Karn's Food Hall – Part 2
Some of you may remember that about a month ago I tore off the plastic at Kern's Food Hall to try out the first four eateries located within the recently renovated Kern's Bakery site. Since then, I've made it my mission to return to the location every time a new food vendor or two opens up. It didn't take long for that to happen. Two weeks ago, I stopped in for lunch on my own. I tried out Kern's newest openings, Won Kitchen (Korean bowls) and Kandilige Spicy Food (Ghanaian cuisine).
My first stop was Wong Kitchen, where diners can order a fully customized rice bowl for a flat rate of $14. The model is similar to most poke bowl places: you start with the base, with options like white rice, brown rice, and fried rice, as well as salads and japchae noodles. I opted for mostly brown rice, with a few noodles on top just to be sure.
Next up was protein. The options were bulgogi chicken, KFC Bites, and crispy tofu, but I went for the classic bulgogi beef. There were around a dozen vegetable and fruit toppings available to spice up your meal. I went for bean sprouts, edamame, carrots, and pickled cucumber. Finally, sauce. I considered spicy Korean, Korean BBQ, sesame, spicy mayo, and more, but ultimately decided on good old Yum Yum sauce. It's one of my fine food preferences, but I have a weakness for a good yum yum.
The young woman behind the counter kindly explained some toppings that were unfamiliar to me and crafted a very tasty bowl for me. I took my meal to a table in the communal dining area and began to eat. Everything about this bowl was absolutely delicious, from the rice base to the delicious yum yum sauce. The highlight was the juicy and flavorful bulgogi beef.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
It was well worth the effort, but we saved some room for our second lunch spot, Kandirige Spicy Food. First, a quick note about this Ghanaian-inspired cuisine: the meat is prepared halal style and cooked with a Ghanaian spice blend, and all dishes are gluten-free except for the wraps.
Entrees are available in small or large plates, ranging from one chicken breast or thigh for $15, two beef spare ribs, one beef steak or one turkey thigh for $20, and one lamb thigh for $25. Large plates feature many of the same cuts of meat and are priced at $19, $25, $30, and $35, respectively.
There are several other smaller main dishes on offer, including Jollof rice (African rice cooked with Ghanaian spices and vegetables), chicken wrap, egg wrap, white rice, fried rice, beans, rice and beans, Ghanian noodles, etc. There are also side dishes such as Jollof, fried or white rice, Ghanian noodles, fried plantains, and fried or boiled potatoes, as well as five types of soup and stew.
I ordered a chicken thigh and a small plate of jollof rice as a side. To my delight, I was very pleased with what I put in my mouth. The chicken was excellent, tender and juicy with a unique spice flavor that is unlike anything else. You should try it for yourself. The portion of the thigh was small, but the “side” rice took up about 85% of the styrofoam box. In fact, when the waiter handed me the takeaway container, I was surprised at how heavy it was.
I ate some of the thighs and rice, and took the thighs and leftover rice home as leftovers. The rice was a lot, so I continued to eat small portions over the next two days. My Grub Spouse was away at work that day, and was happy to take care of the food I brought home.
Before leaving, we also picked up a chocolate chip cookie and a chocolate glazed cronut from Richie Cream Donuts/Myrtle's Bakehouse to share with my husband later (already reviewed on our first visit).
The next time you visit Kearns Food Hall (or for the first time), be sure to add these two new eateries to your dining options, as we think the choice will only get harder as more new food vendors come online.
Karns Food Hall
Address: 2001 Karns Rising Way
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 7am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 7am-10pm
Alcohol service varies by vendor
Wong Kitchen
Food – 4.25
Service – 3.75
Overall – 4
Kandirige spicy food
Food – 4
Service – 3.75
Overall – 4
The new SoKno food hall will feature a variety of exciting food vendors, retailers and service providers in a fun, casual indoor/outdoor atmosphere.
