Most of us after the first year of Generation X (1965) have become accustomed to our diet of burgers, fries and pizza.
In other words, we wouldn’t eat some of the stuff our grandparents and great-grandparents ate – things like beef tongue, cow brains or liver and onions. Today, most of us would barely touch chitins (those wonderful pig intestines).
Back in the day when things were tough, resources were limited and opportunities were few, this is the stuff folks ate. They didn’t waste anything from an animal. At least one senior citizen has probably told you about the days when they “ate it all, from the snout to the tail!”
Apparently, things haven’t been too much different in the traditional Korean culture, as far as food variety is concerned. If you want something truly different than the ordinary, give Bando Restaurant a try.
Bando, located on the city’s Eastside, specializes in authentic Korean BBQ tabletop items as well as some Japanese cuisine choices.
Some of the menu options include Hyumit Gui (sliced beef tongue with sesame oil and salt), Oigui (grilled duck with vegetables) and Ojingoo Bulgogi (spicy fried squid with vegetables.)
To be honest, I haven’t tried any of those selections. Like most people who are new to Korean cuisine, I’m more comfortable with familiar choices such as Galbi (beef short ribs in sauce), Dak Gui (boneless chicken in Bando’s special tangy sauce) and Jaeyuuk Gui (thinly sliced pork in sauce.)
Beverage options include Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or iced tea. For dessert, Bando offers its special ice cream, which comes in vanilla or green tea flavors.
Bando has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and offers customers an option for carryout service. Patrons can also enjoy themselves in the restaurant’s private karaoke booth.
Prices for several entrees range from $16.99 to $18.99, although some cost between $8 and $12. You don’t have to worry about feeling awkward if you never had Korean food before; the staff at Bando is very helpful and will patiently answer any questions you have about their selections.
If you want to spice up your dining routine, or surprise a date or business associate with something different, then partake in the fine dining that Korean emperors have enjoyed at Bando.
Bando Restaurant
Location: 8015 Pendleton Pike
Hours: Sun-Thurs,
10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri-Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Phone: (317) 897-8277
