best-kept foodie secrets: a tiny, intimate Korean spot with just two seats for eating in, located just off Bridge Street on Merryland.
Having a Korean restaurant, even a very small one is a big deal for a small town. This is usually something reserved for places like Cambridge or London. This is clearly a testament to St Ives ever growing and diverse food scene that is even starting to give places like Ely a run for its money.
Mini Supermarket
Stepping inside, the place has a brilliant vibe. Half the fun is that it doubles up as a Korean mini-mart, with shelves packed full of authentic Korean products, from instant noodles and snacks to traditional sweets, rice, and tubs of kimchi.
I have lost count at the number of people who have told me about how lovely the staff are here, which was mirrored by my experience too. They are chatty and warm from start to finish, making it a place I want to come back to again and again.
The Food
The menu covers all the traditional Korean classics, from Bulgogi, Kimbap, and Bibimbap. They even do a Saturday Specials board featuring Korean fried chicken and Mandu (dumplings) – something I highly recommend trying.
Korean Fried Chicken
The Korean Fried Chicken is my favourite thing on their menu and is easily some of the tastiest fried chicken in the county. They are served as ten crispy chicken balls that have been deep fried and glazed in a sticky, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce that leaves you licking your fingers uncontrollably.
Bulgogi Beef
You can get their Bulgogi served with either beef, pork, or veggie options. I love Korean beef so couldn’t resist and I am so glad I did. It doesn’t look much by eye but the juices from the thinly sliced cuts of incredibly tender beef on top soak right into the rice below resulting in an incredible flavour that really took me by surprise. It is served in a card bowl, this makes it great for eating in or on the go.
A St Ives gem
Please forgive the overused and abused term, but Kor.deli is an absolute “hidden gem”. It might be tiny, but what it lacks in seating capacity it more than makes up for in authentic flavours. The next time you cut through Merryland to go to the river, take a risk and give them a try. If you can’t get a seat, don’t sweat it, just pop down to the river and indulge while watching the world go by.
Thank me later!
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